Seven Dials is my favourite Central London location for Hawksmoor, but could the Air Street branch located in the heart of the City take the mantle? Was it any good? Time to find out…
Ideal for:
Casual dinner with mates
After work drinks
Steak lovers
Ambience & Décor
Given its beautiful setting in a prime location, this branch has a little bit of a ‘wow’ factor that is missing from their other branches. The cavernous, duplex restaurant has plenty of windows for natural light, stunning period features and classy wood & leather fittings. Great setting for dates or a group gathering. All Hawksmoor branches have a buzz, and the Air Street branch is no exception. Upon entering, decided to whet the whistle with the beautiful Tokaji Smash (left) (fresh pineapple, fresh lemon, fresh lemon juice, apricot brandy, sugar syrup, Tokaji dessert wine).
Service
Service has always been good at Hawksmoor but the Air Street branch was not as welcoming. It felt cold and too business like. They were trying to push us along our meal. A rare slight.
Food
The group decided to order the Chateaubriand (left) (medium rare) to share. I was disappointed with the meat provided. Whilst it was really well seasoned, the meat was not evenly cooked and some complained some pieces were cold. This is a cardinal sin for a steak place. The béarnaise and peppercorn sauces were well used to wash this down.
The sides of Triple cooked chips and Macaroni Cheese are always a winning combination with steak. Crispy exterior and fluffy interior, the chips were the star. The Macaroni Cheese was beautifully creamy and a delicious crumbled top. The Creamed Spinach was a good but needed to be a bit thicker personally.
Hawksmoor Air Street was bang average. The beautiful venue masks the impassionate service and underwhelming steak. Whilst the drink was delicious and the sides were a redeemer, it does not detract from my worst Hawksmoor experience. C- Rating.
Photos of Hawksmoor Air Street and more can be found on Instagram here.
Final grade: C-
Final comment: For a great Hawksmoor experience, go to another branch
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