Christoff.ai

Hawksmoor

restaurants•
London
London

Hawksmoor

16A Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5BQ, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Nestled in the historic Guildhall building near Bank station, Hawksmoor has carved out its reputation as London's premier sustainable steakhouse. With 35-day dry-aged British grass-fed steaks and a Google rating of 4.6 from over 3,000 reviews, this polished brasserie commands attention in the City's dining scene.

Hawksmoor Guildhall: Where City Suits Meet Serious Steaks

A sophisticated insider's take on London's premier sustainable steakhouse

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The art-deco dining room strikes an impressive balance between corporate sophistication and intimate dining. Dark wood and leather banquettes create an elegant backdrop that accommodates both business lunches and romantic dinners, though the space leans heavily into its business district location. With an energy level of 7.5/10 and sophistication rating of 8.5/10, the venue buzzes with City professionals during lunch service, creating what can only be described as a lively, sometimes challenging environment for intimate conversation. The tables are packed rather tightly, and the business crowd noise levels can make quiet conversation difficult. Sunday brings a more leisurely pace with their roast service, offering a notably different atmosphere from the weekday corporate rush. The 24-seat private dining room provides an escape from the main dining room's bustling energy when needed.

Food & Drink

Hawksmoor's claim to fame - those 35-day dry-aged British grass-fed steaks - genuinely delivers on its reputation. The menu showcases signature cuts including bone-in prime rib, chateaubriand for two, sirloin, and rib-eye, with premium steaks ranging from £27-57. Beyond beef, they've committed to sustainable Brixham seafood including scallops, lobster, and hake, sourced with full traceability. The supporting cast includes beef-dripping chips and mac & cheese, while the legendary sticky toffee sundae has earned particular praise in reviews as 'amazing sticky toffee pudding.' Their award-winning cocktails complement an extensive wine list, with knowledgeable staff offering expert pairings. The kitchen also accommodates the business lunch crowd with express menus, though the focus remains firmly on quality over speed.

Service & Experience

The staff demonstrates genuine expertise, particularly in wine pairings and menu guidance, reflecting the venue's fine dining aspirations. With a conversation-friendly score of 6.0/10, service strikes a professional tone that matches the corporate clientele. Walk-ins are welcomed at the bar, showing flexibility despite the structured nature of the operation. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and staff appear well-versed in accommodating both intimate dinners and corporate events. However, the pace and style clearly cater to the business district rhythm rather than leisurely dining.

Value for Money

Here's where Hawksmoor shows its range. Express lunch menus at £19-26 offer genuine value, providing premium quality at accessible price points - a smart move for the business district location. Pre-theatre options extend this value proposition beyond lunch hours. However, premium steaks command serious money at £27-57, firmly placing this in splurge-worthy territory. With a price level of 3/4, you're paying for quality sourcing, expert preparation, and the Guildhall location. The express lunch represents exceptional value for the quality delivered, while dinner service requires a corporate expense account or special occasion budget.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Lunch service (Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm) buzzes with business energy but offers the best value through express menus. Sunday (12pm-9pm) provides a more relaxed atmosphere with their roast service. Avoid peak lunch hours if you're seeking intimate conversation, as the business crowd dominates. Saturday evening service (5pm-10pm) likely offers the most romantic setting.

What to Focus On

The express lunch menus at £19-26 deliver premium quality at accessible prices. For the full experience, the 35-day dry-aged steaks justify their reputation, particularly the signature bone-in prime rib. The legendary sticky toffee sundae appears to be non-negotiable based on review mentions. Sustainable Brixham seafood provides an excellent alternative to beef.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Queue the express lunch at 12pm sharp - the Big Matt burger and sticky toffee sundae combo offers maximum value per pound spentWalk-ins can grab bar seats even when the dining room is fully bookedThe 24-seat private dining room exists for corporate events when you need to escape the main room's energy

The Final Verdict

Hawksmoor Guildhall succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do - serve exceptional steaks in a sophisticated City setting. The 35-day dry-aged British beef lives up to its reputation, while sustainable sourcing adds modern credibility. The express lunch menus offer genuine value in an otherwise premium-priced operation. However, the packed tables and business crowd noise can challenge intimate dining, and you'll need deep pockets for the full dinner experience. The art-deco setting and professional service create an undeniably polished experience, though it's firmly geared toward corporate entertaining rather than romantic escapes.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

Business lunch power meetingsCorporate entertainment with serious budgetsSpecial occasion dining when you want guaranteed quality

Quick Details

1

Hawksmoor

🥩 Sustainable steakhouse
⭐️ Art deco elegance
🥗 Express lunch value
💼 Business networking hub
♿ Premium accessible

Hawksmoor Guildhall represents the apex of sustainable steakhouse dining, where 35-day dry-aged British beef meets art-deco elegance in the heart of the financial district. The dark wood and leather banquettes create an atmosphere of established prosperity, while the commitment to traceable, sustainable sourcing appeals to modern corporate values. Their express lunch menus at £19-26 deliver premium quality at surprisingly accessible prices, making Michelin-level dining possible for regular business entertaining. The legendary sticky toffee sundae provides the perfect conversation closer, sweet enough to seal deals and memorable enough to ensure return invitations. Business crowds dominate lunch service, creating a networking environment where chance encounters often prove as valuable as planned meetings. The 24-seat private dining room handles larger corporate events, while walk-in bar seating accommodates spontaneous meetings. Award-winning cocktails complement the extensive wine list, with knowledgeable staff offering expert pairings that demonstrate attention to detail.

What's Great

✓ 35-day dry-aged British beef with full sustainability traceability

✓ Express lunch menus offer £19-26 premium quality at accessible prices

Keep in Mind

× Tightly packed tables during business rush create challenging noise levels for private conversations

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Queue the express lunch quest at 12pm sharp - Big Matt burger + sticky toffee sundae combo unlocks max XP per £!

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm\nSat: 5pm-10pm\nSun: 12pm-9pm"
📍16A Basinghall Street, London, EC2V 5BQ, United Kingdom
💷££££
📞+44 20 7397 8120
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Hawksmoor has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

Best Business Lunch London 2025: 11 Power Spots Locals Use reference image

Best Business Lunch London 2025: 11 Power Spots Locals Use

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Aug 17, 2025
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