STK: London’s best steakhouse for the lady with high standards
We’ve got some great news for you: searching for the perfect dinner in the city doesn’t need to be a challenge anymore.
Earlier this month, the team at Your Coffee Break chose to break free from the stigma attached to women only ordering a light salad, and ventured to STK – the New York restaurant, owned by The ONE Group and renowned for its hand-cut slabs of Prime Grade USDA beef. With a sleek approach to its Manhattan meatpacking original, STK London has been branded as “not your daddy’s steakhouse.”
Situated just off the Strand next to London’s contemporary ME Hotel, in the heart of the action and close to the city’s main theatres, exclusive boutiques, fashionable hot spots and trendy night clubs, STK is a modern and cutting-edge destination of choice. Upon arrival, the enthusiastic hotel staff ushered us through the ME London reception, which was beautiful decorated with marble flooring, mahogany panelling and iconic sofas. As we entered the restaurant itself, the intricate décor was immediately striking; intimate, sensually coloured lighting, exposed white brick juxtaposed with geometric panelling, padded cream leather booths, and a huge chandelier featuring as the room’s centrepiece. The only artefact which suggested we had in fact just entered a steakhouse, as opposed to a luxurious dining hall hosted by Vivienne Westwood herself, was an oversized set of Americanised white bull horns hanging on the wall.
STK differentiates itself from rival steakhouses through the focus upon a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. This is implemented by a DJ playing, with the lights growing steadily dimmer and the music gradually cranking up. Despite it being a Tuesday night, with the restaurant full of professionals in business suits with the promise of a hectic office day in the morning, the ambience was light-hearted and enjoyable; an attitude which was heavily conveyed through the dedicated waiting staff. We were advised to return on a weekend, when the music gets louder and the customers’ shoes come off, only to dance right there on the tables; not the ideal location for an intimate tête-à-tête.
The menu boasted an extensive range of mouth-watering dishes. Alongside the classic steak choices, featuring small, medium and large cuts of sirloin, fillet, rib-eye or – if you’re feeling particularly ravenous – cowboy meat, there were also signature dishes, including Parmesan Truffle fries, Lil’ BGR’s, Tuna Tartare, and Jumbo Lump Crab Salad. As we deliberated upon our selections, a delicious brioche smothered in an irresistible blue-cheese butter dipping sauce arrived for us to share.
We started with a glass of Moet Blanc, and while I sampled the Prawn Rice Krispies, complemented with coriander and a crackling shellfish bisque, my Editor Charlotte decided upon the Seared Beef Carpaccio, served with pickled radish, watercress and parmesan. Both were delicious and allowed plenty of room for the main course which, undoubtedly, had to be steak. We both selected the Medium Sirloin Steaks, supplemented with red wine sauce, side salad and Parmesan Truffle Fries large enough to share between us. The steak’s exterior was perfectly chargrilled, yet exposed the tender pinkness once seared; everything a medium-rare steak should be. Our mains were enhanced with a glass of Delicato Family Vineyard, Merlot, which tantalised our taste-buds and reinforced the rich juicy flavour of the meat.
We found ourselves to be defeated after our mound of succulent steak, however the waiter personally recommended the Fairground Attraction; a fusion of marshmallows, candyfloss, mini ice-cream, toffee apples, yoghurt popcorn to satisfy those with a hefty sweet-tooth.
For a dining experience that steals away from traditional expectations – blending the energy of New York and the sophistication of the British – STK London is the ideal culinary choice.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the website here or call +44 (0) 20 7395 3450
