Housed in an eco-friendly floating pavilion, Hawksmoor Wood Wharf is located close to Canary Wharf’s thriving culinary epicentre. Boasting its own terrace and bar, The Lowback, the restaurant serves up Hawksmoor’s signature grass-fed, dry-aged ethically reared beef, as well as seafood and some dishes from the New York menu. For a more intimate dining experience, there is the Queenie Watts room, which seats up to 20. This private room is named after a singer, songwriter, actor and all-around local legend.
In our books, there’s no better way to start a meal than with a house cocktail. At Wood Wharf, these include the Hawksmoor Calling (think suped-up Tom Collins) or Tom & Jerez, made with Porter’s Tropical Old Tom Gin, lemon, almond and pear. Alternatively, peruse the extensive Champagne and fizz selection.
Arrive hungry, because the sharing menu here pulls out all the stops. Start the proceedings with oysters, either natural, roasted with bone marrow or served with a fiery Scotch bonnet mignonette. From there, you can then enjoy a selection of delicious starters, including lighter options like smoked mackerel salad or fillet carpaccio, as well as more decadent entrees including roasted scallops or Old Spot belly ribs.
Steaks are, of course, the main event here. Expect rump at the more affordable end, all the way up to porterhouse at the top. Each comes in a cast-iron skillet with a selection of sides and sauces. Meat-free alternatives include the likes of grilled monkfish or ricotta dumplings with peas, broad beans, asparagus and wild garlic sauce. Finally, finish with a choice of sumptuous desserts such as sticky toffee pudding, rhubarb pavlova, or a selection of Neal’s Yard cheeses.
The wine selection covers all the bases, with plenty of great options in all departments, including ports and sherries (a perfect ending to your private meal at Wood Wharf).