Where better to have a steakhouse than in London’s ancient Smithfield market? The huge industrial space, with casual dining at entry level becomes grander as you move up the building. Stop on the ground floor for all-day breakfasts, burgers, salads, pies, sandwiches and drinks at the bar, or make your way right to the top where the Square Mile acts as a panoramic backdrop for proper British cooking. Expect anything from pan-fried foie gras, kumquats, wood blewits, liquorice and ginger bread to “incredible” rare-breed steaks – all based on top-quality produce. If you want something slightly less grand, the mid-level ‘dining room’ is the place – think open-plan surrounds and a brasserie menu ranging from grills to dessert cocktails. “Fabulous” wines and pitch-perfect service receive a thumbs-up throughout the building.
Image credit: third image on carousel: Tom Griffiths