The Steakist is in Arundel, West Sussex, an historic market town nestled in the South Downs in West Sussex. Located in the middle of the town’s high street, its exposed brick interior creates a relaxed vibe that is saved from straying into casual style by the selection of deep brown leather chairs and wooden dining tables. This helps to create a bistro feel, supported by a slick grey and white painted exterior. Bisecting the dining room is a large green tiled bar, acting as a framing point and somewhere perfect to enjoy a pre-meal drink.
Food is served from brunch until dinner. Each steak is individually prepared and seasoned before being cooked on a super-hot robata grill, a process that seals in the meat’s natural flavour and succulence. Starters and mains from the evening menu cover expected ground. Options for the former include prawn cocktail, pan-fried scallops with chilli butter and samphire, halloumi fries, and pulled short rib and beef brisket.
It’s then to move onto the steaks. These are all served with either beef dripping chips or fries, tomatoes, and a choice of sauce, such as trio of peppercorn, red wine jus, and house cafe de Paris. There’s a diverse selection of cuts on offer, including a 7oz sliced sirloin, a 12oz rib-eye, an 8oz fillet, and a 20 T-bone. The Butchers Block Sharer is the perfect way to try the full range of steaks on offer at once. This serves two and includes a 12oz rump, 8oz rib-eye, 7oz sirloin, and comes with the usual accompaniments. Non-steak options are also available, such as honey and garlic chicken skewers and whole roasted harissa cauliflower.
On Wednesdays The Steakist has a Big Steak Night menu. This is either the Butchers Block or a tomahawk or chateaubriand to share at a reduced price from the main menu. On Sundays a roast is served, with meat options including rump of beef, chicken breast, and pork loin.