With it fancy interiors, opulent clientele and 'dress to impress' dress code, STK certainly sits high up on the swankier end of London dining options. It brings together a strong mix of indulgence and glamour, delivering on its promise of being an 'ultra-luxurious', modern steakhouse. Never the sort to shy away from indulgence (and the chance to chuck on some stilettos and red lippy for the evening), we went down to sample their new summer menu on a busy Thursday night, and the lavish dishes and top-notch American fare did not disappoint.
Venue
Entering the restaurant through the five-star ME London hotel and being directed through an understated dark wood door, we emerged into STK's glamorous and sparkling interiors. Huge glittering drapes hang from the ceiling and blossom trees adorned with fairy lights are scattered between the tables. Think big, plush leather booths, mood lighting and a buzzing, energetic atmosphere. The huge, central bar area will be the first thing to draw your eye, surrounded by after-work punters and the evening glamourazzi as they arrive for the night. Behind the bar the smartly dressed bar staff are mixing up STK's gorgeous, if a little pricey, cocktail concoctions and classics. The rest of the room opens up into STK's large, elevated dining area. The waiting staff are on the ball and very attentive, looking after their customers throughout the busy evening.
The sleek, glittering interiors of the large raised dining area at STK London, found on The Strand near Covent Garden.
Food & Drink
The food, well, like the rest of the venue it is decadent indulgence all the way - from the Lobster mac and cheese (£14) and Parmesan truffle chips (£6) to their somewhat infamous 'Fairground' spectacular of a desert - which whilst we couldn't quite manage ourselves after the first two courses, we did see carried out - fluffy tufts of candy-floss and milk-bottle milkshakes and all, presented on a giant ferris wheel.
To start we had the Soft shell crab sliders (£13) which were delicious, if quite a mouthful! The wasabi remoulade and pickled ginger went fabulously with the crab, which was very good and was cooked in such a way to make the shell so light and crispy that you could eat the whole thing. The meat version of these, Lil’ BRGS (£11), were also great, using STK's Wagyu beef characteristic of much of their menu.
My friend then ordered the Saddle of rabbit with confit leg (£21). The rabbit was excellently cooked with pancetta and pistachio, providing a great combination of flavours that worked very well together. I went for the Seafood bouillabaisse (£21) which was a little disappointing. The shellfish was dry and it was not your usual almost stew-like bouillabaisse, a shame because the sauce that was there at the bottom was very good. However, perhaps STK are better sticking to their meaty, American dishes than French seafood.
While we may have passed on the Fairground we did not pass on dessert all together, and so opted for the STK Snickers (£8) and Banoffee Pie (£7). The STK Snickers, their version of a deconstructed Snickers bar, was matched in its rich taste by its ornate decoration and glittering gold ganache. A good way to finish the meal - in keeping with the glamorous, American-style theme running throughout the venue and its menu.
The Seafood Bouillabaisse is one of the many lighter, more summery dishes on their seasonal menu.
Atmosphere
STK has an energetic, high profile vibe running throughout, and yet still managed to be fun. The venue has a resident DJ Tuesday to Saturday who sets the scene for the lively, party atmosphere. The low, club-like lighting, smart dress code and busy cocktail bar all add to this as well.
The crowd are all here to have a good time, and energy levels are high and buzzing. It suits well those here on dates, large groups of after-work corporate parties, and the large gaggles of young Londoners out to have a fancy night with friends - celebrating anything from birthdays to engagements to anniversaries.
There is a glamorous, energetic vibe running throughout the venue, making it a great night out with friends, work colleagues or partners.
Summary
STK really is a fun night out. Don't go there on a diet and do be prepared to splash the cash. It's worth it though, and if you want to impress your date this would certainly be a good choice.
