The mighty Hawksmoor opened their Spitalfields bar a few weeks ago, beneath the original restaurant on Commercial Street. It’s a seriously grown up rock and roll style diner, with moody blue interiors and immaculate food and drink to match.
The mains, which all came “in bread” for the perfect late night snack, included cheese burgers (£8.50), a to-die- for chilli cheese dog (£10), a wonderfully garlicky lobster roll (£20) and a shortrib French dip (£10), which was braised ribs, pulled off the bone and served in a roll with cheese. And it didn’t stop there. This sandwich (from heaven?) came with a side of gravy for dunking – it doesn’t get better than this! Sides included triple cooked chips (£4) and a hot and creamy jalapeno slaw (£4).
The sheer decadence followed through to dessert and a pudding that comprised of a peanut butter shortbread with salted caramel ice cream (£7) and a chocolate ice cream Sunday (£6.50) that was so amazing I couldn’t quite believe my luck.
The drinks menu, like the food, was short and seriously sweet. Ten drinks split into two sections. Five old classical favourites and five that change on a monthly basis. All of which are worth trying.
The Hawksmoor Spitalfields Bar, 157 Commercial Street, London E1 6BJ.
Tel. 020 7426 4856
spitalfieldsbar@thehawksmoor.com