English Asparagus
South Place Chop House

South Place Chop House

South Place Hotel 3 South Place London, EC2M 2AF, EC2M 2EF, United Kingdom

Steak • British • T-bone Steak • Casual Elegant


"Fawlty-towers-esque is the only way to describe our experience!! We were there for a business dinner, there were 8 of us. We arrived shortly after 6pm, sat down, and ordered some wine and food from the set menu (they mandated that everybody order from the set menu, or nobody could order from the set menu). After a short while, the person tending to our table began to approach the guests, one by one, in the most unusual fashion. His tactic was to lean in between the guests putting his forearm on the table. This was mildly comical. Each time he was informing the guest that their first choice for starter/main was not available. In some cases he told the guests what he would be replacing the dish with, and in some cases he asked for their opinion. This happened repeatedly over the course of 30-45 minutes. Almost an hour and a half later, still no food. We complained and waited a little longer, until it became obvious that no food would be arriving. We spoke to the manager one final time and he informed us that they the situation was due to an unfortunate event. Somewhat sympathetically I asked what the unfortunate event was, maybe the chef had been taken ill, or had a family emergency. Nope, the reason the manager gave was that they had a busy lunch service!!! At that point the manager offered us the opportunity to leave the restaurant, and gave us the wine we had drank for free (hence the high score for value). So off we went to Haz on Bishopsgate where they accommodated us, fed us, and we had a great time."

The Anthologist

The Anthologist

58 Gresham Street London, EC2V 7BB, United Kingdom

Beer • Steak • British • Burgers


"I have often visited Anthologist with clients and team events (Christmas parties_ and always enjoyed your service and bar facilities. However, I would like to address what I believe to be a one-off event from last night, and I am sure it won’t happen again as I think you have higher standards than this. After spending hours last night as a customer until close, we wanted to use the toilet facilities as one of your last customers. You (the supervisor) informed us it was closed. As a customer, I asked why when we were still around. You said it takes a while to do and wanted a head start. During this conversation, your staff member shouted, “What’s wrong with you guys? Are you crazy? Just leave!” Something along these lines. Apologies if it doesn’t match word to word. As someone who has not only been a customer with you for years, brought clients to your venue, had Christmas parties with you, worked in Retail customer service, and, most importantly, brought business all night by spending with my friends in your bar, this is unacceptable customer service. I am sure that specific individual may have had a bay day, a difficult customer, or something else that triggered this. I understand this happens. I speak from experience. However, there is a way to communicate and handle things despite not being in the best state of mind. This behaviour does not reflect the team because you have fantastic staff members. Please provide feedback to your colleague and provide coaching on customer service. I’m sure you will not let this happen again as I believe such is your standard."

Silk & Grain

Silk & Grain

33 Cornhill City London, EC3V 3ND, EC3V 3NF, United Kingdom

Beer • Wine • Steak • British


"Located in the heart of the city near the Royal Exchange is Silk and Grain. Split over two tiers with a ground floor bar and a first floor restaurant you can drink, dine or both! Silk and Grain specialises in top quality 35 day aged Scottish steak which is supplied by East Lothian independent family run business, J. Gilmour Co Ltd. Mix the steak with an innovative cocktail menu and you have a winning combination. We loved the Panky Club Cocktail: Barrel-aged gin-based Hanky-Panky with raspberry, lemon, egg white. The staple of Silk and Grain are its cuts of Tweed Valley Steaks. However, there are a selection of other dishes on the menu ranging from Duck Confit and Rack of Lamb to Sea Trout and Smoked Haddock. We started with the Potato Gnocchi: Parmesan, girolles, truffle oil. This was one of the best gnocchi dishes I have tasted! The parmesan and truffle oil worked well and it was not as heavy as I envisaged. There are a number of steaks to choose from on the menu including Rump, Sirloin, Cote De Boeuf, Rib Eye and Fillet, as well as sharing steaks. All prices include the choice of any side (including sweet potato fries and truffle mac and cheese) and any sauce (including bearnaise and peppercorn). This makes a refreshing change from other competitor steak restaurants where you pay for the sides and sauces separately. The Fillet Steak was a fantastic cut of meat, cooked medium, with sweet potato fries – as you would expect, not fatty and all and naturally flavoursome. The Silk Grain Burger: Brioche, pulled brisket, lettuce, Swiss cheese, smoked chilli mayo, fries was also impressive. We were asked how we wanted the burger cooked which is always a good sign – it was exceptionally meaty and we added bacon for extra flavour. A fantastic steak and cocktail menu at Silk Grain restaurant in the City with reasonable prices and a good level of service. Tip: Go for the Express Menu at lunchtime. Soup and sourdough plus 200g Sirloin Steak fries and peppercorn sauce for just £25 per person."