MINUTES from the bustle of St Andrew Square and Princes Street, Hawksmoor Edinburgh offers intimate yet casual dining, focusing on quality steaks and fresh seafood.
Tucked down an alleyway in the beautiful former National Bank of Scotland‘s Banking Hall – a Grade A-listed building “of national importance”– it retains all its stunning Art Deco features.
Hawksmoor Edinburgh is situated in the stunning former National Banking Hall[/caption]
The warm and earthy beetroot dish was a perfect starter[/caption]
A sour cherry negroni to kick off the celebrations[/caption]
The dining room is a feast for the eyes, with dark wood panelling, parque flooring and stained glass that nods to the venue’s banking heritage.
Celebrating my partner’s new job in the capital, we decided to make Monday a fun day and opted for the very special express lunch menu currently on offer.
Greeted warmly by the welcoming staff as we stepped in from the cold and wet streets of Edinburgh, our coats were whisked away to dry off, and we were seated in a cosy booth with a view of the chefs hard at work in the kitchen.
Handed a leather-bound drinks menu to peruse, we couldn’t help but notice the lively buzz of Hawksmoor’s popular BYOB Monday Club.
This unique offering invites diners to dust off a special bottle from their wine collection (or pick up something cheap and cheerful from the local off-licence), with corkage set at just £5 (usually £25) throughout the day.
For those who prefer to stay in-house, Hawksmoor offers an incredible range of drinks, from beers and wines to expertly crafted cocktails, as well as an indulgent selection of non-alcoholic options.
For me, it was a Sour Cherry Negroni – mixed to perfection.
Unlike some overly potent versions, this one was balanced and smooth, avoiding the “rocket fuel” effect that can come from a heavy-handed cocktail shaker.
The negroni is part of Hawksmoor’s “Sacred Six” – a selection of timeless signature cocktails that are a staple on the menu.
Though these classics remain constant, the rest of the drinks menu evolves regularly, making it well worth checking out each time you visit.
We decided to let our friendly waiter curate a selection of dishes from the menu, giving us the chance to explore a variety of options.
Besides, I love sharing dishes across the table – it’s a wonderful way to sample more flavours and concoctions.
First up was the Beetroot Salad, a beautifully earthy dish paired with fresh ricotta, ash-baked beetroot, pickled fennel, and a kick of horseradish.
The roasted beets complemented the smooth creaminess of the ricotta perfectly, while the horseradish added just the right amount of heat.
The perfectly cooked steak was served with Cafe de Paris butter and beef dripping fries[/caption]
I’m a big fan of fennel, and this dish tasted like a promise of spring on the horizon.
Next, we tried the Potted Beef and Bacon, served in a chilled mason jar.
It was rich and flavoursome – like digging into the leftovers of a particularly indulgent dinner party.
Accompanying it were two absolutely massive Yorkshire puddings and a warm, savoury onion gravy.
It felt like a delightful twist on the classic pâté on toast – deconstructed but utterly satisfying.
For the main course, I opted for what Hawksmoor is best known for: a perfectly cooked steak.
We chose medium rare, and it arrived smothered in a delicious French butter, accompanied by crisp and golden beef dripping fries.
The quality of the meat was undeniable, and the cooking was spot on.
My partner, meanwhile, went for the wild card – the Charcoal Roasted Butternut Squash.
The butternut squash main had depth of flavour[/caption]
This vegetarian dish featured shiitake and oyster mushrooms, Drumturk’s goat’s curd, and a depth of flavour that rivalled any meat dish.
As a committed meat eater spoilt for choice, he confessed that this was one of the most satisfying veggie dishes he’d had in years.
The butternut squash was roasted to perfection – hearty, warming, and utterly delicious.
It is worth noting both our mains are also on the new lunch special menu too – as well as the iconic Big Matt Burger (£16), Charcoal chicken Ana Mari (£23) and Roast hake (£23) – available 12:00pm – 3:00pm Thursday – Friday, and 12:00pm – 5:00pm on Saturday.
Despite feeling thoroughly satisfied, we managed to save just enough room to share a dessert – it was a Monday, after all.
From the tempting options of Sticky Toffee Sundae, Peanut Butter Shortbread, and Coconut and Passionfruit Pavlova, we chose the latter.
The passionfruit sauce cut through the light and fluffy meringue beautifully, delivering a taste of summer in every bite. One bowl, two spoons, and our meal was complete.
Hawksmoor’s express specials are available every day until 6.00pm (except Sundays), offering two or three courses for £26 or £29 per person. Making it a perfect pre-theatre option.
Available for both bookings and walk-ins, though advanced booking is highly recommended.
To find out more and book online, visit here
