Hawksmoor, AKA the world’s finest steakhouse, is turning 20 this year. Following the launch of the first Hawksmoor restaurant in London’s Spitalfields in 2006, there are now 14 in the gang with Manchester opening in 2015 to a fanfare which has barely dimmed.
Hawksmoors are typically based in really lovely buildings, and Manchester is no different. The elegant atmosphere of the converted Victorian courthouse is perfect for everything from a drink with mates to your actual wedding. Every morsel you eat is marvellously sourced. Every drink is a font of joy.
Several years ago, I was lucky enough to spend a day in the kitchen with the team, cooking and serving the steak. To say that it is run with care – and, by that, I mean both sourcing and delivery – is an understatement. However, to maintain this standard for two decades has got to be unmatched.
To celebrate Hawksmoor’s national birthday, diners can explore a menu inspired by their opening dishes from 2006, peppered with favourites which have landed since. It’s called the 20th Anniversary Menu, costs £75 pp and includes three starters, one main (ribeye, obviously) and three desserts.
Three courses, all done
Conveniently, I was dining with my partner and my son so we ordered everything. Starters include seriously sticky, melting, slightly sweet and spicy Old Spot Belly Ribs with a minty slaw. I love these. There’s a throwback classic, Charcoal-Roasted Scallops, plus my new favourite dish: Potted Beef and Bacon with Yorkshire Puddings. This is more like a beef pate, with melba toast created from giant, puffy Yorkshires plus gravy. I know that this sounds not very fine dining, however its incredibly balanced and moreish.
The main event is a dry-aged Longhorn Ribeye (the breed served originally at the first Hawksmoor), grilled over charcoal, served with classic sauces and sides including bone marrow gravy, anchovy hollandaise, and beef-dripping chips.
Served medium, ideally, to allow the fat to get suitably melty and flavoursome, we devour the lot before diving into their treacly Sticky Toffee Pudding, a large slice of rich, praline-themed Birthday cake inspired by the flavours and gold-trim of Ferraro Rocher, and a clutch of Salted Caramel Rolos.
We drank Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew, and a specially created 20th Anniversary Martini, plus my favourite – Sour Cherry Negroni and three reds by the glass.
Wines well chosen
I love the Hawksmoor wine list. It’s fashionable (think occasional natural hits, new inspirations) and classic. I like to think of it as a barometer of ‘taste’ (both flavour and trend) and the best in wine right now. Glasses of Malbec (Ultra Kaiken – £18), Cabernet Sauvignon (‘H’ Hartenberg x Hawksmoor – £18) Ribera Del Douro (Hawksmoor x Telmo Rodriguez, £17) offered a perfect voyage.
Obviously, Hawksmoor has its iconic main menu too (including my favourite – melting beef nuggets with Oglesfield cheese and kimchi ketchup). However, this new menu is a welcome addition. Yes, it’s £75, but when you consider that your typically meal here is coming in at £100 per head, its par for the course. Find out more here
- Words:
- Ruth Allan
- Published on:
- Wed 24 Jun 2026
