No fuss steakhouse, Flat Iron, recently launched its sixth London outlet with minimal fanfare but plenty of fans queuing up nonetheless. I was one of them.
A short walk from King’s Cross Station, the latest in the Flat Iron portfolio maintains the restaurant group’s concept of offering specialist cuts of rare and native breed beef at reasonable prices with a small assortment of sides, a to-the-point wine list, and freshly made rolled ice cream for dessert. Genius? Pretty much.
As you do, I went with the restaurant’s namesake cut for my supper (£11 with salad). Also known as butler’s steak and oyster blade, the flat iron is shoulder – tougher than other cuts but also more flavourful. Indeed it was delicious. A small pot of fresh horseradish cream (£1) and a side of Wagyu dripping fries (£4.50) enhanced the experience, but that steak (especially at that price) was a splendid meal in and of itself.
Room ice cream? Of course! “Stir fried” on ice pans, an order of ice cream means not only a yummy treat but an opportunity to admire a bit of food theatrics as well (£4.50 with Chantilly cream and DIY sundae toppings including cherry syrup and dark chocolate shavings).
Service was informative, friendly and swift during my visit – and steered me right on which wine I’d enjoy most with my meal (a “black cherry” Negroamaro as it turned out).
Keep in mind that Flat Iron doesn’t take reservations (except at their Goldborne Road restaurant). It’s worth the wait though or paying a visit earlier or later than you might normally like to dine.
Flat Iron is located at 47–51 Caledonian Road, N1 9BU, with outlets in Soho, Covent Garden, Shoreditch and Notting Hill as well. Find out more at flatironsteak.co.uk.
