Hawksmoor, the renowned London steakhouse founded by childhood friends Will Beckett and Huw Gott, has unveiled its latest venture in King's Cross, marking a significant departure from its traditionally masculine and dimly lit aesthetic. The new Hawksmoor: London St Pancras, which opened on Wednesday 4 February 2026, embraces a more opulent and refined atmosphere, setting a new standard for luxury dining in the capital.
A Historic Setting for a Modern Steakhouse
Occupying part of a Grade I listed Gothic Revival building designed by the esteemed architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, the restaurant and its conjoining Martini Bar are housed in a space that once formed part of the Midland Grand Hotel. This historic railway station stopover, now the recently refurbished St Pancras Hotel, provides a stunning backdrop with triple-height ceilings, ornate latticework, and original shimmering chandeliers dating back to the 1880s.
After serving as municipal offices from 1935 onwards, the building has been thoughtfully restored, with fresh gold trim and deep ocean blue paint enhancing its Victorian grandeur. This transformation creates an airy and bright environment, a stark contrast to the brand's earlier locations, which often evoked the mood of a 1920s gangster haunt.
Expanding the Hawksmoor Experience
This King's Cross branch is the 13th restaurant for Beckett and Gott, who launched their first Hawksmoor on Commercial Street in Spitalfields back in 2006. Their obsession with quality meat has earned them a loyal following among London's carnivores, and their success has even led to expansions in Chicago and New York, a testament to their international appeal.
Despite record sales, the group faced financial challenges last year, but this new opening signals a confident step forward. The St Pancras location feels deliberately feminine in its decor, offering a space where diners can enjoy a sophisticated meal without the typical steakhouse gloom.
Culinary Highlights and Innovations
The menu at Hawksmoor: London St Pancras continues to celebrate premium cuts, with waiters passionately educating guests on options like the 450g rump, which challenges stereotypes with its lean and flavourful profile. A standout dish is the handmade pie featuring Winslade cheese and mushroom, which holds its own against traditional steaks.
While some experimental items, such as potted beef and bacon with Yorkshire puddings, may feel too similar to mains, others shine. The ash-baked beetroot with pickled fennel and horseradish crème fraîche offers an intriguing flavour combination, though its wasabi bed packs a potent heat. Sides like the richly sweet maple bacon and reliable mac and cheese remain crowd-pleasers.
Sweet Endings and Overall Impressions
Desserts round off the experience beautifully, with a pitch-perfect sticky toffee pudding and a tart Meyer lemon pavlova served on a bed of lemon granita. The latter, adorned with lemon candy segments and curd, provides a cheerful and visually stunning finish.
Overall, Hawksmoor: London St Pancras represents a deliciously opulent evolution for the brand, blending historic elegance with culinary excellence. It's a destination that appeals beyond the typical steakhouse crowd, offering a bright and airy atmosphere perfect for special occasions or a refined night out in King's Cross.
