Harden's survey result
Summary
Credit is due to this upscale, Latino-inspired steakhouse chain, which has had its ups and downs in recent times as it’s gone through numerous MBOs and behind-the-scenes financial deals; but which has significantly recovered its game since Martin Williams returned to the helm a couple of years ago. Criticism was most notable by its absence this year: “there may be better steak out there for less money, but there’s nothing wrong with the food”, indeed the “excellent steaks” (and the other fare as well) were widely acclaimed for being “reliable” this year, and a more lively atmosphere and better service have returned to their “lovely”, funkily designed branches. The big South American wine list is a consistent draw too. (With 12 branches in London, it’s been in the UK since 1994, but was actually originally founded on the Continent in 1976). Top Top – the Richmond branch has a particularly good waterside location.
Summary
This Argentinian-inspired group celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, now with a dozen branches in London and another seven in provincial cities. In its heyday, it “used to be the best place for a steak”, backed up by a “well-compiled list” of South American wines. But while fans still applaud it for “reliably good” meals (albeit acknowledging it “could do with a few more non-meat options”), critics – and its competition – have multiplied over the years, and there’s a feeling “you can now find better elsewhere”.
Summary
“Expensive but fun” is the upbeat take on this Argentinian steakhouse chain, where imported steaks are matched with an “excellent wine list” (including the largest selection of Argentinian wines outside the country). And the riverside branch in Richmond is a particular “go-to place for a celebration”. On the downside, a worrying proportion of diners find it “overpriced” or plain “disappointing”: “it’s a good steak, but doesn’t match the price tag”.
Summary
CEO Martin Williams (who has returned to the business in recent years) still has his work cut out to return this Argentinian steakhouse chain to its former glory. Fans say it’s particularly “a winner on business”, hailing “top steaks” and the extensive selection of South American wines to complement them. That it’s “pricier than competing (better) steak experiences” is a repeat complaint, though, and there are still those who feel the approach smacks of “churn and burn for covers”. Top Tips: “beautiful premises on the Thames at Richmond” and a “pretty garden” in NW3.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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