Hoxton Grill is one of Shoreditch’s most popular bar/restaurants, conveniently located on Great Eastern Street, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Old Street. I first stumbled upon this spot when a guy asked me out for a drink. The date ended abruptly when he walked out on me after I mistakenly referred to Hackney as a town instead of a borough. LMAO!

Anyway, I decided to return with some of my girlfriends for a meal and a drink. The restaurant is beautiful, with a slightly rustic vibe that gives it an informal feel—until you notice the waiters in shirts and ties. (You know a place is fancy when the staff are dressed like that!)

The restaurant itself is quite large, featuring a separate bar, several private rooms for hire, and even its own hotel for those who can’t drink and then hop on the bus home. There’s also an indoor terrace or garden area—I’m not quite sure what to call it, but it adds a nice touch.

Food Review:
The food was okay, but given the upscale appearance, I expected more—perhaps filet mignon and crème brûlée on the menu. Instead, they offer the usual fare: burgers and chips, or if you’re feeling a bit fancy, steak and mashed potatoes.

When the food arrived, it was barely warm, probably at room temperature, and the plates were cold. I had the steak and mashed potatoes. The flavours were decent, but the steak was thin—though honestly, who wants to tackle a large steak in their favourite black Zara dress? My friend Kay had the burger and chips, which was also nothing special.

Our desserts, however, were divine, darling! I had waffles and ice cream with banana, while the girls opted for the chocolate brownie with ice cream. It was so good I was tempted to lick the plate clean and scrape up the extra bits with my finger—just kidding, but seriously, it was delicious.

Service:
The service that night was pretty mediocre. It wasn’t the worst I’ve experienced, so I can’t really complain, but it wasn’t exceptional either.

Recommendation:
Hoxton Grill is definitely a great spot to hang out, whether it’s for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The vibe is fantastic, with a mature crowd, mostly people who work in and around Liverpool Street. I’d probably go back, but not necessarily for dinner—more likely for a drink and one of those sexy, finger-licking desserts.