Flat Iron (Soho)
Build a trip to London
About
Flat Iron revolutionized the London steak scene by offering a single, high-quality cut—the flat iron steak—at an incredibly affordable price. The Soho branch is cozy and industrial, with cleaver-shaped knives and a no-frills attitude. The sensory experience is focused on the sizzle of meat and the lively, crowded atmosphere. Expert recommendations: The 'Flat Iron Steak' with 'Creamed Spinach' and 'Beef Dripping Chips' is the classic choice. Don't forget to collect your token for a free salted caramel ice cream on your way out. Pro tip: They do not take reservations for small groups, so expect a wait. Put your name on the digital list and head to a nearby pub; they’ll text you when your table is ready. It’s one of the best value-for-money meals in the West End.
Highlights
- Affordable high-quality steak
- Cleaver-style table knives
- Free salted caramel ice cream
- Cozy industrial vibe
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Liberty London
An architectural gem nestled just off Regent Street, Liberty is famous for its Tudor-revival building constructed from the timbers of two 19th-century warships. Inside, the timber-framed atrium and creaky wooden floors create a cozy, boutique atmosphere that feels like shopping in a grand stately home. It is world-renowned for its floral 'Liberty Prints' and its support for British designers. Expert recommendations: Explore the fourth floor for incredible fabrics and haberdashery, and the ground floor for unique perfumes and jewelry. Pro tip: It is the best place in London to find high-quality, unique Christmas ornaments. The Tudor building itself is a work of art, so even if you aren't shopping, it's worth a walk through to admire the craftsmanship. The store is much more peaceful than the neighboring department stores on Oxford Street.
Brasserie Zédel
Hidden beneath Piccadilly Circus, Brasserie Zédel is a vast, subterranean Art Deco dining room that feels like stepping into a 1930s Parisian brasserie. With its high ceilings, gilded columns, and marble walls, the sensory experience is incredibly grand, yet the prices remain surprisingly modest. Expert recommendations: The 'Formule' menu offers a three-course meal for an unbeatable price in central London. The 'Boeuf Bourguignon' and 'Choucroute Alsacienne' are reliable classics. Pro tip: Don't let the modest entrance fool you; the space inside is enormous. It’s an excellent spot for a late-night dinner after a West End show. Be sure to check out 'Bar Américain' next door for a pre-dinner cocktail in an equally stunning setting. It is one of the few places in London that truly caters to everyone, from students to celebrities.
Sketch
The most theatrically designed restaurant in London occupies a magnificent 1779 townhouse near Oxford Circus where each of the five dining and bar spaces is a distinct artistic universe—the Gallery dining room lined with David Shrigley drawings, the Lecture Room with its three-Michelin-star French haute cuisine by Pierre Gagnaire, the extraordinary egg-shaped pod toilets that have become the most photographed loos in the world, and the Glade bar with its enchanted woodland aesthetic. Chef Pierre Gagnaire's avant-garde approach to French cooking in the Lecture Room combines ingredients and techniques in combinations that challenge every culinary expectation while maintaining exquisite flavor, making each visit a genuinely new experience. Afternoon tea in the pink-hued Gallery creates one of London's most Instagram-documented culinary events.
Fortnum & Mason (The Diamond Jubilee)
The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was opened by HM The Queen in 2012 and offers a bright, sophisticated atmosphere in shades of the brand’s signature 'Eau de Nil' blue. As the official grocer to the Royal Family, the quality of ingredients here is unsurpassed. The sensory experience is lighter and more contemporary than The Ritz but remains deeply traditional. Expert recommendations: Their scones are world-famous, as is the 'Fortnum’s Smoked Salmon' sandwich. Pro tip: After your tea, spend time exploring the ground floor food hall for high-quality gifts. If you can’t finish your cakes, the staff will happily box them up for you in a beautiful Fortnum’s tin. Reservations are essential, especially during the festive season when the store is exquisitely decorated.
Reviews
Visited this place? Share your experience and help other travelers.