Offering City folk some of the best steaks in London, the Green Door Bar and Grill is much more than just a posh Berni Inn for the noughties.

The Venue
Located in the heart of the City, just moments from Bank Tube, Green Door benefits from being housed in one of the more attractive areas of London and boasts an interior that’s well suited to its surroundings. A smattering of opulent gold gives way to a predominance of well buffed woods and clean cut glass ensuring that although Green Door has a sophisticated air, it remains informal and relaxed. A staircase sweeps visitors up to a stylish elevated dining area, though those who are keen to remain grounded can sit at the impressive marble bar or settle down at another dining area downstairs.

The Atmosphere
With any of the restaurants or bars in the City there’s a chance you’ll bump into the rowdy bunch of suits celebrating a deal, but you get the impression they’re less likely to head to Green Door. The clientele you’ll probably see there are those looking for some good quality food in a relaxed environment, which is handy as that’s exactly what Green Door offers. Service is friendly, smiley and efficient and the inoffensive songs from yesteryear that are softly piped through the stereo continue the relaxed feel.

The Food
With a simple yet effective menu, Green Door doesn’t try to do too much, which seems entirely suitable for this kind of restaurant. Starters are good; the grilled lobster and rich hollandaise sauce (£10) is decent but pales in comparison next to some deliciously plump and succulent tiger prawns (£10). Served with a tasty sweet chilli dip, the prawns burst with flavour and are beautifully cooked, with a slightly char-grilled edge that complements the dip nicely.

The steaks, as they should be, are exceptional. An 8oz sirloin (£14.95) is a great cut, exceptionally well marbled and cooked to perfection. The steaks here are cooked slightly on the rare side so you might want to ask for a little longer. Those who are a little bolder though, will be rewarded. Also of particular note is the rack of lamb (£17.50) that’s again, cooked very well, if a little rare for some diners, and aided by a deliciously aromatic mustard herb crust and served on a tasty celeriac gratin.

Desserts are worth trying, with a caremelised apple tart (£5) being tasty, if a little limp, but deliciously matched by some cracking pistachio ice cream. The chocolate fondant (£6.50) that’s described as famous on the menu justifies its tag – it’s soft, smooth and devilishly more-ish.

The Drink
Green Door boasts a decent wine selection that will keep most diners more than happy. If you’re looking to splash out on something really special then you might be disappointed as the top price is £40 a bottle, but there’s a well thought out list that includes a very fine Rioja that’s well priced at £20.75 for a bottle, soft and extremely fruity. An Australian Shiraz is also pretty good and won’t break the bank but if you want something a little heartier, go for one of the full bodied Merlots.

There’s also a selection of well made cocktails thanks to a dedicated bar staff, so if you fancy treating yourself you can pick a zesty Mojito or an Espresso Martini that works really well as an alternative to your usual after meal coffee. Bottled beers include Corona, Becks, Staropramen and Samuel Adams, but the inclusion of only Kronenbourg on tap is slightly disappointing.

The Last Word
An impressive restaurant that offers a simple selection impeccably done, it’s somewhere that’s certainly worth heading to. And after all, it would be a shame to let the City boys have this all to themselves.

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