As Valentine’s Day approached, I found myself in a familiar predicament—scrambling for a last-minute dinner reservation. Unsurprisingly, every spot I had in mind was fully booked. But when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, and I decided to turn a missed Valentine’s booking into an opportunity to explore somewhere new without the pressure of the big day itself.

Craving a great steak, my first instinct was Flat Iron—reliable, affordable, and always a winner. But even the day after Valentine’s, London’s diners were still out in full force. With no tables available, I had to rethink my plan. That’s when I came across The Coal Shed, a Brighton-born steak and seafood grill that prides itself on mastering fire and flavour.

A Sophisticated Yet Relaxed Dining Experience

The Coal Shed sits comfortably between a premium steakhouse and a fine dining establishment. It’s not overly formal, but it borrows elements from high-end restaurants, creating a balance between elegance and warmth.

From the moment we arrived, the service set a welcoming tone. The host greeted us with a genuine smile, took a moment to ask about our day, and even inquired about what brought us to The Coal Shed before taking our coats. Small touches like this made the experience feel personal rather than transactional.

The restaurant is split into three sections, including a bar area that feels like its own separate space. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner cocktail, a light bite, or simply a place to wait for friends. The two dining rooms offer different atmospheres—one located downstairs near the bar, and another upstairs, which remained empty during our lunchtime visit.

From our table, we had a front-row seat to the open kitchen, where flames danced over the grill, sending out a steady stream of fire-kissed dishes. The space is decorated with chalkboard menus displaying daily specials and cuts, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Service remained attentive from start to finish, with our waiter pulling out our chairs, addressing us with a polite "sir" and "madam," and ensuring we were well taken care of without feeling overbearing.

The Menu – Masters of Fire & Smoke

When searching for the perfect restaurant, I spent a fair bit of time researching menus, trying to find something that offered both quality and variety. What stood out about The Coal Shed was the diverse selection—steak, seafood, and grilled vegetables—all cooked over an open flame. With that in mind, we aimed to get a good mix of both meat and seafood for our starters, while our mains would focus on the steak.

Starters – A Strong Opening Act

A plated trio of Atlantic salmon, miso aubergine, and cured meats, starters at The Coal Shed London.

We began with a combination of two starters and a snack. The snack was a selection of house-smoked cured meats, including chorizo and salami, served with a spicy pickle. Salty, peppery, and rich, the charcuterie was a great way to whet the appetite. Given that it was listed as a ‘snack,’ I expected it to arrive first, but it actually landed on the table at the same time as our starters.

Originally, we intended to order the scallops. However, after watching a nearby table receive their salmon starter—beautifully plated with its vibrant orange-pink hue, fluorescent green wasabi mayo, and caramelised apple pieces—we immediately changed our minds. The salmon was silky and delicate, the sweetness of the apple balancing out the heat of the wasabi. It was one of those dishes you try to savour, but resisting the urge to devour it in seconds was easier said than done.

Our second starter was the miso aubergine—one of my go-to dishes whenever I visit Japanese barbecue restaurants. This version was a generously sized half aubergine, perfectly charred over the grill and coated in a sweet, umami-rich miso glaze. The flesh was buttery soft, tearing apart effortlessly from the skin. Simple yet deeply satisfying.

The Main Event – The Steak Verdict

With such a strong start, we were eager to see if the mains could live up to the same standard. The Coal Shed offers six different steak options at varying price points and weights. We opted for the flat iron steak, which sits at the more affordable end at £24 but is still a decent 240g portion—midway between the smaller 180g cut and the heavier 300g steaks.

Both steaks were cooked medium-rare and arrived with a thick, caramelised crust and a slight smoky aroma from the grill. The meat’s tenderness was immediately noticeable, though the texture was just slightly on the chewy side compared to other flat iron steaks I’ve had. Nevertheless, the flavour—rich and smoky from the grill—was well worth it.

The accompaniments elevated the experience. We paired our steak with two sauces: chimichurri and The Coal Shed’s own steak sauce. The chimichurri stole the show, its bright and tangy herbs perfectly cutting through the steak’s richness. The steak sauce, in contrast, was a bit of a let-down—more like a salsa than a robust steak sauce. It didn't quite marry with the flat iron, though it might complement a different cut more effectively.

Overall it is a solid steak, seasoned well and with a great crust. On another day we would have had two different cuts for comparison but as it was for valentines celebrations we opted for comfort and pleasure over analytical decisions.

Sides - The Coal For The Fire

A steak dinner isn’t truly complete without its accompaniments, so we opted for the beef-fat chunky chips and the coal-fired greens. The chips were golden and crisp on the outside but surprisingly lacked the rich, beef-fat flavour I’d expected. The chunky cut likely contributed to their lack of fluffiness, but they were still satisfying enough to fill us up.

You have to be careful with the condiments. When paired with the chimichurri, the mix of beef fat and oiliness became a little overwhelming, overshadowing the flavours and detracting from the overall experience. Surprisingly, the steak sauce that didn’t work with the meat was perfect with the chips, almost like a posh version of ketchup, and worked beautifully with them.

The coal-fired greens were a welcome contrast. A mix of long-stem broccoli, green beans, cabbage, and bok choy, all cooked in garlic butter and topped with crispy shallots. Smoky, garlicky, and full of texture, they balanced out the heavier elements of the meal beautifully, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the other dishes.

A Sweet Finish – Dessert & a Unique Cocktail

Though initially too full for dessert, curiosity eventually got the better of us. By this time, the restaurant had filled up with the lunchtime crowd, giving us some breathing space to digest and browse the menu.

The brûlée brioche caught my attention immediately. A caramelised brioche-style cake, grilled until it developed a crispy, golden crust, then topped with sweet popcorn, caramel sauce, and toffee ice cream. The combination of warm, crunchy edges and soft, buttery insides was unreal. Even my girlfriend, who swore she was too full for dessert, couldn’t resist stealing a bite.

Then there was the Fat Old Fashioned—a cocktail that immediately piqued my interest. A twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this version featured bourbon fat-washed with beef drippings and finished with a pinch of salt. While it didn’t have an overtly meaty taste, the texture was noticeably silkier, giving the bourbon a velvety mouthfeel. It also leaned sweeter than a standard Old Fashioned but still had plenty of bitters, which I always appreciate. As far as post-meal digestifs go, this was a fantastic way to round things off.

Why It's a Special Occasion Spot

The Coal Shed strikes the perfect balance between elevated dining and relaxed hospitality, making it an excellent choice for a date night or a special occasion. The combination of high-quality service, stylish interiors, and premium ingredients creates a refined yet approachable experience.

Adding to its appeal is its prime location—just moments from Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you're looking to capture a few scenic photos before dinner or extend your evening with a riverside stroll, the setting couldn’t be better.

For those looking to make their visit even more memorable, The Coal Shed offers private dining rooms and large party menus, making it ideal for celebrations. The menu itself also caters to indulgent dining, with impressive sharing steaks, including an Australian Wagyu tomahawk priced at £20 per 100g. With a maximum weight of 1.6kg, this showstopper could set you back a staggering £320—an undeniably expensive option, even by London’s standards.

While that particular dish is at the extreme end of the price spectrum, the overall experience at The Coal Shed feels well worth it. The quality of ingredients, attention to detail, and attentive service make the cost justifiable. For our meal, the total for two came to £140, which would have been £120 without the extra cured meat snack and cocktail. Given the standard of food and service, it felt like money well spent.

Final Verdict on The Coal Shed.

What started as a last-minute plan turned into a fantastic discovery. The Coal Shed may not be the most hyped steakhouse in London, but it delivers where it counts—quality ingredients, fire-grilled flavour, and attentive service. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a great steak, it’s worth adding to your list.

Key Information

Starter Prices: £4-12

Steak Prices: £23-£55 Dessert Prices: £3-£24 Cocktail Prices: £12-£14

Website: https://coalshed-restaurant.co.uk/london/

Address: One, 4 Tower Bridge, Crown Square, London SE1 2SE