London is known for its high cost of living. A typical meal at a restaurant can easily run £20–£30, and fine dining usually starts at £50. So when I discovered Flat Iron, a local UK steakhouse offering a quality meal for just £10, I had to give it a try.
We visited the Soho branch. The restaurant has a dark, low-key exterior and no reservations — walk-ins only. When we arrived, we were told we’d have to wait about an hour. Luckily, it’s close to Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street, so there’s plenty to explore while waiting. If you’d rather not shop, there are bars nearby. (Fun fact: the staff joked that many customers leave to drink while waiting, so Flat Iron’s own drink sales aren’t great 😆).
Once inside, the restaurant felt cozy but quite packed. The atmosphere was lively. Water and free popcorn were already on the table — if you don’t see popcorn, feel free to ask. One detail that stood out: their signature steak knife looks like a small cleaver, giving the meal a cool touch. Even the pepper mills were uniquely designed.
The menu is super simple: one main steak option for £10, plus optional sides. No need to choose a cut — just pick your preferred doneness: Well-Done, Medium-Well, Medium, Medium-Rare, Rare.
- Rose Lemonade: A light sparkling drink with a mild rose flavour. Refreshing and not too sweet.
- Medium-Well Steak: This came close to well-done. Be sure to eat it while it’s hot, as it cools quickly. Try a slice plain, then add salt or pepper as you like. The meat was tender and had a subtle smoky flavour.
- Medium-Rare Steak: Still pink and juicy in the centre — surprisingly not bloody at all. It reminded me of sashimi in texture. Highly recommended if you like your steak less cooked.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy, with little of that strong spinach flavour. Great for cheese lovers.
- Fries: Standard fries — nothing fancy, but good for filling up.
- Sophie’s Salad: Includes blue cheese, lemon, and some nuts. A unique combo, though the blue cheese may not be for everyone.
- Roast Aubergine: Tastes a bit like a Chinese-style dish. The eggplant flavour wasn’t strong, and honestly, I only realized it was eggplant after seeing the bill.
- Chocolate Salt Caramel Mousse: Scoop it with a spoon and sprinkle some sea salt on top. The salty-sweet combo is interesting, but the salt chunks were a bit large for me. The mousse itself is rich, so best to share. You can always order more if you like it.
We later visited the Covent Garden location, where you get a free ice cream token after your meal. Sure enough, the staff handed us plastic tokens at checkout. Outside the entrance, a strong-looking server scooped us some chocolate salt caramel ice cream — same flavour as the mousse, but cold, creamy, and not overly sweet. A perfect way to end the meal.
If you like the signature steak knife, you can buy one for £10. Just make sure to check it in your luggage if flying — no carry-ons.
If you’re travelling in London, I highly recommend stopping by Flat Iron in Soho or Covent Garden. For just £10, you get a good-quality steak and a fun dining experience. It’s one of the best value meals I’ve had in the city — simple, satisfying, and worth the wait.
📍Flat Iron Soho
17 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9RW United Kingdom
Flat Iron Fully packed with guests Popcorn and water Custom steak knife The grinder is also really cool Rose Lemonade Medium-Well Steak Almost well-done Medium-Rare Steak Still raw in the middle Creamed Spinach, Fries, Sophie’s Salad, Roast Aubergine A variety of dips Freshly piped dessert Chocolate Salt Caramel Mousse Romantic candles and dessert Token Claim free ice cream So excited Chocolate salt caramel ice cream Specially made steak knife
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