Steam & Rye

In the shadow of Lloyds of London and many other fine buildings, you almost miss the discrete brass-plated entrance to Steam and Rye on Leadenhall Street. We did. But once you enter and pass through the smart reception area it’s like walking into Wonderland. Yes, it’s a converted banking hall. But it is quite unlike any other I’ve seen.

There are huge American flags dominating proceedings and two giant upturned green Statues of Liberty guarding the entrance. There’s a large bull lurking to the side – used in competitions it seems. The substantial bar is to the left, a large area – mostly clear with a few tables and a few high stools – in the centre (apparently there’re shows and dancing some nights) and on the right are what look like open train carriage booths. In a train.

The giant pillars make it feel like a platform and the video screens in these booths cleverly make it feel like you are actually travelling through American cities and the Wild West. The lights are reddish and dim and the music – everything from rock and mellow dance to soul (including Amy Winehouse) – is loud. At 7pm it was relatively quiet – by 830pm the place was full. And on a Monday night. Not the after work crew then – more of a evening destination. Dress code casual. Quite a few internationals.

We were seated in giant squishy sumptuous leather club chairs and presented with cocktail menus – like those things you had when you were a kid, pull it up to see the cocktail name and in an adjacent window you see the ingredients. It was fun just choosing what to drink. And it took a while to go through the extensive list.

My companion started with a Wallop Bang Smash (£9). This arrived in a ceramic ice cream cone with an actual ice lolly tucked in the top of a coconut rum, pineapple, lime and mint mixture. I opted for a South Side Fizz (£9) which comprised gin, lime, sugar mint and bubbly and tasted like a Mojito. The Mississippi Lullaby arrived in an oil can – with a tea light on top – and contained lychee liqueur, peach, cranberry and other temptations as well as a healthy dose of rum.

My companion’s Fluffer (£10) arrived in a jam jar and combined tequila, lemon and marshmallow syrup. But my favourite was the Monica Lewinsky – combining dark chocolate sauce, amaretto, rum, hazelnut syrup and was decorated with star speckled whipped cream, a marshmallow and an Oreo cookie. Wicked sense of humour. Other diners had cocktails presented to them in popcorn boxes – complete with a decorative layer of popcorn on the top. I have to say that the place wins hands down on its creative cocktails – both in terms of the flavours and presentation.

We didn’t spend much time on the food menus. We had decided to go for the Monday and Tuesday night offer of £16.95 all you can eat rib and shrimp options. At first I didn’t think that the portion was particularly large for an “all you can eat” – a small cup of fries and a healthy pile of excellent slaw and a rack of maybe six ribs for me and a dish of large, plump, creole dusted prawns for my companion. But when we had polished those off, another set arrived so we started again. So, if you have a big appetite this is the deal for you.

We did notice some interesting sharing platters (4-6 people at £49.50) which might be fun if you are out on a primarily drinking occasion. The group in a nearby booth were clearly celebrating – the Raiders of the Lost Ark music announced a procession of waitresses bearing impressive firework flares and the large alligator skull containing a round of shots was a sight I will never forget. The birthday music continued for some time. Remind me to book my birthday drinks here.

It was an adventure popping down to the loos – with red stud lights creating the impression of those trains again. I discovered below the “First Class” bar which would be an excellent venue for a private party.

It’s a really fun atmosphere and the 1930s Americana décor alone is worth a visit. While the food is plentiful, those cocktails deserve a serious night out with your mates.

Steam & Rye

Food Served

Big Screen TV

Disabled Facilities

Credit Cards Accepted

Music Played

Live Music Played

Private Area

Steam & Rye Picture Gallery

All In London Review

In The News

Things to Try

Ride the Mechanical Bull

Yeeee-haaaaaaa!

User Reviews