STEAM AND RYE

If you want to make an entrance, this is surely the place to do it.

Moments from Bank tube station are the magnificent double doors of the old Bank of New York building, now gloriously transformed into Steam and Rye. Classic Americana touches permeate every part of the decor, from the fabulous Eastern Pacific dining carriages to the accents echoing Grand Central Station.

Creep down the winding stairs to the basement cocktail lounge for more railway inspired treats. Velvet and leather lined carriage booths and a very clever cocktail menu await. Venturing upstairs to the mezzanine level brings you into a treasure trove of taxidermy and ephemera, based around the idea of a cargo hold. It's like you've stumbled across the attic of a Victorian explorer, but with a great view of the main hall.

We spent our evening in the central area, and began with the sharing platter - a generous helping of crispy squid, BBQ wings, ribs and pulled pork sliders with salad and veggie that even four hungry chaps couldn’t conquer! Mains were tasty, juicy burgers and lobster with crispy chips and onion rings. Our favourites were the delicious and well made Old Fashioned cocktails though.

It was a busier atmosphere than expected, although the other levels may be a little more intimate. Perfect if you're looking for a lively start to an evening, and probably more suited to drinks and chats than a quiet dinner, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip back in time to vintage America and will be back for an Old Fashioned or two soon.

Visit Steam and Rye: www.steamandrye.com