We’re going to assume that most people reading this already know this world-famous steakhouse on Park Lane, but just in case you don’t, here’s a brief catch-up. JW Steakhouse is one of London’s leading American steakhouses, complete with its own Bourbon Bar – home to one of the biggest and rarest collections of bourbon (500 bottles, to be precise) outside the United States.
The aroma of aged bourbon fills the air, and the bar glows with rows of neatly displayed bottles. It really comes into its own with ever-changing bourbon tasting sessions and masterclasses.
The space has recently undergone a complete refurbishment – a multimillion-pound investment. If you have ever stepped into a New York steakhouse, you’ll recognise the feeling instantly. You are transported there the moment you walk in; it has that low, mood-setting lighting and a colour palette of oak wood and warm rust tones, contrasted with checkerboard flooring. The real showpiece, however, is the oversized butcher-style blackboards showcasing the daily specials and cuts.
We opted for a cosy booth – an intimate corner table perfect for couples or celebrations. The moment you take into your seat, you know you’re in for something special. Watching the bustle of Park Lane pass by, the bar team precisely crafting cocktails, and the waiting team serving in harmony – it feels flawless, almost like a theatrical show.
We start with the exceptional waiting team; friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being “in your face.” On their recommendation, we opted for the Old Fashioned, which is quite the experience. A bespoke Old Fashioned trolley is brought to your table, built by Buffalo Trace Distillery. It took six months to create, using parts from a 200-year-old English oak tree, combining British craftsmanship with Kentucky heritage. The attention to detail here goes without saying – from the pouring of the drink and the subtle scenting of the glass rim with orange peel, right down to the signature ice stamp.
If bourbon isn’t your thing, the 1847 Ice Cold tequila-based cocktail, is one of the most popular alternatives. It arrives again with a touch of tableside theatre, featuring finely shaved, snow-cone-style ice in a martini glass. As the cocktail is poured over the top, the ice slowly melts, creating the ultimate chilled tipple that certainly lives up to its name.
The extensive wine list highlights labels from around the world, though it naturally maintains a strong American focus, with bottles ranging from £100 to £2,500. Rather than browsing the list ourselves, we let our waiter take the lead, selecting a glass to perfectly complement each course.
With a glass in hand, it was time to study the food. Even the menus feel luxe, presented in embossed thick leather covers, while home-baked bread arrives to graze on as you decide. Under the direction of Executive Chef Patrick O’Sullivan, JW Steakhouse flies the flag for hearty USDA prime beef and classic American dishes, alongside Irish and English influences.
Starters are largely fish-focused, though vegetarian options like burrata with heritage tomatoes and a vegan spiced sweet potato soup, alongside classics like salt-aged beef carpaccio. For us, it’s always scallops – the baked Orkney scallops arrive on signature JW-branded plates, resting on a bed of seaweed and presented inside a scallop shell that fills the air with the scent of the sea. They are served oozing with golden citrus oil, crispy bacon, and a brioche crumb. The Maryland-style crab cake was also a winner with the table next to us; we hear this is a non-negotiable when it comes to starters…noted for next time.
Following our waiter’s recommendation, we sampled the Scottish grass-fed JW “Tomahawk” ribeye. You know when people say steak “melts in your mouth”? This is on an entirely different level – every single mouthful is flavoursome, tender, and juicy; it is everything you anticipate and more. Alongside the Tomahawk, we also grazed on the American USDA prime beef fillet, which was super lean and, again, packed with rich flavour.
You can also team your steak with half a lobster in garlic butter. If you aren’t in the mood for steak, the menu offers plenty of signature alternatives, from braised Angus short ribs and grilled jumbo shrimp to healthy options like the JW chopped salad.
As for sides, we’d strongly recommend the truffle and Parmesan fries, the rather excellent bourbon sweet potato mash, creamed spinach, and the three-cheese macaroni. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them. And, because we skipped lunch so we could go all out at dinner, we couldn’t miss the JW onion rings. Trust us, they are notoriously hard to perfect, but these are exactly what you want – crispy and golden. For sauces, we stayed on theme with the bourbon-infused peppercorn and a punchy horseradish cream.
As you can imagine, by the time we glanced at the dessert menu, we were full – but it would be rude not to try something. A refreshing sorbet paired with Hungarian dessert wine was the perfect finish.
JW Steakhouse is also famous for its cheesecake; guests travel far for it, with over 40,000 served each year. Our waiter explained that perfecting the Graham cracker base and the rich cream cheese filling took time to master. As expected after such a feast, we couldn’t manage it there and then, but our waiter kindly boxed one up for us. Enjoying it the next day was just what was needed – pure cheesecake perfection, and one worth shouting about.
JW Steakhouse is also famous for its cheesecake; guests travel far for it, with over 40,000 served each year. Our waiter explained that perfecting the Graham cracker base and the rich cream cheese filling took time to master. As expected after such a feast, we couldn’t manage it there and then, but our waiter kindly boxed one up for us. Enjoying it the next day was just what was needed – pure cheesecake perfection, and one worth shouting about.
Before departing on the Piccadilly line home, we took a peek inside the private dining room and glimpsed at some of the most famous faces who have graced the floors of this world-renowned hotel – Walt Disney being one of them.
And this is what you call a restaurant: a place where your needs are met before you even anticipate them. Flawless service, a memorable meal, exceptional drinks and beautiful surroundings – JW Steakhouse, you’ve not seen the last of us.
JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, 86-90 Park Ln, London W1K 7TN
