There’s something special about a restaurant where you can feel the heartbeat of the kitchen – where the sizzle of the grill, the skill and focus of the chefs, and the aroma of seared meat blend into a full-sensory experience. That’s exactly what we found at Kindling; a vibrant, modern steak restaurant with a fiery passion for premium charcoal-grilled meats.
My friend and I visited on a warm Wednesday evening, slightly frazzled after the mid-week rush of kids’ after-school activities. But from the moment we walked in, we relaxed. Kindling was alive with a warm, buzzy energy that made it feel like the start of the weekend.
Contemporary Cosy
The restaurant itself is beautifully designed: contemporary yet cosy, with soft lighting and earthy tones that make the space feel both upscale and welcoming. The kind of place you can dress up for, but still feel comfortable and relaxed, enjoying a long, leisurely meal.
A Front Row Seat
We had seats at the counter – previously walk-in only, but now available for bookings – and I can’t recommend this spot highly enough. It’s the best seat in the house, giving you a front row view of the chefs working their magic. Sitting there felt like being at the chef’s table, but without the formality.
The chefs were friendly and engaged, more than happy to chat between dishes, answer our questions, and share stories about the meats and their cooking methods. Their passion for food was clear to see, and they were happy to recommend the best cut of meat based on how I like my steak – rare and lean. All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable, clearly passionate about food.
Standout Drinks
Kindling’s drinks list is well considered and put together with a good selection of wine and cocktails. The Negroni with a Kindling twist stood out, and the French 75 was dangerously delicious. We followed this with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc which was the perfect choice for the warm summery evening.
Starters That Set the Tone
There was a tempting selection of snacks on the menu to start. We chose the courgette and feta fritters served with tzatziki and sumac, and chargrilled corn ribs with sriracha mayo.
The fritters were golden and crisp, the feta lending a salty tang that played perfectly with the soft courgette and cooling tzatziki. The corn ribs arrived slathered in just-spicy-enough sriracha mayo. The corn’s natural sweetness balanced the heat, and each bite was deliciously smoky and juicy.
A Focus on Quality Cuts
The focus at Kindling is very clearly on top-quality British and Irish meats, treated with the respect they deserve and cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill. The menu is short and confident and has recently been refreshed, adding standout cuts like the Tomahawk and Chateaubriand – serious showstoppers designed for sharing or special occasions. There are also some tempting seasonal dishes, but we came with a mission: steak.
While we were tempted by the mid-week meat platter – an epic spread of steak, lamb chops, sides and sauces but the specials board won us over. I went for the Chateaubriand, while my friend ordered the Trenchmore Farm Sussex Wagyu. What a duo. The Chateaubriand was deeply flavourful, meltingly tender, and perfectly rare throughout. The Wagyu was rich and buttery and my friend described it as the best steak she’d ever had. Both were expertly seasoned and seared, letting the natural quality of the meat shine.
Sides That Shine
The sides held their own, too. The creamed spinach with parmesan crumb was decadent and earthy, while the salad – a vibrant mix of lettuce, pickled radish, sun-kissed tomatoes, crispy shallots and walnuts – brought a refreshing brightness to the table.
The pickled radish in particular was a standout with the sweetness and acidity adding incredible flavour and texture to the dish. We also shared a generous portion of sweet potato fries, crisp on the outside and soft inside – a simple pleasure done just right.
Desserts Worth the Wait
Of course, we saved room for dessert. I went for a classic sticky toffee pudding, and it was one of the best I’ve had in recent memory – light yet sticky, rich with toffee flavour and served with vanilla ice cream and a smooth caramel sauce.
My friend chose the chocolate molten cake with hazelnut ice cream, which arrived with a perfectly gooey centre and a rich, nutty finish. Both desserts hit the spot without being overly sweet, the perfect close to a deeply satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
It’s rare to find a restaurant that delivers on so many levels – atmosphere, service, food, and experience – but Kindling does just that. The team has clearly poured their hearts into it, and it shows. Whether you’re a steak aficionado or just looking for a great night out, Kindling deserves a spot on your list.
If you go – and you should – sit at the counter. Turn up hungry, sip something cold, watch the action in the kitchen and indulge in a truly delicious meal. You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your return.
