The Fluxx Editors Review: A Modern Steakhouse That Rewrites the Rules

Steakhouses often promise indulgence, but rarely do they feel refreshing. MR PORTER London, the new Mayfair outpost of The Entourage Group, upends every expectation with a dining experience that is sleek, contemporary, deeply sensory and quietly luxurious. Hidden beneath Park Lane within the Hilton London, the restaurant feels like a modern retreat from the city; a place where design, hospitality and gastronomy work together with remarkable clarity.

From the moment you reach the discreet copper door and descend the monochrome marble staircase, MR PORTER signals that this isn’t just another steakhouse. It is an immersive experience shaped as much by atmosphere and storytelling as by its food. For us, this was what made the visit so memorable: a steakhouse that feels vibrant rather than heavy, modern rather than masculine, and refreshing in a way that few restaurants of this genre ever attempt.

Design: A Subterranean Escape Beneath Mayfair

The design of MR PORTER London plays a significant role in its impact. Conceived by the award-winning studio Baranowitz + Kronenberg, the 700-square-metre space draws inspiration from the Tyburn River: the subterranean stream that still flows quietly beneath central London. The restaurant feels similarly hidden, pulsing with life beneath the surface.

The moment you enter, the space envelopes you: mauve upholstery, cocooned curtain partitions, and a mirrored copper ceiling make the room feel simultaneously intimate and expansive. The palette is intentionally monochromatic, built around brushed copper, velvet, smoked mirrors and natural travertine stone. The effect is calming yet elevated — a space crafted to soothe rather than impress.

Unlike many traditional steakhouses, which lean heavily into dark woods and old-world masculinity, MR PORTER feels modern, cool and quietly playful. The design references Mayfair’s past without recreating it, positioning the restaurant firmly in the present. It’s an atmosphere that encourages lingering, conversation and connection — exactly what a contemporary dining destination should achieve.

A Refreshing Departure from the Traditional Steakhouse

One of the most compelling aspects of MR PORTER is how confidently it steps away from the genre’s typical tropes. There’s no sense of heaviness, no stuffiness, no excessive formality. Instead, the restaurant presents a contemporary take on the steakhouse that feels lighter, fresher and more experiential.

This is immediately evident in the space's energy. The lighting is warm and considered, flattering both guests and food. The music is present but not intrusive, creating a gentle rhythm that evolves throughout the evening. Most importantly, the overall atmosphere balances luxury with ease — something many high-end steakhouses struggle to achieve.

For us, this contrast was a highlight. Steakhouses are rarely spaces described as revitalising, yet that’s precisely how MR PORTER feels. There’s a sense of flow, calm and freshness that underpins the entire dining experience, making it ideal not just for steak enthusiasts, but for anyone seeking a modern, design-oriented night out in London.

Service: Welcoming, Informative, and Impressively Attentive

What truly elevates MR PORTER is the quality of its service. The team is attentive without being overbearing, knowledgeable without overwhelming the guest, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food and drink they present. There’s no forceful upselling, no rushed moments; just thoughtful recommendations that help shape the meal in an authentic and relaxed way.

We found the storytelling behind the dishes particularly engaging. Every server we encountered was able to guide us through ingredients, techniques and pairings with ease. This wasn’t a scripted performance; it felt natural, warm and genuinely passionate. For a restaurant that aims to merge sophistication with accessibility, service is a critical element, and MR PORTER’s team handles it beautifully.

Starters: Light, Precise, and Beautifully Presented

The food at MR PORTER is executed with precision and presented with a level of detail more commonly found in fine dining establishments. The blistered focaccia from the wood-fired oven was an early standout; soft, indulgent and served with a vibrant green pesto streaked with sour cream and tahini. A simple dish, but a perfect opening note.

The Carpaccio Bar is a defining feature of the restaurant and a must-visit element of the menu. Positioned partially within the dining room, it offers delicately sliced, beautifully dressed starters designed for sharing. Our favourite was the roast beef carpaccio: paper-thin slices slicked with olive oil, scattered with rock salt and fresh green chilli. Light, fresh, and full of flavour.

Across the board, starters at MR PORTER strike a thoughtful balance between refinement and ease, aligning perfectly with the restaurant’s contemporary sensibility.

The Main Event: Steak, Ribs and Modern Indulgence

A steakhouse lives and dies by the quality of its meat, and MR PORTER delivers with confidence. The menu offers ten cuts, ranging from Japanese A5 Wagyu (£96 per 100g) to show-stopping sharers like the Tomahawk. Our choice, the dry-aged Mrs Porter, was beautifully cooked medium-rare — marbled, tender, and rich without being heavy. It required little more than appreciation.

Even so, presenting sauces and condiments on a raised tray adds a sense of ceremony without overshadowing the meat's purity. It’s theatrical yet refined; exactly the tone MR PORTER strikes best.

For Fish Lovers -Grilled Lobster with Herb Butter

This was a real treat and a ‘melt in your mouth’ moment. Stunningly presented, the lobster was light and flavoursome. We wouldn’t hesitate to order this again, and it's a fantastic fish alternative.

SALADS

We were delighted with the Jumbo Prawn with Grilled Corn, adorned with a Moorish avocado and dried chilli Sauce, this would certainly make for a delicious main dish too.

Accessories and Sides: Comfort with a Modern Twist

Sides: referred to playfully as “accessories”, continue the theme of contemporary indulgence. The Skinny Fries with basil aioli are crisp, golden and addictive; the Cauliflower Mac N’ Cheese is comforting without being overly rich; and the Crunchy Onion Loaf is a nostalgic nod executed with finesse. Each complements the mains without overshadowing them.

Desserts: A Playful, Indulgent Finale

Dessert at MR PORTER embraces a sense of fun. The molten Chocolate Fondant is executed to perfection, glossy on the outside, flowing within, and paired with a smooth caramel ice cream. It’s classic, confident and satisfying.

The Profiteroles decorated with a touch of gold were glorious little treats.

The Popcorn Crème Brûlée, meanwhile, is an adventurous twist: sweet corn, jalapeño and caramelised popcorn mingle with rich custard in a dish that will divide opinion but absolutely delivers on originality. Whether you love it or find it too decadent, it’s a dessert that leaves an impression.

Drinks & Mixology

The drinks programme at MR PORTER London mirrors the restaurant’s refined yet contemporary ethos, offering a selection that balances precision, creativity, and a strong sense of place. The bar champions classic techniques elevated with subtle twists, resulting in cocktails that feel both familiar and refreshingly unexpected. Signature serves highlight premium spirits layered with botanicals, house-made infusions, and seasonal ingredients, each presented with the same aesthetic consideration found throughout the dining spaces.

The wine list is equally thoughtful, curated to complement the richness of the menu while offering discoveries for curious palates. From full-bodied reds ideal for pairing with the restaurant’s standout cuts to crisp, expressive whites and a considered selection of champagnes, the list reflects a commitment to quality over quantity. For those seeking something non-alcoholic, MR PORTER London also offers an impressive range of zero-proof options — sophisticated blends that capture the complexity of a crafted cocktail without the alcohol. The result is a drinks offering that enhances the atmosphere: polished, indulgent, and unmistakably MR PORTER.

Photography: MR PORTER Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge, Stevie Campbell

A Contemporary Steakhouse for a New Era

What sets MR PORTER apart from other steakhouses in London is its willingness to rewrite the rules. This is not a space defined by dark woods, heavy masculinity or rigid formality. Instead, MR PORTER embraces mood, movement and modernity, merging exceptional steak with design-driven surroundings and welcoming, knowledgeable service.

For us, the restaurant felt like a breath of fresh air in the London dining scene; a revitalised take on the steakhouse that prioritises balance, experience and storytelling. With its warm hospitality, striking interiors and beautifully executed menu, MR PORTER London stands as one of the most compelling modern dining experiences in Mayfair.

A destination worth visiting, not just for the steak, but for the entire journey.