The Ox

The team behind renowned bars Hyde & Co and The Milk Thistle have set their sights on steak, bringing their cocktail bar philosophy to Bristol’s dining scene. Occupying what was once the famed Markwick’s restaurant, this hidden basement has been exclusively done out with a marble staircase, assorted antique mirrors, rich colours and even a stuffed wolf.

Menus here evolve with the seasons, with the team championing local produce whenever they can. British beef from a local butcher rules on the menu, and the steaks are spot-on – cooked in the charcoal oven and served with triple-cooked chips. There is a range of cuts to choose from; with sirloin, fillet and rump all on offer, as well as rib-eye, an 8oz bavette and chunkier sharing cuts. The steaks for two are a real splurge at £70, but the meat is top quality and your meal comes complete with fries, leeks and greens, as well as a choice of peppercorn, bearnaise or chimichurri sauce. Otherwise treat yourself to glazed pork cheeks with potato gratin and braised peas, lettuce and bacon, an Ox burger or a pan-fried skate wing with brown shrimp butter, before signing off with bitter chocolate cremeux or vanilla and chocolate bread and butter pudding with boozy custard.

If you happen past The Ox on the weekend, then you might be pleased to know that they do a good Sunday lunch. Your choice of Somerset lamb or Buxton’s dry aged beef, for instance, is served up with perfectly crisped roasties, crushed veg loaded with butter, braised red cabbage and a homemade gravy.

Service is slick and cool, with low lights, loud music, craft beers and impeccable cocktails adding to the clubby vibe. Outside of the usual food offering there is an after-dinner cocktails menu as well as a good selection of dessert wines, ports and sherries, so it’s the perfect place to take your time and make an evening of your meal.

Based right in Bristol city centre on Corn Street, The Ox is hidden basement restaurant serving largely focused around top quality steaks but with a variety of other things also on offer. Everything about The Ox is both cool and slick, from the décor to the chilled out service and elaborate cocktail. So, whether you’re wanting to treat yourself to a great value but top quality lunch, or are looking for somewhere to go for a romantic three course dinner, The Ox has got you covered.

You wouldn’t be blamed for missing the entrance to The Ox all together, with the discreetly signposted stairs going down from street level. However, once you’re inside, the restaurant has a real air of elegance and grandeur to it with ornately decorated walls dimly lit from the minimal lights, chairs upholstered in red leather, and mirrors at the far end making the restaurant feel a little more spacious than it actually is.

In terms of the food offering, starters range from a smoked mackerel pâté served with horseradish and sourdough toast, to roast bone marrow served with parmesan and caramelised onions. There is also the option to go for a cured meat board for two which includes everything from salami to pork rillettes.

When it comes to main courses, steaks are very much the focus, with a number of different cuts available both in individual-sized portions and to share. However, there are a small amount of other options available too such as glazed pork cheeks and pan fried skate wing. For lunch and early dinner, there is a deal where for just £15 you can get a rump steak, fries, sauce and a glass of house wine - perfect for a high quality but very reasonably priced meal. As well as an extensive wine list, the drinks menu features a particularly impressive selection of cocktails.