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If you like steak, you'll love this…

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Gaucho is the finest place to dine

Where? Gaucho, The 02 arena, London, SE10 (020 8858 7711)

What is it good for? Pre-concert dining. London’s state-of-the-art arena has played host to everyone from the Scissor Sisters to musical legends like Prince and Elton John, so if you’re visiting make this Argentine steakhouse part of the experience too.

Who goes there? Just about anyone who’s sick of the usual array of limp burgers, warm beer and expensive Pringles on offer at concert venues. Although you’ll find none of this at the 02 (Entertainment Avenue, the venue’s strip of restaurants and bars, has already upped the ante), Gaucho is the finest place to dine. Just a few nights before our visit, it welcomed Backstreet Boys through its doors, and the London chain has long been a favourite of Lily Allen.

Must have steak then… Yep. The fish entrees (we tried Fire and Ice: lobster and shrimp in a coconut, lime and citrus sauce) are fab but it’s all about the beef. That’s not to say choosing is easy though. Just before you order, your waiter will give you the cutting board consultation, a talk through the various cuts of meat, helping you to pick the right one for you.

Sounds like a trip to the hairdressers. Ha, ha, yes. Except the end result is you eating a steak that’s cooked to perfection. My boyfriend, a voracious carnivore, went for the biggest fillet, which weighs in at 400g, while I, a daintier eater, plumped for a 225g sirloin, medium-rare.

Is it expensive? You’ll part with anything between £12.25 and £36 for the steak alone, but the quality of the food and service (we had a lovely waiter called Gus) is so exceptional you won’t mind. If it’s a quiet night, you’ll also get use of the V.I.P balcony, a cosy, tranquil area replete with sunken leather chairs, but the surrounding arena does have something of a shopping centre vibe.

While we’re on the subject of interiors… Think statement cow-skin chairs, drooping chandeliers and slick black surfaces. There’s also a wine boutique and tasting area, where various connoisseurs come to share their pearls of wisdom and wine.

Review by Megan Conner

Release date: Monday 22 September 2008

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