Key Points
- AVA Steakhouse & Grill has officially opened its doors at 222 South Street, Romford, bringing a high-end, central London-style luxury dining experience to Essex.
- The restaurant occupies a locally listed building dating back to 1933, which previously housed ‘Smokey’s Shack’ and the popular ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ (TOWIE) haunt, ‘The Brickyard’.
- The establishment focuses on uncompromising quality, offering top-grade, grass-fed Argentinian and Australian steaks, including the exceptionally tender Black Onyx ribeye.
- The kitchen is led by an award-winning chef with prestigious culinary experience working for The Dorchester in London and alongside world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.
- The front-of-house operations feature management expertise drawn from famous London steakhouses such as Hawksmoor and Gaucho.
- In addition to premium meats, AVA provides a broad selection of seafood, fish, a fully stocked bar, and extended weekend opening hours to accommodate families.
Romford (The Londoner News) August 22, 2026 — Bringing a sophisticated blend of culinary excellence and indulgent elegance to the high street, AVA Steakhouse & Grill has firmly established itself as a premier destination for fine dining, successfully injecting central London luxury into the heart of Romford. Located at 222 South Street, the upscale venue operates out of a rich historical landmark, transforming a long-term vacant site into a vibrant culinary hotspot. The restaurant combines meticulous ingredient sourcing with top-tier hospitality, aiming to rival the finest dining establishments found anywhere in the capital.
What Makes the Menu at AVA Steakhouse & Grill Unique?
As reported by the Romford Recorder, the focus of the establishment remains firmly rooted in uncompromising quality, spanning ingredients, service, and executive expertise. The menu serves a luxurious range of premium cuts that are exclusively Argentinian or Australian grass-fed, top-grade steaks.
Highlighting a standout item on the menu, AVA’s owner Aziz Choudhury explained to the Romford Recorder:
“Black Onyx is an Australian ribeye. It’s a very tender, incredibly soft meat, almost close to Wagyu. It’s a genuinely nice meat to eat and enjoy, especially if you are drinking a glass of red wine or a beer alongside”.
Alongside its famed beef selection, the restaurant features a diverse offering of seafood and fish options, ranging from fresh prawns and scallops to premium salmon and halibut. Furthermore, management has confirmed that even more dynamic seafood choices are scheduled to join an expanded seasonal menu.
Who Leads the Culinary and Management Teams?
The high standard of cuisine is driven by an elite kitchen brigade. According to coverage by the Romford Recorder, all fine ingredients are carefully prepared by an award-winning chef who previously honed their craft working for prestigious venues like The Dorchester in London and alongside world-famous chef Gordon Ramsay.
The front-of-house experience matches this pedigree. The establishment’s manager brings professional background experience from some of London’s most renowned luxury steakhouses, including Hawksmoor and Gaucho.
Underscoring the importance of his staff, owner Aziz Choudhury stated to the Romford Recorder:
“They’re very important because, without a team, there is nothing we can do”.
What is the History Behind the 222 South Street Venue?
The restaurant’s physical home carries considerable local history. Situated at 222 South Street, the property is a locally listed building originally erected in 1933 as the Page Calnan builder’s merchants.
Before AVA Steakhouse & Grill took over the space, the retail unit sat vacant following the closure of Smokey’s Shack, which had opened in 2018. Prior to that iteration, the venue was famously known as The Brickyard—a well-known haunt frequently visited by cast members of the hit reality television series The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). Following a comprehensive modern makeover featuring cream and light-coloured seating, contemporary flooring, and individual table lighting, the space has transitioned into a sophisticated adult-oriented dining environment.
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What Drinks and Future Plans Are in Store for Patrons?
Complementing the food menu, the restaurant houses a fully stocked bar providing an extensive array of beverages. Patrons can choose from fine wines, craft beers, and expertly crafted cocktails designed to complete the dining experience. Addressing wider customer demographics, the venue also serves a comprehensive selection of mocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks.
Looking ahead, management has announced plans to expand operational hours over the weekends. This adjustment is intended to invite more families and daytime diners to experience the venue, with doors opening from 12 pm until late, cementing its footprint in Essex’s thriving hospitality sector.
