Flat Iron Southbank — Restaurant in London

Today, I had a truly upsetting experience at this steakhouse that I feel needs to be shared!!! I was walking through the market with my husband and our three-year-old daughter when she suddenly said she needed the toilet. As any parent knows, toddlers can’t wait — when they need to go, it’s urgent.

Looking around quickly for a nearby place, I saw this steakhouse. It appeared open, though no one greeted me as I walked in. I looked around for a member of staff and also tried to spot the toilets. Eventually, a tall man with glasses and a bald head called out to me and said, “Excuse me, madam.” I turned around and politely asked if I could use the toilet for my three-year-old daughter, explaining the urgency.

He responded by saying, “I’m really sorry, but it’s only for customers,” and then directed me to a public toilet that was quite far away — not ideal when you’re with a toddler who can’t hold it and could easily have an accident on the way.

I explained that the public toilet was too far, and that she wouldn’t be able to hold it, and once again asked if we could please use their facilities just this once. He said, “I totally understand, but unfortunately it’s a no.”

I was honestly shocked. I didn’t even know how to respond in that moment. I just said, “Okay then, I’ll be a customer. Can I have a Coke, please?” I gave him £3 and rushed with my daughter to the toilet.

As I was walking away, I couldn’t help but say out loud how unkind and inhumane it felt. I said something like, “This is so unkind. People really need to be more compassionate these days.” It wasn’t aggressive — just an emotional reaction to a moment that lacked basic empathy.

After we used the toilet, I came out, left the drink behind, and told him, “You can keep it. I didn’t need a drink. I needed kindness.” I left the place feeling extremely disappointed. I wasn’t there trying to take advantage. I was well dressed, clearly had money, and was polite. In fact, if he had shown just a little kindness and let us in, we likely would’ve returned for lunch later as a family. We enjoy places like that — a good steakhouse, nice atmosphere — and we often recommend such places to friends. I could’ve easily brought more great customers their way, real customers they might genuinely value.

But now, unfortunately, it’s a firm NO from us.

This could happen to anyone — to his own child, to a pregnant woman, or to an elderly parent , like his mum! How would he feel if they were turned away like this?

I completely understand that businesses have rules. But sometimes, in special situations, human decency should come first. A place can have five-star reviews, delicious food, and great service — but if it lacks compassion, I personally could never recommend it.

I truly hope the management reflects on this and reminds their team that sometimes, a small act of kindness speaks louder than a perfect menu or a polished setting. Especially in today’s world, we all need to be a little kinder to...

We ordered two wagyu steaks from the specials menu. Mine was extremely chewy and I ended up leaving most of it. The chips and the peppercorn sauce were nice enough but didn't blow me away.

The wine list is a bit odd as it doesn't really give much information - no mention of the producer or the vintage. Anyway, whatever random malbec I ordered was decent enough. It was however served in a tumbler which ruined the experience. I guess they're trying to make it unpretentious but as a wine lover it wasn't really vibing with me - I want to know what I'm ordering and have some decent glassware. Wouldn't it be better to try to inform people rather than dumbing it down?

All that said, I can't fault the service. The staff were all absolutely lovely and the waitress refunded one of the steaks after seeing that I hadn't enjoyed it. I guess in hindsight I should have been less British and complained earlier to get a replacement.

The music is fairly loud but not so loud that you can't hold a conversation. I think this works well with the casual vibes and you don't have to worry about your neighbours listening into your private conversations or your awkward first date!

The highlight was actually the free 'Tahitian' ice cream at the end which was very creamy and delicious.

Unfortunately I enjoyed most things about this restaurant except for the most important thing - the steak. I think at this price point if I wanted to satisfy some beef cravings I'd rather just go to Honest Burger, and if I really wanted a quality steak and some nice wine I'd spend the extra money and go to Hawksmoor or Goodman and know I'm going to get high quality meat, a glass of wine that can be identified, and some...

It was my birthday, and I wrote that in the notes of the reservation so the restaurant knew. When I arrived I was immediately taken to a lovely table by Alex, I think everyone gets free popcorn, which I really enjoyed. I had some allergies and Sep was very helpful in ensuring that I didn’t order anything that I was allergic to, he was very kind and lovely the whole time! And when he passed over his shift to Darek, I was also greeted with lots of care and kindness. They let me sit outside under the umbrellas after I had paid to eat my free ice cream (with a very sweet ‘happy birthday’ board under it). Service was brilliant. I had ordered a Flat Iron steak, medium with the béarnaise sauce, and it was DELICIOUS. The right amount of chew and melt in the mouth feel. The chips were crispy and soft on the inside, so so so good. The rose lemonade was also pretty good, I love the big wine glass it was in, makes you feel fancy haha. I gave it 4 stars for Atmosphere only because it was very busy and loud, and when you’re alone it’s kinda overwhelming and awkward BUT that’s not their fault at all, the waiters/managers themselves are lovely and hardworking and did the best they could with the busy atmosphere; Darek let me sit outside, and bought me my ice cream, he just went above and beyond. Overall a brilliant experience for my birthday dinner and first time at flat iron, I will definitely...