Tucked inside one of the sleek new developments just off Broadgate Circle, The Horsemen and Fitzgerald’s is the kind of place that instantly feels like it’s been part of the City forever. The venue brings together two distinct spaces united by equestrian heritage and transatlantic spirit.
The Horsemen is fast becoming the City’s go-to spot for a perfectly poured Guinness, with an exceptional line-up of Irish whiskies, American bourbons and live horse racing screenings. From the front, it’s a lively American-Irish pub buzzing with after-work chatter and pints flowing at the bar.
Slip behind the velvet curtains and you’ll find Fitzgerald’s – a hidden dining room that feels worlds away from the glass towers outside. We started the evening with a couple of excellent cocktails – a classic margarita and a superb dirty martini – which felt like the right way to ease into the evening.
The transformation is genuinely impressive. Think old-school London institution meets classic jockey club charm, with framed racing silks, oil paintings and equestrian touches scattered throughout. It somehow captures the atmosphere of somewhere like The (original) Ivy or Rules, despite sitting in a thoroughly modern Liverpool Street building. Warm lighting, polished service and an effortlessly timeless feel make it a proper City escape.
The menu pulls influences from both Kentucky and Dublin, with a refined grill restaurant curated by executive chef Esteve Prats Grau. Dishes range from sharing-style Kentucky Fried Chicken and slow-braised Lamb Shank Pie to Irish beef steaks and Turbot Cassoulet.
For our visit, we started with the Caesar salad, which was an absolute standout. Ever since first discovering a proper Caesar in NYC years ago, it’s been a personal obsession – and this came close to the best. Honestly, I’d return for the Caesar salad alone. The white asparagus with Provençal salsa and blood orange was another highlight: crisp, refreshing and full of colour.
We arrived for an early dinner and by the time mains landed, the room was steadily filling with City diners already clearly in on the secret. Curious about their take on Kentucky Fried Chicken, we ordered it – and were very glad we did. The crispy boneless chicken thighs were juicy, flavour-packed and beautifully presented with cucumber pickle, salsa verde and a rich gravy mayo that completely worked. A side of Old Bay fries alongside a perfectly chilled glass of Mâcon Chardonnay made it even better.
The rib-eye steak, cooked medium rare, was smoky, tender and packed with flavour, especially paired with the bold peppercorn sauce and a superb glass of red Saint-Émilion. Sides of creamy spinach, buttery mash and charred broccoli were all must-orders and worked brilliantly across the table.
Dessert was shared: warm apple cake with white chocolate ice cream, followed by coffee served in beautiful crockery that somehow perfectly matched the room’s old-world feel.
The Horseman and Fitzgerald’s already feels like one of those long-established City institutions people have been visiting for decades. A real treat of a restaurant – classic without being stuffy, stylish without trying too hard – and exactly the sort of place you’ll happily return to again and again.