MY friend described Black and Blue Classic Steaks and Wines as the perfect destination for a first date.

Less than a minute from Gloucester Road tube station, there’s not be enough time for the ‘hey, I just met you and don’t really know what to say’ awkward silence and if you want to show you have a good taste in dining, this would be a noble choice.

Although Gloucester Road is littered with restaurants, Black and Blue visibly stands out, particularly due to the glowing Olympic-Torch style flames guiding you into the doorway.

We were in the Kensington corner of London for a concert at the nearby [15 minute walk] Royal Albert Hall. A pair of steak critics, only the best was going to impress but I can say that without a doubt, we left more than content.

On entering, the restaurant was swish, modern and contemporary. The atmosphere was instantly friendly, the staff welcoming and a combination of these and great company made for the most enjoyable evening.

There are no tables and chairs here but comfy leather booths seating four diners. At the back of the restaurant is a cocktail bar and tables with bar stools, which became more popular as the evening went on. Another nice touch was the dimming of the lights later in the night and the scented candles in the toilets.

Service was spot on – plenty of waiters and waitresses all more than happy to help. We opted for a two-course meal and a bottle of Spanish house red wine [£18].

Although the menu boasted a variety of more adventurous steaks, we both opted for the 16oz Sirloin [£16], noted on the menu as being made from Scottish beef and aged for 28 days. A selection of burgers, salads and even salmon were also available. I ordered my steak well done and it came accompanied by the most tasteful herb and garlic butter sauce I’ve ever tasted. Chips – and these were very impressive too – and a bowl of mixed salad for us to share was delivered as well. The steak was bursting with flavor and I will put my hands up and say this was comfortably the best steak I’ve ever had in London.

The dessert menu comprised all the usual suspects but still rendered me with the tough choice of chocolate brownie [£6] versus New York cheesecake [£6]. With Cassie going for the brownie, I took the cheesecake. Both were delicately presented with creamy vanilla ice cream and they looked a treat on the plate before I picked up the spoon. I even nibbled the corner of the chocolate brownie too and this was of the same high standard as the cheesecake. The desserts topped off an excellent all-round meal.

By the end of the night, there was not a table free. Two or three had ‘reserved’ signs on them and this was a Thursday evening – so I would advise you to book in advance if you’re serious about giving this place a go.

One final credit must be handed to Black and Blue for its disabled lift to the downstairs toilets. Although not a requirement for us, I haven’t been to many central London diners offering this but I can certainly vouch that this restaurant is disabled friendly.

There are seven Black and Blue’s across London and if you recognise a top standard steak when you see one, I’d urge you to give this place a try. I will be back.

How Black and Blue Classic Steaks and Wines rated:

FOOD ***** Faultless – everything spot on.

SERVICE **** - Friendly and accommodating.

INTERIOR/DECOR **** - Loved the touch of dimming the lights.

Address: Black and Blue, 105 Gloucester Road, SW7 4SS [out the tube station, turn right]