The AVA Journal · Guide
What to Drink With Steak
A great steak has always deserved a great glass beside it. Now that AVA is fully licensed, we can pour you a proper one. Our bar runs from bold reds and crisp whites to classic cocktails and premium spirits, and we have kept a serious alcohol-free range too. So whether you drink or not, here is how to pair the perfect drink with your cut.
The One Rule That Makes Any Pairing Work
Match the weight of the drink to the weight of the steak. A big, marbled cut wants something with enough structure to keep up, while a leaner piece is happiest with something softer. What makes red wine sing with beef is not the alcohol, it is the tannin and acidity that cut through the richness and reset your palate for the next bite. Keep that in mind and you can pair with confidence.
For a Rich Ribeye, Tomahawk or Wagyu
These are the showstoppers, full of fat and flavour, so reach for a red with real presence. Our Malbec Punto Alto from Mendoza is dripping with spicy plum and blackcurrant and stands up to every mouthful. The Shiraz from Alvi’s Drift brings dark bramble and mulberry, while the Barbera d’Asti adds a velvety morello-cherry lift. If you would rather skip the alcohol, our Noughty alcohol-free Rouge carries the same ripe red fruit without the alcohol.
For a Lean, Delicate Fillet
A fillet is tender and subtle, so a heavy red can overwhelm it. A smoother red like the Rioja Crianza, with its gentle spice and cherry, or the soft Merlot flatters the cut beautifully. Prefer something lighter? A chilled glass of Château Paradis rosé or a crisp Albariño is lovely, especially if you are pairing with our surf and turf.
For a Bold, Peppered or Dry-Aged Steak
A dry-aged or heavily seasoned steak has a deep, nutty intensity that calls for a wine with backbone. The Cabernet Sauvignon Paraíso Sur, rich with cassis, or the structured Barbera are made for it. This is also the moment for a classic cocktail: an Old School bourbon serve or a Negroni before you eat both cut beautifully against the char.
The right glass does not compete with the steak. It steps back, then makes every bite taste a little more like itself.
Cocktails for the Table
Our bar shakes the classics properly. Start with a Prosecco Azzillo or a Pornstar Martini, settle in with a Cosmopolitan or a Classic Margarita, or finish with a Mai Tai. They are a fine way to open an evening before the grill does the talking.
Mocktails and Alcohol-Free, Done Properly
Being licensed has not changed our belief that a night out should be brilliant whether you drink or not. Our bartender specials, like the Ruby Rose Punch, the Watermelon Mist and the Strawberry Mojito, are built with the same care as the cocktails. We also pour genuinely good alcohol-free wines from Noughty and Wild Life Botanicals, plus alcohol-free Peroni, so no one at the table is left with a token soft drink.
To Mark Something Special
Birthdays, anniversaries and the big celebrations deserve a little sparkle. Our Champagne Lombard is a superb boutique pour, the world-renowned Moët et Chandon never misses, and the Laurent-Perrier Brut Rosé brings fresh strawberry and wild cherry to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve alcohol at AVA?
Yes. AVA is now fully licensed, with a wine list, classic cocktails and premium spirits, alongside a full range of mocktails and alcohol-free drinks.
What wine goes best with steak?
For a rich ribeye or tomahawk, a bold Malbec or Shiraz. For a leaner fillet, a softer Rioja or a chilled rosé. Match the weight of the wine to the weight of the cut and you will not go far wrong.
Do you still offer alcohol-free options?
Absolutely. We pour proper alcohol-free wines, alcohol-free beer and a full mocktail list, so everyone at the table is looked after.
Is the steak halal?
Our meat is halal, sourced from trusted halal suppliers.
Romford’s Luxury Steakhouse
Book your table
Come and find your perfect pairing. Reserve your table at AVA and let our team pour something special beside your steak.
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