Tuesday 27 January 2015 8:29 pm

Let them eat steak: Martin Williams is the man behind the City’s newest brand – M

Martin Williams, owner of the new M complex on Threadneedle Street, shares his vision for the brand

WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR M?

A multifaceted venue with a private members’ club feel. A home from home that you can use for breakfast, wine tastings, cocktails, live music and a quick (or epic) lunch or dinner.

WHAT’S SO GOOD ABOUT YOUR STEAK?

Our grill restaurant has steaks from six countries that have the best cattle breeding and rearing in the world. We are very lucky to have access to some of the most exclusive cuts created. We also age the beef in our butchers room and then choose which grill (wood burning, or charcoal) is best for each individual steak.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLANNING M?

M is the result of over a decade in the industry, creating ideas and being inspired by the finest hospitality in the world.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE BRAND?

M is a brand, not a chain restaurant, so as we open more venues, each of the five elements – M-Raw, M-Grill, M-Bar, M-Wines and M-Den – will evolve and have different focuses. Our second venue, for example, will host a private members’ bar and wine shop, as that suits the location and demographic perfectly.

THERE’S A WAVE OF NEW OPENINGS IN THE CITY – WHY NOW?

The city is such an energetic, vibrant part of London that embraces entrepreneurs, has a pro-capital outlook and appreciates quality. Of course it’s a magnet for new restaurants.

WHO IS THE ARCHETYPAL M CUSTOMER?
It’s very diverse. We offer a two-course lunch menu called M28, which is served in 28 minutes for £28. Then we have the Kobe at £150 a steak. We have a younger crowd eating sashimi, tartars, yakatori and ramen in Raw, or a burger and a pint in M-Bar. So M appeals to a number of demographics; anybody who appreciates quality.

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP THE RESTAURANT IN THREE WORDS?
Home from home.

IS THERE SOMETHING EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT M?
Our restaurant director Francesco is the finest example of hospitality that you will find in London. Jarad McCarroll our head chef, joined me from Chiltern Firehouse – they are a formidable duo.

On Tuesday 17 February, Martin is hosting an evening celebrating steak, with a journey through six continents featuring wine, cocktails, masterclasses, food and entertainment. Head chef Jarad McCarroll and food experts Tom Parker Bowles and Matthew Fort will take part in a discussion on everything steak, from their favourite culinary countries to personal anecdotes.

The evening will start at M (2-3 Threadneedle Walk, 60 Threadneedle Street) with a cocktail reception at 6.30pm followed by a tasting dinner and concluding with a blind “taste off” of M’s six signature steaks.

Tickets are £175 per person including six taster plates and drinks. Mention City A.M. when booking to receive a free copy of Tom’s brand new cook book.