The Hidden Steakhouse in Oban is the latest offering from Diversity Leisure who really do live up to the ‘diverse’ name with various gastro pubs, hotels, Asian and Mexican restaurants across the Argyll & Highlands region and the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The new restaurant is located in their central hub, the Seafood Capital of Scotland, Oban – however this time it is all about celebrating beef and a brand-new Josper oven!
The new Hidden Steakhouse entrance is indeed hidden, tucked away inside their first restaurant, the highly acclaimed Cuan Mor which has been a staple in Oban for 20 years.
The restaurant has made its home in a former function room and owner Paul Sloan told DRAM, “I’ve been wanting to do something in this area for some time and then I bought a Josper oven, so a steakhouse seemed a perfect idea. Especially as we have such great Scottish beef on our doorstep. Also, we don’t have a steakhouse in Oban, so it’s something the town doesn’t already have. It’s a shock for people at first as it’s just not like being in Oban. The food is fantastic and it’s really working.”
Open seven days from 5pm the new restaurant has been designed by Interiors by Dominic Paul. Upon reaching the double entrance doors inside Cuan Mor you are met with gold ‘Hidden Steakhouse’ branding, an Art Deco style corridor, the former lobby of a hotel, and a small set of stairs which leads up to the 24-capacity cocktail bar where a red neon ‘Steakhouse’ sign beckons you inside.
Another five stairs lead up to the 50-seater restaurant, a large rectangular room which echoes the design of the cocktail bar perfectly. The feel is like stepping back in time with a Prohibition-Era inspired atmosphere, where the charm of vintage meets contemporary elegance. It’s certainly a far cry from Cuan Mor’s more casual, rustic charm.
The predominant colours are deep red, black and gold which bring a true 1930s elegance. A striking black and gold Art Deco wallpaper and dark wood panelling line the walls and various wall sconces and dramatic chandeliers fill the room with warm light. Mirror has been used on the walls to enhance the depth and atmosphere and there are also various paintings and art deco prints all contained within black and ornate gold frames.
There is even a stage located behind a red velvet curtain with a piano for the jazz nights and also a comedy club which they hope to launch in the future.
The work has been completed by a small team of local contractors including Swann Joinery and a furniture package has been carefully curated by Select Contract Furniture. There are plush red velvet fluted booths, gorgeous black and red velvet dining chairs and black marbled tables with a metal gold trim. These all match the bold black and red geometric printed carpet perfectly.
The attention to the finer details is also impressive from the little black table lamps to the menus which are red leather with distinct gold branding.
One of my favourite elements has to be the statement wooden fireplace in the cocktail bar which is topped with a mirror in a beautiful ornate gold frame and a massive bulls head above. Here little cocktail tables match the restaurant tables perfectly and the red velvet banquettes are coupled with little black velvet stools with red piping. The well stocked bar also has an Art Deco feel and a stunning marble top. There is even a wine wall with the bottles neatly displayed in black wooden squares.
The Hidden Steakhouse certainly offers something new and promises an unforgettable dining experience in Oban. The steak selections are impressive, and it specialises in prime British beef with all of the cuts expertly cooked on the Josper charcoal oven. Paul adds, “Our sole focus is the Josper oven, everything is cooked on that and the menu is based around it – from steak to seafood such as mussels and even our vegetables are roasted on it. We don’t cook on anything else.”
The food sounds amazing and the moody, indulgent atmosphere certainly sets the stage for a top-tier steakhouse experience. In fact, I can’t wait for my next trip to Oban!
