The Santa Maria Grill at Losh
Open-Fire Cooking in Harpenden

At the heart of the Losh kitchen sits our bespoke Santa Maria grill. Argentinian open-fire specialist Gonzalo Fernandez built it on site. Fuelled by charcoal and oak, it brings depth, aroma and unmistakable character to every steak.

For guests searching for charcoal-grilled steak in Harpenden, this is more than a method of cooking. The glow of the coals and the scent of smoke drift through the restaurant. As a result, the fire becomes part of the dining experience itself.

Below we look at how the grill came to Harpenden, how it works, and what goes over it. If you have already read our introduction to Losh Bar & Grill, this is the detailed version. Above all, it covers the part of the kitchen guests ask about most.

It Began with a Steak Special

Steak first appeared at Losh as a Christmas special. Our guests loved it. However, we knew that a permanent place on the menu came with a condition. It deserved to be cooked properly.

A conventional gas grill could provide heat. Yet it could not give us the smoky depth or the distinctive crust we wanted. So we began exploring the craft of open-fire cooking. Eventually that search led us to the Santa Maria grill.

Built in Harpenden by an Argentinian Specialist

Our search introduced us to Gonzalo Fernandez. He is an Argentinian craftsman, and he brings extensive knowledge of live-fire cooking.

Rather than supplying a standard piece of equipment, Gonzalo travelled to Harpenden. Then he built the grill inside our kitchen. He designed it specifically for the space, the menu and the demands of a busy restaurant service.

The result is a completely bespoke Santa Maria grill. As a result, the way we prepare steak at Losh has changed for good.

What Is a Santa Maria Grill?

A Santa Maria grill is an open-fire grill with an adjustable cooking grate. Using a hand-operated mechanism, chefs raise or lower the meat above the coals. So they control the intensity of the heat directly.

A steak drops towards the fire to develop a beautifully caramelised crust. Then it rises again to cook more gently and evenly. As a result, our chefs keep precise control over each cut.

Thickness, marbling and cooking preference all influence the height and the timing. We treat every steak individually. Above all, each one gets close attention from the moment it reaches the grill. The style itself takes its name from the Santa Maria Valley in California, where ranchers cooked beef over open grates.

Charcoal and Oak, Never Gas

The fuel beneath the grill matters as much as the equipment itself. We experimented with charcoal, wood and different combinations of the two. Eventually we found the right balance.

Charcoal provides the steady heat needed throughout service. Meanwhile a touch of oak adds aroma and a subtle smoky finish. So the flavour complements the beef without overpowering it.

There is no gas involved. Instead the distinctive taste comes straight from three things. The charcoal, the oak, and the skill of the chef working over the fire.

What Goes on the Santa Maria Grill?

Our ribeye and sirloin steaks cook over the Santa Maria grill. Each cut responds differently to the heat. So we sear, cook and rest every steak carefully to reach the right finish. Even so, the method behind each one stays the same.

Ribeye benefits from the way its marbling renders over the coals. Sirloin, by contrast, needs its own balance of intense heat and controlled cooking. Because the grate adjusts, our chefs respond to those differences throughout the process.

Lamb, chicken and seafood cook separately over a traditional Turkish charcoal grill. Two grills and two distinct techniques share one philosophy: respect the ingredient and let the fire build the flavour. Overall, you can see both at work across our à la carte menu.

The Fire Is Part of the Experience

Our open kitchen places the Santa Maria grill in view of the dining room. Guests watch the flames and see the chefs adjusting the grate. Meanwhile the aroma of charcoal and oak carries across the room as dishes come together.

The fire brings energy and theatre to the restaurant. It also creates anticipation before the food arrives. Above all, it lets guests see the patience and craftsmanship behind every plate. In short, the Santa Maria grill is part of the evening, not just the kitchen.

For a closer view of the grill, request a table near the open kitchen when making your reservation.

Where to Enjoy Charcoal-Grilled Steak in Harpenden

Losh Bar & Grill sits at 9 Station Road, in the centre of Harpenden. Our setting combines contemporary dining with Mediterranean hospitality. Alongside that, you will find handcrafted drinks and genuine open-fire cooking.

Friday and Saturday evenings also feature live music. As a result, Losh has become an inviting destination for date nights, celebrations and memorable weekends in Harpenden.

Looking for a steak restaurant in Harpenden with something truly distinctive? Try steak cooked over the bespoke Santa Maria grill at Losh. To read more about how we source our produce, see our about us page. Otherwise, reserve your table and discover the flavour of the fire for yourself.