The steak served up at a new Southend restaurant is very rare indeed. In fact, it's so rare it's believed to be unique.

The 40-ouncer served up at Taurus steakhouse on Pier Hill is claimed to be the largest on offer at any British eatery.

Head chef Craig Boardman said: "In South Africa and the USA they've been known to serve up something this size, but there's certainly nothing to match this in London, or anywhere else in this country, from my knowledge."

Taurus also claims another place in the history books, as the first business to open in Southend's historic Palace Hotel as part of the current restoration programme.

Much of the hotel is still undergoing renovation, in preparation for its role at the heart of the new Southend university.

Yet despite the cladding that still covers the seafront face of the building, Taurus manager Adam Fogg said: "This is a wonderful site for a good restaurant and we decided there wasn't any point in hanging around. We just wanted to get going."

The idea for the giant steak came from Craig, who specialises in steak, and was specially recruited from London because of his expertise.

He said: "We wanted something that would provide us with a challenge. We serve a wide range of food here, but steak is the speciality.

"I've certainly never cooked anything like this before. The biggest steak I've ever handled in the past was a 20oz one. But as a dish this is not just a gimmick.

Provided that it is cooked with care and a bit of know-how, a giant steak like this makes a dish that's beautiful to taste and beautiful to look at."

The 40-ouncer, which is sourced from Ireland, is cooked slowly on a chargrill.

Craig recommends that it is served medium rare. "That way you really get the taste of the steak," he said.