FOOD and art lovers united at the launch of a new Southampton steak restaurant which combines the two.

Steak of the Art has opened its doors at Admirals Quay, Ocean Village.

Special guests attended a party to celebrate the opening of the 170-cover restaurant, which serves up good food within a gallery showcasing quality affordable art.

The concept, already proving a success in Cardiff and Bristol, is served up by classically trained chef and art lover Steve Bowen.

A Titanic themed mural adorns a wall and a feature crows nest table towers over the waterfront eatery.

Bosses at Steak of the Art have joined forces with the city’s oldest art society to exhibit work during the restaurant's opening weeks.

Southampton Arts Society has up to 30 pieces of work hanging in the venue.

A collection of work from members of the club including a mix of genres, themes and sizes, they will be on display for 10 weeks and are also for sale.

The artists were among the special guests at the launch party, which saw dozens of VIPs served cubes of succulent steak and bubbles.