In amongst a mixed crowd of city suits and glamorously dressed diners, I was shown to my table where Mr Husband was waiting for our Friday dinner. He had already settled in to the surrounds of the spacious restaurant by sampling a fine malt whiskey on the rocks, straight from the 12-metre-long bar’s mightily extensive (and impressive) selection of spirits.
As we were handed the menus, a live band began to conjure up an electric performance of jazz blues and soul. The upbeat vibe immediately propelled us into the right mood for a distinctive Friday night out.
Set on the second floor of a Gotham City-style Art Deco building, The Boisdale boasts a fantastic view to the river Thames and the London skyline. The restaurant’s signature design of lacquer red and dark green walls, rich mahogany panelling and eclectic choice of art pieces, all work harmoniously as the perfect backdrop to experience good food and live entertainment.
With our spirits firmly lifted from the music, we ordered some Scottish seafood starters to share: a creamy shellfish bisque perfumed with Armagnac, sour cream and sippets and the popular ‘The Menage A Trois’ salmon ‘three ways’ selection of Dunkeld wild cold-smoked, dill-cured gravadlax and a confit version served with crème fraiche. We also sampled the delicate ceviche of Isle of Mull scallop dressed with lime, chilli and topped with caviar.
We then moved on to our mains. Mr Husband and I both decided to opt for a hearty option of good old Scottish sourced steak. At Boisdale, they use the very best Scottish beef traditionally and naturally reared on mineral rich Aberdeenshire pastures (unless they state otherwise). He chose the rib-eye and I (for those who like a slimmer, slightly less fatty serving) went for the Tournedo fillet. We also ordered the leaf spinach creamed with black truffle – a decadently rich but must-have side dish to order to accompany your mains. Of course, no steak would be served well, in my mind, without some chips too.
We were pleasantly full by the end of our main feast that we skipped on desserts but we are both intent to visit again and try out some of the other deliciously appealing offerings on the menu. Think roasted loin of wild venison from Blair Atholl Estate in Scotland, lobster thermidor with mustard sauce, tarragon and mushrooms and something for real Scottish foodies, roast Macsween haggis with mashed potatoes and bashed neeps.
We’d also be keen to head there again, as The Boisdale also features a heated Cigar Terrace, Cuban Library & Shop (where you can sample cigars indoor before purchasing them) and a Caviar and Oyster Bar, serving a wide range of oysters, Hebridean shellfish, Scottish smoked salmon, caviar and even a handful of various burgers that sound (and probably taste) absolutely scrummy.
So, if you’re looking for somewhere energetic and lively, then The Boisdale will be just the dinner ticket. Be sure to check online before you visit to see which live acts, bands or performances are playing before choosing when to make your reservation.
The Boisdale also has spots in Belgravia, Bishopsgate and in Wiltshire.
For further information, please visit : www.boisdale.co.uk