Boisdale of Canary Wharf is an award-winning restaurant serving the very best in traditional Scottish cuisine.
It offers a world-class whisky collection via their whisky and oyster bar, a remarkable wine list including their very own bottled wine and classic champagnes, a cigar terrace and incredible live music performed by an eclectic number of artists from a variety of genres on a nightly basis. Boisdale was established in 1988 by Ranald Macdonald, and now boasts venues in Belgravia and Bishopsgate too.
This stellar venue overlooks the fountains of Cabot Place via its Art Deco style building, with fantastic views of the Thames and the City of London landscape. It’s one of the Capital’s most iconic dining and entertaining spots, decorated with distinctive red and dark green walls, deep plush mahogany fabrics and a wonderful array of classic and contemporary original artwork.
The clientele that frequent Boisdale of Canary Wharf is a mixture of business types fresh from the high powered towers of Canary Wharf – Captains of Industry, VIPs and celebrities, to name but a few. This dazzling restaurant combines a rich and stunning setting with comfort, style and a high level of service with a warm, welcoming smile.
The scene had now been set, the atmosphere was building, and I couldn’t wait to sample the very best cuisine Boisdale Canary Wharf had to offer. My waitress was outstanding, and guided me through the delightful menu and the specials of the day too. The menu showcases classic British dishes from seafood right through to haggis.
I opted to start with the multiple award-winning Dunkeld Scottish oak smoked salmon from the Scottish Highlands, and my guest went for the seared hand-dived Scottish scallop and crispy pork belly, English peas, smoked black pudding and honey scallops of which both dishes were perfect in terms of portion sizes. They were well presented, smooth and light on the palate too.
For our main dish, our excellent waitress recommended that we try the Chateau Briand which was a sharing steak for two people cooked with a thick cut from the tenderloin filet. This was truly superb and I thoroughly suggest this is a dish guests try when visiting a Boisdale restaurant. I prefer my meat medium to well done, and my compliments to the chef for getting this spot on. It was tender and very easy on the slice, combined with a rich and buttery bernaise sauce which made our steak experience all that more enjoyable.
Our main dish was complete with a selection of thick cut chips, early new potatoes, parsley and garden mint, steamed broccoli, lemon, Arbequina olive oil, toasted linseeds and a plate of avocado, heritage tomatoes and olive oil.
By the end of our main course we were completely full and could not manage anymore. However, after a little break, our waitress returned to offer a very tempting dessert menu. The sweets on offer consisted of the likes of Sticky Toffee Pudding caramel sauce and Cornish clotted cream, Iced ‘Peanut Brittle’ parfait bitter chocolate sorbet, and peanut croquant and Bramley Apple & Raspberry Crumble bourbon vanilla ice cream.
Unfortunately, I was unable to sample the dessert menu on this occasion due to being completely full from my starters and main dishes, but I did finish off my visit with a delicious cup of hot chocolate which went done rather well. At least I now have a valid reason to return to Boisdale Canary Wharf in the not too distant future, if only to try their exceptional dessert menu.
During the evening, my guest and I were also very impressed with the live music performances which made the experience even more special. The wonderfully gifted Jools Holland, an English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer and television presenter is Boisdale’s patron of music. Jools was an original member of the band ‘Squeeze’, and his work has involved him with many artists including the likes of Sting, Eric Clapton, Midge Ure, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison and Bono to name an impressive list of artists. At Boisdale Canary Wharf, you can expect jazz, blues and soul throughout the week, from light instrumental acts on Monday’s and Tuesday’s to sell out blockbusters at weekends and relaxing easy listening on Sunday afternoons.
Boisdale of Canary Wharf is a large outpost which has recently widened the scope considerably for their mid-week live music programme in order to make their musical offering more inclusive to guests. On Wednesday nights, diners are now treated to the ‘Summer Superstar Series’, featuring some of the most celebrated music in pop history with live performances of the music of classic and iconic stars such as Elvis, Bob Marley, Sinatra, and The Beatles.
From 9.30pm onwards, my guest and I were treated to a magical performance from a phenomenal Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin tribute act. The two classy crooners who performed were Gary Williams and Steve Pert, and were joined by Pete Long’s magnificent nine-piece Big Band in a hugely entertaining and authentic Rat Pack homage that was well received by all the diners during the evening. By the end of their exciting and infectious set, they had everyone up from their dining tables dancing which was a truly memorable sight.
Boisdale Canary Wharf offers a truly unique dining experience coupled with amazing food, world class service and stand out live music and entertainment. I am already looking forward to my next Boisdale adventure….
For further information, please visit www.boisdale.co.uk.
To book a table or purchase tickets for a show, please call 020 7715 5818.
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