Boisdale of Mayfair Review

The venue

Friday 13^th (Ooo…spooky!) possessed nothing ghoulish but reflected a night of delicious food, drinks, girly chatter and live music within the heart of London’s affluent Mayfair at Boisdale.

Distinct bold red walls with sumptuous mahogany panelling contribute to the décor with classic and modern artwork littering the walls here at Boisdale. The restaurant boasts a substantial menu selection as illustrated on the website. As I’m more of a set menu gal, I was drawn to the 3-course set menu with a glass of champagne (non-alcoholic option available) for a sublime £27.50 (yes! Less than £30!).

Boisdale claims to serve ‘the finest’ traditional Scottish/British food, fine wine, whiskey and cigars, enjoyed to the rhythm of live jazz/blues. Upon entering the restaurant, I was struck by swathes of chatter, laughter and glassware clatter, erupting from the lively bar and was greeted by a host who led us into a quieter mezzanine dining area. Our waitress was a cheerful young lady who catered to our every need throughout; from food and drink recommendations to a brief lesson on everything Boisdale.

Menus were provided, orders were taken and drinks were served; champagne for me and a round luscious mocktails for the girls. Everyone enjoyed their drinks but mine tasted like a cheap glass of bubbly. Discouraged, I silently prayed that the entirety of the night would not reflect the golden liquid of disappointment fizzing within my glass.   

The quality of bread at a restaurant is usually a good sign of what lies ahead food-wise. At Boisdale I was not disappointed, the bread was great in taste and texture, which I happily enjoyed with a generous slathering of salted butter. Starters comprised of Dumfriesshire Blackface (a meat company in Dumfries) haggis for my friend and I, as well as crispy pepper & chilli (which was lost somewhere) squid for my other 2 friends. Presentation of the haggis was nice, while the squid adopted a practical approach. The haggis tantalised my taste buds; soft, moist with a unique taste coupled with the ‘bashed neeps and tatties’ or swedes and potatoes for us non-Scottish folk – a wonderful accompaniment. Of course, I enjoyed a squid (or three), which was simply delicious! Tender pieces of fresh squid encrusted within a golden light batter and still no chilli! (o chilli, where are you??). 

 

For main, I ordered the haddock with a side of greens and crispy shallots as did my friend who opted for a side of hand-cut chips instead, while another chose the steak cooked medium-rare with a side of truffle, rosemary and parmesan chips (at this point friend 4 had departed from the evening’s festivities). The fish was succulent and flaky and I hoped for the moment to last longer as I munched my way through the starter-like portion, while the greens were equally delicious. Both flavours of the chips which were scrumptious; crispy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside, I preferred the truffle version due to its ‘je ne sais quoi!’. I passed on the steak – I’m not a fan of red meat in the form of steak but my friend preached of its goodness.          

Dessert was an apple sponge pudding topped with a hazelnut crumble, apple and a caramel ice cream, for us all – another miniature portion. The dish was nice overall – nothing to rave about, but the crumble probably escaped the wrath of the kitchen as there was hardly any! Despite this, there was cake and ‘happy birthday!’ singing (an awkward moment for me because I feared having my brows being burned off by sparklers) making up for the average dessert.

Final thoughts

Overall, it was an enjoyable evening with lovely food but it was the incredible hospitality and toe-tappingly great music that elevated the experience.

 

Boisdale of Mayfair Restaurant

12 North Row, Mayfair

W1K 7DF

 

The Solo Foodie