You may have heard of Boisdale – the restaurant has a few places scattered across the capital – but have you booked your table yet?
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Liverpool Street, next to Dirty Dicks, you’ll find a quiet alley. Don’t be deterred by the rowdy few outside the bar next door, follow the covered walkway and you’ll find the calmer Boisdale of Bishopsgate.
Despite its location in the heart of the City, the restaurant transports you to Scotland and into a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A highland sanctuary in the City.
Unapologetically Scottish, the exposed brick walls are painted red and green and the floors are covered with thick tartan carpets. The dimly-lit rooms feel romantic – the perfect place to cosy up to a date.
Using an eclectic mix of art work, framed records and even prize-winning fish, the rooms feel almost homely – think of an eccentric grandparents’ house. You’ll see bizarre oddities and pictures adorning every inch of the restaurants’ walls, and you’ll find yourself stopping and staring at every turn.
As we sat down, we were joined by many other friendly faces. A wide-ranging congregation of people, the tables were full of workers after a long day, couples on first dates and families celebrating milestones together. It really was a coming together of all walks of life.
NOW READ: Best rooftop bars in the City of London
We began the evening with a couple of cocktails: Le Vie En Rose, made with Veuve Clicquot Rose and Creme de Peche, and a Purple Rain, which used gin, butterfly pea tea and egg white. The former was delicate and sweet and a lovely opening to the evening. The Purple Rain wasn’t very flavourful and we could only taste alcohol; one for a more hardy palate perhaps.
After a short perusal of the incredible-looking a la carte menu (the restaurant offers a selection of menu options), we started with the Scottish smoked salmon with capers and lemon, as well as the mini haggis with neeps and tatties, both of which tasted great.
The salmon is light and simple, which was perfect for those knowingly getting a large main. The haggis was a delicious and herby dish, but a heavy one. If, like us, you try the Scottish beef, maybe stick to a lighter option to begin with.
That being said, the steaks were beautiful and we found the room to polish off our plates. We went for the 21-day-dry-aged 8oz centre-cut fillet, which was tender and juicy. Paired with some thrice-cooked chips and delicious sautéed spinach, we were all-consumed by the food. We also opted for the peppercorn sauce which added a firey kick.
Live jazz serenades diners most evenings from 8pm and we were treated to the tinkling of piano keys from a musician with a sanguine disposition as we finished our desserts.
A friendly, vibrant atmosphere with traditional and flavourful dishes. The perfect place to unwind or celebrate the end of a long week.
202 Bishopsgate EC2M 4NR
boisdale.co.uk
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
