Boisdale of Bishopsgate

Questionable colour schemes aside – think tomato red meets tartan – all is soothing & civilised at Boisdale Bishopsgate, from the urbane jazz piano in the evenings to the wholesome Scottish food. Kick off with dressed Hebridean crab with pickled ginger & basil, avocado ice cream & chilled gazpacho or perhaps smoked whisky-cured bresaola, before getting stuck into a 10oz Aberdeen Angus sirloin steak with bearnaise or the day’s fish or game special. There’s a lighter menu in the more informal oyster bar. The wine list toasts the Auld Alliance in effusive style, with a wide selection of Champagnes including a 1988 Henriot Enchanteleurs at £65; non-fizz options include some half bottles & own label wines &, of course, there’s whisky galore.