Bob Bob Ricard (1 Upper James Street, London, W1F 9DF) Last week I was invited by a friend for breakfast at Bob Bob Ricard. I had heard bits and pieces about BBR but didn't really register much – reviews etc seem to show indifference towards the restaurant. So when I experienced the place I was shocked. To start with the interior is amazing (we are talking Cecconi’s, Hakkasan, Wolseley levels of glamour here). The main room is big and sparkling and beautiful (and eccentric) – sort of Orient Express meets west end theatre meets posh American diner. Our ‘booth’ was supremely comfortable – all leather and marble with individual brass lights, call buttons, mini wardrobes and velvet curtains. The menu (delivered by a waiter in pink uniform – why not?) had all the breakfast favourites you would find at a posh English hotel as well as some New York style additions (think pancakes with maple syrup, milkshakes or crispy bacon). I had poached eggs (no taste of vinegar and rich orange yolks), pink grapefruit (sweet, fresh, segmented and served in a pretty pink bowl), toast (sliced bread and toaster – are they nuts?) and an Espresso (fine). My friend’s breakfast (full English – ‘amazing mushrooms’ apparently) was equally high quality. BBR feels classy, eccentric, original. I’m so glad we still get stuff like this in London (hooray). I don't understand how anyone could not like it. I'll be back for dinner.
Link to this reviewJuly 2009 |