Tried & tasted: Boisdale

Sometimes all you want for an evening business dinner is a comfortable and relaxed setting, yet one that still provides sophisticated food and entertainment, writes Molly Dyson. Boisdale does exactly that at its Canary Wharf location – founder Ranald Macdonald started the business to share his passion for Scotland, whisky, cigars and jazz.

When my partner and I arrive we’re greeted by the sight of a crowd taking in a few drinks and some freshly prepared shellfish at the oyster bar and grill downstairs. We’re taken up to the main restaurant, where the theme of tartan carpets and red walls continues. The décor brings together the theme of Scotland and music, with mounted deer and boar heads, as well as paintings and pictures of famous jazz musicians. Our table is next to the huge curved window that overlooks Cabot Square.

From the extensive wine list, I pick out a bottle of Château de l’Aumerade Cuvée Marie-Christine 2012 rosé from Provence. There are so many tempting food choices on the menu, but as it’s a Scottish restaurant, I feel duty-bound start with a mini roast haggis served with mashed potatoes, bashed ‘neeps’ (that’s turnips to you Sassenachs) and a shot of Chivas Regal whisky. My companion goes for the dressed Devonshire crab with chilled gazpacho, Marcona almonds and pickled cucumber, which looks incredibly fresh.

Sticking to Scotland’s finest, I decide on the seven-ounce Aberdeenshire tournedo fillet with béarnaise sauce and a side of buttery mashed potatoes. The grass-fed beef melts in my mouth and has just enough seasoning to give it a bit of extra flavour, while the potatoes remind me of childhood family dinners. Meanwhile, my partner goes for the Gloucestershire Old Spot pork belly with summer truffles, polenta, green salsa and crispy pork scratchings. He must be enjoying it because he savours every bite, though that may be to stretch out our time here so we can see the live jazz band later in the evening.

Our tastes converge at dessert, as we both choose a Bramley apple and rhubarb crumble with bourbon vanilla ice cream. We agree that it’s worth extending our appetites to fit in this sweet treat and manage to finish everything, helping it go down with a lovely cup of coffee.

The Canary Wharf location features live jazz music every night and a range of private dining spaces to suit just about any occasion.

Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QT; 020 7715 5818; boisdale.co.uk/canary-wharf/