Boyds Grill & Wine Bar (Bar, Restaurant, Hotel)

Top 10 things you need to know about Boyd’s Grill & Wine Bar:

1) After the theatre, or an exhibition at the nearby National Gallery, or a concert at St Martins-in-the-Field, spend some indulgent time at this restaurant just off Trafalgar Square;

2) The restaurant’s general manager is a wine connoisseur who’ll take you on a journey of different tastes, nationalities and aroma, all producing the best “grape juice”;

3) Be mesmerised by some very interesting monologues and anecdotes about the Gods’ drink of choice. Wine is the protagonist of this luxurious dining experience. Try a very special 1992 English sparkling from Nyetimber; an incredible Primus Riesling Bolfan from Croatia – your new favourite; the majestic Châteauneuf-du-Pape; and the Marterey Chardonnay, which you should try in different glass types to appreciate how the same wine can play different roles;

4) The elegance of the marble surfaces, chandeliers and drapes is well balanced by the modernity of the tables – arranged perfectly. The theatrical grandeur inspires some memorable performances;

5) The food is certainly a mixture of classic British and French creativity. Hot and cold small plates, such as macaroni and Wookey Hole cheddar, or fish and shellfish goujons, are enhanced by the wine’s “special effects”, possibly making them better than what they might actually be;

6) Meat, glorious meat: the best comes from the grill. The beef, pork and lamb are all top quality and cooked using duck fat. It’s served in a theatrical way, prepared directly in front of you, offering a gorgeous front row experience;

7) The third and final act takes place at the ice-cream bar. A histrionic ice-cream director prepares his own desserts using liquid nitrogen. The flavours are flamboyant: meringue liquorice, wasabi, chilli mango, mushy peas, smoked bacon, parmesan cheese and bay leaves. A truly avant-garde show but classics, at times, are easier to appreciate;

8) It is an expensive night out, but worth it for all the best-in-class performances;

9) Despite the very elegant ambiance, the audience is a melting pot of styles. You won't have to wear your red carpet attire;

10) At the end of the show, I found myself pondering which prestigious accolade this recital should deserve. Oh yes: an Oscar for the Special Effects (the wines), of course!...read more