Boisdale of Canary Wharf — Restaurant in London

When we rang up to make a reservation they said we would have to purchase tickets as they had a jazz night on. We weren't interested in the jazz evening and the ridiculously expensive tickets. We went online to book and managed to secure a table on the 2nd floor without having to purchase tickets or put down a credit card. However, when we got there theady said as the jazz was going to start at 9am and it was almost 8.30pm then we would have to pay for it. Dinner seatings automatically incur an extra £19 per head charge if you happen to still be dining once it starts. We said no thanks. We just wanted to eat and almost £20pp extra was outrageous.

Left to try our luck downstairs. Initially they weren't sure if they had space. However, we pointed out that there were spaces on their online booking system. They managed to seat us outside in the members area. It was a little chilly as it was a September evening (around 8.15-9.15pm). They had heaters on the wall that you could press a button and they turn on. That was handy, also because it added some more light to see.

There's a cigar room and people come out to smoke on the terrace. Some guys decided to pick the table right next to us even though there were other tables free and start smoking. Thankfully we had finished eating and were not having to hang around. The smoke was too much, so we left as we didn't want that second hand smoke and the smell was nasty.

On a Saturday night there was a DJ blasting out soul and dance music on the first floor in the bar area. It was like a club full of more mature (i.e. middle aged) people. They were dressed up for an evening out. We felt a little out of place as we'd chosen to come here spur of the moment, whereas they had obviously made the effort for a night out.

Being Scottish they have a number of whisky options. We didn't try any though. You can ask to try the wine before ordering. We asked to try the English rosé on the front page. It wasn't an overwhelming yes, so we asked to try the house red after. That was ok, so we ordered a carafe. Mocktails were £10 each! No thanks! That's over the top and may as well save your money and drink tap water. The server asked if we wanted lemon/lime with our water, which was nice.

Food was nothing out of the ordinary. Of everything we ordered we thought the thick chips (one plain triple cooked and one with truffle and parmesan) were the best, which says a lot. The saltfish fritters starter were more doughy than fish. The sauce was the best thing on the plate. We got a classic beef burger, which was missing seasoning. The truffle burger was the nicest main we agreed. Got one of the Scottish pizzas- venison haggis. This was meant to have truffle, but you couldn't taste it. The meat you'd also expect to have strong flavours, but they struggled to come out. We also got a side of broccoli, which was overpriced for the small bowl you got. The smoked olive oil you could at least make out. Not sure if the oysters are any good, but not sure we'd ever be back to try.

Food came very quickly. Total bill was £132.80 for 4 people.

Security at the door, so if you have a bag they may do...

It's nice. Food and drinks a bit on the pricey side if you're struggling a bit financially e.g. bread and olives (crushed £6.50) 200ml coke was £3.50 kitchen closes before show ends so order early if you want to eat or find out latest order time, but a nice well established vibe. Went to a reggae show and it was lovely. After the show we went to the saxon dance downstairs (free if they have space and a bonus to your show ticket we waited about 30 minutes before going down and as people were leaving all the time we got in) We had fun, international crowd (all races) so a great place to entertain overseas visitors, if you want to go 'clubbing' you'd need to check the site for details or call them for information on events that day. Mixed dress though recommend checking their policy on jeans and trainers etc to avoid disappointment.

On Friday and Saturday nights Some underground services run all night in London these days eg Jubilee and Central line.

Jubilee line takes you to Canary Wharf the stop for this venue, alternatively parking was anything from £15 to £19 for 6 hours depending on the site you used. For information parkopedia (there are others) is great at helping you navigate parking across the globe). I found getting there by train so much easier in the end just a little bit of planning in advance helps. Upon arrival to the station just ask for the exit to the venue.

If you've never been to canary wharf or the venue it's a bit difficult to locate as there's no clear signage for boisdale so here goes.

Cabot place is the address

So come out of the station turn right to head to the entrance then walk to where all the shops are which is well lit ( turn left and walk straight down until you see the lifts) be careful as the lift serve different parts of the square. I think? the lifts to the left? 2 sets on both sides depending on which function you're going to it's level 1 or 2 for Boisdale anything with a minus is usually car parks. Hope this helps. You can actually go on your own as the walk is from the station is well lit to and from the venue.

The Google maps is a bit misleading as you could be under the impression you're walking on the lonely streets in the area and unless there's a problem apart from that short walk from the station to the entrance everything is internal. It is the 8 minutes from the station though. Even longer if you get 'lost'

On the return I took the train home via Waterloo and a bus the rest of the journey 176 no added expense for parking or stress trying to find parking. I did park at a convenient location near my last bus stop so got home safely as a lone female 2.30am.

A little planning helps as all parts of the journey, especially the return journey there were lots of people around the location, station and on the train at the bus stop which is literally across the road from Waterloo.

If you choose to drive there's no congestion charge after 6pm until the next morning but still the ulez charge of £12 may still be applicable to your car. So...

Mixed review due to a conflict of excellent service vs. inappropriate service issue. All staff were very friendly, helpful, attentive and professional throughout the entire time that we were there. From arrival to departure. However, during the meal, cocktails were ordered using the cocktail menu booklet. A member of our party challenged the server as the prices exceeded the price in the brochure. The server said that there was s price increase but their booklets hadn't yet been updated. One of the people buying drinks APPROPRIATELY challenged this and said that the prices stated in the brochures, should be the price charged. They did not specify this at the time of the drinks being ordered, NOR at the time of purchase, until after they were challenged. Good customer service should have meant that Boisedale apologised for the error and confusion,and honoured the prices in their brochure. They should only implement the prices increase when they were visible and transparent. The server was insistent and did not budge. Because the person did not want to escalate things solely because we were there for the occasion of a friend, they paid. This is SOLELY about the principle of the matter and expected integrity from an establishment. Myself and others were disappointed with the handling of this matter by Boisedale. Other than that incident, it was a lovely night,and we had a great time, which was tarnished, only by this issue. I hope that the management for Boisedale will promptly resolve this matter with their staff in the event that any other patrons raise this issue. It was DEFINITELY the incorrect way to handle this matter and the listed price in their booklets, SHOULD have been the price paid. Also another small matter that they advised AFTER an order was made, that rum punch is only available on a Saturday. A slight adjustment to the brochure to specify "Saturday's Only" on the menu next to this drink, would show transparency and avoid disappointment. The atmosphere and everything else was excellent for the...