15 Eccleston Street, London, SW1W 9LX
Harden's survey result
Summary
The Scottish roots of Ranald Macdonald (the eldest son of the 24th chief and captain of Clanranald) help explain the approach of this Belgravian stalwart, which – since 1986 – has majored in a menu of Scottish-sourced beef and burgers (plus lobster and a few other dishes); backed up by an ‘old school’ wine list informed by Ranald’s original career in the wine trade; and topped off with a huge range of whiskies. “Live music helps make it fun” and there’s also a cigar terrace. On the downside, although harsh critiques are absent, its overall rating suggests it is fully priced. (For traditional expense-accounters, though, it’s tailor-made.)
Summary
“With its excellent exterior cigar terrace, range of whiskies and food usually with a Scottish twist – there’s always a fun evening” (often buoyed by live jazz too) at Ranald Macdonald’s Scottish-themed Belgravia stalwart, a short walk from Victoria station. Eldest son of the 24th chief and captain of Clanranald, his wine-trade background is evident in a strong list, while the selection of steaks and venison reveal him as an early champion of British ingredients. Critics say the food is only “average”, but for a red-blooded business meeting it’s tailor made for the purpose.
Summary
Ranald MacDonald’s clubby Scottish-themed Belgravian has been around for decades and was an early exponent of carefully sourced British ingredients, particularly steaks and other meaty fare (Aberdeenshire beef, Highland venison, …). It also has the virtue of an unusually strong wine list and one of London’s best selection of whiskies, not to mention a terrace dedicated to smoking Cuban cigars. Unsurprisingly, it’s most recommended as a business location for clubbable males, but the Courtyard garden and regular live jazz help broaden its appeal. Complaints are few, other than that a meal here can prove “expensive”.
Summary
“High-quality manfood” (steaks, burgers and other ‘proper’ main dishes) and a “clubby atmosphere” of whisky, cigars (on a dedicated terrace) and live jazz are the key ingredients at Ranald MacDonald’s Scottish-themed Belgravia haunt, which has offshoots in Mayfair, the City and Canary Wharf. It’s “not for everyone” – one nay-sayer complained of “worse than pub food” – but for a certain sort of bloke it’s “the perfect place – he’ll leave happy, content and very satisfied”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Boisdale of Belgravia?
Owner's description
The lively restaurant in Belgravia has been creating memories since 1989 with a secret Negroni bar, hidden cigar terrace, extensive whisky & wine lists, private dining rooms and daily live music. The interior features leather chairs, plush tartan carpets and an impressive collection of original artwork and memorabilia.
With a focus on Scottish cuisine, Boisdale serves traditional British dishes and superb hand-crafted cocktails in an intimate and relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Whether you're seeking a romantic evening, a gathering with friends, or simply a moment of escape from the ordinary, Boisdale promises to deliver an authentic taste of Scotland, leaving you longing to return time and time again
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £35.00 | £42.00 |  |
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| Pretheatre | £35.00 | £42.00 | |
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| SundayLunch | £35.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £20.00 | £32.00 | £8.50 | £12.50 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.25 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £4.95 |
| Service | 13.50% |
Restaurant details
15 Eccleston Street, London, SW1W 9LX
Opening hours
| Monday | 5 pm‑1 am |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1 am |
| Saturday | 5 pm‑1 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
