Boyds Brasserie Bar & Lounge: Restaurant Review

Style Points: 4/5
Price: ££
Overall: 3/5

Boyd’s Brasserie Bar and Lounge reaches the heights of swank as soon as you enter the building. A stunningly opulent Central Hall greets diners as they make their way past walls clad entirely in marble, a mirrored sideboards and bar, and five spectacular floating crystal chandeliers.

An impressive granite bar is located in the middle of the main dining space. This is surrounding by an array of very cosy looking lounges and tables set for diners under sculpted ceilings.

Yet despite the lavish surroundings, the venue doesn't come across as intimidating and this is emphasised by the attentive staff on hand to help as you enter.

Would I Want Seconds?

The decor associated with the architectural heritage maybe Boyd’s greatest asset, but this is quickly facing strong competition from the menus, in particular its very recently launched Afternoon Tea.

This new menu has two main sections to it, the Savoury Sensations followed by Scones and Sweeties, both of which feature outstanding dishes.

Savoury Sensation Sandwiches

My highlight from the savoury section was the Potted Shrimps, Lemon and Crisp Bread which arrives to start. This unusually combination is twist on the fish and lemon classic which works very well and adds a distinctive touch to this menu.

The savoury section also has three types of sandwiches including Salted Beef, Pickled Cucumber, Dijon on Brown Bread, Egg Mayonnaise and Watercress on White Bread and Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Dill on Brown Bread.

These make an ideal precursor to the sweeter section of which the Freshly Baked Scones, Strawberry Jam and Devonshire Clotted Cream were my highlight. Not only did the scones pass the ‘Scone Twist Test’ but the clotted cream was just as decadent as expected.

Scones and Sweeties

These Scones are served with a selection of beautiful mini cakes including a rich Fruit Cake, delicious Mini Chocolate Éclairs, my favourite Lemon Drizzle Cake with Lemon Curd and a Mini Strawberry Tart with fresh cream and strawberries.

Yet the menu doesn't end here. After the cakes come a row of Vanilla Ice Cream Cones topped with bright sugar sprinkles. The combination of their attractive presentation, the perfect snack sizes and the unwillingness to see them melt away makes these irresistible!

Can I Afford Seconds?

The afternoon tea is well priced at a £19.95 per person with tea included. For those in the celebratory mood this can be upgraded to a glass of Veuve Clicquot for two for £29.95.

This makes Boyd’s Afternoon Tea an affordable and delectable contender amongst the many other Afternoon Tea’s to be found around London.

Overall:

Boyds is unique in that it is one of very few restaurants in central London where diners can eat in a classically elegant venue without feeling intimidated by the surroundings or the cost. This makes it the perfect setting for lavish but affordable afternoon tea for all.

I will certainly be returning to this magnificent setting to try their dinner options, as I am sure that dining in this iconic venue will only grow in popularity.

Boyds Brasserie Bar and Lounge launched its Afternoon Tea Menu on 7th July 2013 and will be served daily from 12-5pm.

Website: www.boydsbrasserie.co.uk