Today we’re heading into the elegant Westminster/St James area for a classic pub dinner at the Blue Boar Pub. This stylish modern take on a classic London pub is just a stone’s throw from Westminster Abbey. How I love a London pub. And we’re going for dinner! Gosh that seems like a real luxury – going out at night…better make the most of it.
Chef Sally Abe has an impressive pedigree with stints at the Savoy, Gordon Ramsay at Claridges, The Ledbury, Elysian Street and the Harwood Arms (London’s only Michelin-starred pub). As a result she knows what she’s doing and now she’s started her own venture at the Blue Boar Pub. The menu is built around her love for comforting dishes made with the best British ingredients. All served in the stylish surroundings of polished wood and plush comfortable leather seating.
What’s on the menu
There’s a good range of classic dishes to choose from. This is possibly the best quiche I’ve ever tasted. Made with Montgomery cheddar, leek and smoked ham it comes with a lovely fresh baby gem and radish salad. Beautifully rich with a filling so soft – a cushion of souffle sitting on the thinnest of perfect pastry.
The corned beef and mustard croquettes come with rainbow slaw and pickles. Rich and meaty inside with a lovely crispy crumb and zesty slaw and pickles to cut through the richness.
How about a Blue Boar burger. However this is no ordinary burger. It’s a combination of fallow deer and pork on a brioche bun with a celeriac and bone marrow remoulade, and bread and butter pickles and onion rings on the side. With a generous helping of bacon and cheese to complete it. Burger heaven.
Aged shorthorn rib eye comes with triple cooked chips, grilled mushrooms and cherry tomatoes and Bois Boudran sauce. It’s a zesty, herby tomato-based sauce with a touch of chilli that’s a brilliant match with steak. And I do love the classic steak, mushroom and cherry tomato combo.
And triple-cooked chips are impossible to resist. As a result we polished them off.
Sweet treats to savour
Today I was tempted by dessert which doesn’t happen all that often. Because buttermilk panna cotta is one of my absolute favourites – today served with strawberries and mint which I also adore. Delectable.
More beautiful pastry in the apple and almond tartlet. All served with a dollop of fabulously refreshing vanilla ice cream.
Portions are incredibly generous at the Blue Boar Pub, consequently we left feeling totally replete. The menu also offers a tasty-sounding selection of snacks – enticing me back there another day for a couple of drinks and a light bite on a London day out.
Here’s the view back to the stylish and tempting bar from our table.
Today’s price point
And finally the bill.
Our three-course meal for two came to a total of £78.
We also enjoyed a bottle of Malbec from Chile for £25.
Blue Boar Pub is at 45 Tothill Street, Westminster SW1, a very short walk from St James’ Park tube station.
