Historical version 3 of Bar Boulud, SW1X 7LA (view current version)

Bar Boulud is a bar & bistro in the Mandarin Oriental hotel. It is the second establishment of the same name, opened by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud (the first is in New York City).

Laura and [Matt]? visited on 25th October 2011 for dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner - we had made one for 7pm, but arrived just after 6pm to sample the bar & cocktails.

The bar/restaurant is accessible both via the hotel and the street. The space is low-ceilienged and dimly-lit, much like many hotel bars. The clientele were a mixture of hotel guests, businessmen and casual diners.

Laura started with a Belle Poire cocktail (£12.50), which was delicious and sherbety. Matt chose a Brewdog IPA (£4.75)

At 7pm we were taken to our table, and presented with complimentary baguette, olive bread & ciabatta slices, which were all very fresh and high-quality. For dinner, Laura ordered a Piggie Burger (£12.25), Matt a Frenchie burger (£12.25), and two portions of French fries (£3.50 each). Both Matt & Laura reckon the burgers to be the best they'd ever eaten - less like a burger and more like steak hache served in a brioche bun. The fries were also excellent - crisp and perfectly seasoned.

For dessert, Laura chose a gateau Basque (cake served with brandied cherries and vanilla ice-cream; £6.50), while Matt had two scoops of ice-cream (£2.75 each) - caramel and coffee. Matt thought the ginger biscuits that came with the ice-cream were amazing. Laura enjoyed the gateau - a sort of posh custard tart.

Staff were attentive but not overbearing.

With wine & tip, the bill came to £93 - expensive for burgers & fries, but Laura & Matt reckoned it was worth it.

Accessibility: if you use the entrance on Knightsbridge (as opposed to going in via the hotel) the entire floor is step-free. There is step-free access to the toilets.

See also:

OS X co-ord: 527811 OS Y co-ord: 179767 (Latitude: 51.501885 Longitude: -0.158357)
This is version 3 (as of 2011-10-26 12:28:12). View current version. List all versions.