London's best review, food and drink news
Usually we are big fans of Brula. It is on a corner in upmarket St Margarets and, inside the small dining area, the stained glass windows, dark wood and drapes create an intimate, colourful feeling. There are photos of David Suchet as Poirot lunching genteelly in this room almost 20 years ago (it’s near Twickenham Studios) and, on weekdays, Brula can still feel refined. On a Saturday, though, it was a nearly unbearable box of sound: with the windows closed, the noise from the enthusiastic locals made it sometimes impossible to hear the waiters. The food was close to its normal high standard, though aspects of the cooking suggested the kitchen was under stress. Sorrel soup was served at a scalding temperature, too hot for any complexity of flavour to come through, while a good, thick slice of halibut was a little undercooked (admittedly, that’s preferable to overcooked) and duck confit was too salty. Only a rich and sweet foie gras with pineau jelly was at its best. You can buy wine in 50cl carafes, but be warned that you can pay the equivalent of almost £30 a bottle this way and still not see the label.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008
London's best review, food and drink news
I was invited to a girlfriends birthday at Brula last saturday evening, i have never been but was keen to try it out after having heard some great things and also some medeocre things about it. I think it is fair to say that i had the best saturday night in ages! There were 8 of us and we were given a lovely little room at the back of the restaurant where we could have a real giggle and sip champagne without the fear of being an annoying loud party. I think that there is always a slight concern that the service may be slower with big parties but the timings were perfect and the food was great, my feta salad was so pretty. My friend who'sbirthday it was, was given her dessert on a plate with her name written on it in chocolate, which was so much more spohisticated than a candle would be - stuck in her creme brulee!! I think that i will be taking my husband for our anniversary next month; i'm sure he will love it as much as i did.