I'm having a tough time with cricket at the moment I don't want to blame Alistair Cook but it's definitely his fault. Last summer I enjoyed a couple of corking days at Lords. A day 4 Ashes victory over the aussies and a very pleasant evening at the Middlesex v Essex 20/20 which culminated in a very nice meal at my favourite restaurant Goodman. This year I'd seen us huff and puff hopelessly against a stolid Sri Lanka side amongst a very miserable stuck up crowd at Lords. I was hoping that my 20/20 evening would provide better cricket and fun. It didn't really go to plan, a drink with old Chelsea mate Paul at the Duke of York near Lords was marred by some of the worst bar service I had seen. Once we got in we watched Gloucestershire struggle to get 3 figures hopefully the Middlesex reply would be better but then it rained and rained and rained. It didn't look like the game was going to ever resume (it didn't) so we left a damp Lords for sustenance.
Naturally when I'm out with the chaps in London they turn to me to find somewhere to eat. I find it quite stressful as a duff choice (Newman St Tavern) can really ruin a night out. This time I played a good safety shot picking the ever reliable mini chain Burger & Lobster but their newest branch in Fitzrovia that I hadn't yet been to. On a rainy Thursday night it was busy inside with shoppers and after work carousers. We got in some Sam Adams at the bar and waited for our table 30 minutes we were told but we were seated within 10. A nice booth looking out onto the action. I had tried to explain the concept to the chaps but our very cheery waitress did a much better job. We all had lobster and despite some cack handed cracking on their part we all enjoyed the meal immensely. We also had a couple of cocktails each to make up for the disappointing cricket, as expected these were great.
All in all a really good meal and I think in Little Portland St Burger Lobster have found the right sort of space for their restaurants. As much as I like the other branches it always felt like they were constrained by the space. Here they have the space to create a busy buzzy restaurant. The fact there are lobster tanks in the bar as you go in really sets the scene. The kitchen looks out onto the dining room, there is plenty of space for dinners and for staff to work. Service was particularly warm and charming. It's the perfect Burger & Lobster!
Tuesday, August 05, 2014
Overall rating 
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9