As a self-confessed foodie and lover of bubbly wine, I was lurred back to our countries Capital in September to try out the restaurant that serves the most glasses of champers in the whole of the UK. So as not to be hit with a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out), I booked a table for the bestie and I to celebrate 20 years of friendship, debauchery, drama and drunken kitchen floor moments.
Bob Bob Ricard is a world-famous slice of opulence and glamour; a fine-dining English-Russian menu compliments a beautiful dining room set up, based entirely on the timeless beauty of the Orient Express.
This restaurant is simply magnifique — from its shiny gold everything and blue leather booths, to its cut glass champagne flutes which sparkle as the mood lighting hits — It’s not for the casual or the carefree.
The moment you step inside you’re transported back to the golden era of travel — 1920 — and as you’re lead to your table (lit rather romantically by lamplight) you’re met with two things sure to set your heart racing: a ‘press for champagne’ button and impeccably-dressed men in white gloves, just waiting to tend to your every culinary need.
The menu is a fusion of influences and offers a classy mix of starters from Russian vodka shots served at -18 degrees, caviar, oysters and steak tartare. The main menu offers dishes such as the chicken, mushroom and champagne pie, lobster macaroni cheese and crispy pork belly. For dessert, expect to see offerings of Dulce de leche creme brulee, sour cherry soufflé and boozy chocolate truffles to name but a few options.
If those dishes don’t whet your whistle, there’s a whole host of mouthwatering gastronomical masterpieces, accompanied by the most epic list of wines and fancy champagnes to treat yourself to (by the glass or the bottle)
What happens when you push the button? Do men in waistcoats and dickiebow ties hurry quickly to your table to talk to you about very posh fizz? Pretty much! But it comes at a price — anything from £13.95 to £20.50 per glass to be exact.
What did I think? Pretty swish.
You absolutely cannot leave this place without trying the BBR signature chocolate glory — chocolate jivara mousse, chocolate brownie, berries, passionfruit and orange jelly — (£12.50) it’s a golden ball of perfection, doused by the waiters in warm and decadent chocolate sauce. Watch it melt as you sip champagne, or simply melt along with it.
Push the button — even if you only do it the once. The champagne is crazy-good.
Don’t overdress on the understanding that you will be tossed out on the street if you don’t turn up in a ballgown. The website states ‘elegant’ — smart is more than good enough to fit in with this crowd.
Book in advance — everyone wants a piece of this pie. I blame the button and the sophisticated carriage vibes.
Be prepared for small plates and big spends. Classy eats don’t come cheap and both the food and the drink reflect the price you pay here.
Recommended for: the charming romantics with cash to flash and girls to woo.