We were very excited to be invited along to a preview night at the long awaited Bush Hall Dining Rooms. Having watched its development on my school run over over the last few months it was thrilling to finally be walking through the doors of this stylish new midnight blue palace of cool on the Uxbridge Road.
It’s equally as cool inside as it is out and we were greeted warmly by the management team on the door. The welcoming vibe didn’t end there—despite being quite busy for a preview night, the staff were calm, helpful and knew their menu well, always a good sign. We were seated downstairs at the back of the restaurant, which I was told was not fully finished yet—book shelves etc still to come but the atmosphere is cosy and down to earth.
I’d cheated slightly and asked a few mates who’d already been what was good on the menu and followed their advice on my ordering. I needn’t have worried. My husband followed his nose and I have to confess I had order envy.
I couldn’t resist a ‘Twinkle’ as an aperitif, one of the house cocktails (with a name like that who could)? Vodka, elderflower and champagne—delicious.
To start I ordered the Buffalo mozzarella, peach and parma ham salad, not a combination I’d tried but which was utterly delicious. Husband had a delicious poached salmon salad with tenderstem broccoli and radish, which added a lovely zing of heat to it (order envy). To follow I’d been tipped off about the seared tuna with puy lentils, wild garlic and salsa verde, which did not disappoint. I love tuna when it’s done properly and this was, medium rare, perfectly cooked and seasoned. He had the Pork 3 ways with crackling and crab apple—apparently extremely good. I couldn’t try it because the portion sizes are very generous and I couldn’t finish mine, let alone taste his.
Puddings include Earl Grey Breme Brulee, Knickerbocker Glory and my personal choice a Malted chocolate and pistachio tart which was as delicious as it sounds. I managed to finish that, funnily enough.
Overall this is a fabulous dining experience and a huge boost for Shepherd’s Bush. West Londoners from near and far will flock. They’ve got the balance of laid back, friendly service, great food that you really want to eat and fun cocktails and good wine absolutely spot on. Friends were there with their children having early evening supper and seemed to be having equally as much fun as those of us who were child-free. It really does seem to appeal to all—the sign of a great neighbourhood eatery.
I will be back soon with the children for brunch and with my girlfriends for lunch. PS When you go, make sure you order a Twinkle.
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Contributed by Annabelle King
