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There’s something slightly soothing about being in a Scottish restaurant and hearing the person on the table next to you exclaim ‘och, I jus cannae decide!’
Even if the surroundings of Albannach aren’t exactly traditionally Scottish (log-fires and bagpipes must be tasteless these days?), it’s settling to see that a small proportion of their customers are in fact natives themselves. And if you do happen to go on a night when they’re not, just take a quick look at the back-bar – the sheer selection of whisky will catapult you into Scotland before you can say ‘mine’s a Glendiffich’ …
Scottish-drawl and whisky aside, what really draws attention is the menu. Admittedly it’s rather small, but is clearly very well chosen. Starters include rabbit terreine, trio of cured fish (tea and whisky cured salmon, smoked mackerel pâte, sardine esceveche), wild mushroom risotto and a Scottish haddock soup.
The soup was a little disappointing and not half as ‘hearty’ as you would expect from a traditional broth, while the rabbit – being terrine – resembled (and tasted almost like) the inside of a pork-pie. Obviously great if that's what you like, and the latter especially, fitted in very well with the ‘gamey’ aspect of the menu, but on the whole they weren't very pleasant.
The mains however, were everything you would expect from a nation of kilt-clad robust men who aren’t afraid to bare all when it comes to tradition. These meals packed a punch. The steak especially, was massive. The huge serving of Buccleuch ribeye, highland blue cheese dauphinois and crisp shallots was enough to floor almost any diner. The loin of venison, which was presented like duck on a bed of spinach and potato, was equally as generous. Both very well cooked and could only have gone down better if accompanied by the recommended ‘mains’ whisky (if you think you can handle it that is).
After this the desserts proved challenging. However, the chocolate mousee with red-wine figs actually made a light and welcome change. The Border Tart on the other hand was another filling option – dense with short-crust pastry, dried fruits, walnuts and a slight Christmassy taste.
While both were extremely tasty, they were consequently over-shadowed by the cocktails – or more to the point – the Scottish Mojito. The ‘Moscito’ as it’s affectionately known includes Glenmorangie, mint, lime and sugar. And is incredible. Most probably the sole reason that Albannach can afford to have a club downstairs. It’s clearly why everyone heads down there later on…
… If they can still walk that is.
Albannach
66 Trafalgar Square,
London,
WC2N 5DS
0207 930 0066
Even if the surroundings of Albannach aren’t exactly traditionally Scottish (log-fires and bagpipes must be tasteless these days?), it’s settling to see that a small proportion of their customers are in fact natives themselves. And if you do happen to go on a night when they’re not, just take a quick look at the back-bar – the sheer selection of whisky will catapult you into Scotland before you can say ‘mine’s a Glendiffich’ …Scottish-drawl and whisky aside, what really draws attention is the menu. Admittedly it’s rather small, but is clearly very well chosen. Starters include rabbit terreine, trio of cured fish (tea and whisky cured salmon, smoked mackerel pâte, sardine esceveche), wild mushroom risotto and a Scottish haddock soup.
The soup was a little disappointing and not half as ‘hearty’ as you would expect from a traditional broth, while the rabbit – being terrine – resembled (and tasted almost like) the inside of a pork-pie. Obviously great if that's what you like, and the latter especially, fitted in very well with the ‘gamey’ aspect of the menu, but on the whole they weren't very pleasant.
The mains however, were everything you would expect from a nation of kilt-clad robust men who aren’t afraid to bare all when it comes to tradition. These meals packed a punch. The steak especially, was massive. The huge serving of Buccleuch ribeye, highland blue cheese dauphinois and crisp shallots was enough to floor almost any diner. The loin of venison, which was presented like duck on a bed of spinach and potato, was equally as generous. Both very well cooked and could only have gone down better if accompanied by the recommended ‘mains’ whisky (if you think you can handle it that is).
After this the desserts proved challenging. However, the chocolate mousee with red-wine figs actually made a light and welcome change. The Border Tart on the other hand was another filling option – dense with short-crust pastry, dried fruits, walnuts and a slight Christmassy taste.
While both were extremely tasty, they were consequently over-shadowed by the cocktails – or more to the point – the Scottish Mojito. The ‘Moscito’ as it’s affectionately known includes Glenmorangie, mint, lime and sugar. And is incredible. Most probably the sole reason that Albannach can afford to have a club downstairs. It’s clearly why everyone heads down there later on…
… If they can still walk that is.
Albannach
66 Trafalgar Square,
London,
WC2N 5DS
0207 930 0066
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