Boisdale celebrates a decade
IT was a case of glasses of Boisdale claret all round the other evening as the clubbable Scottish restaurant celebrated 10 years at Bishopsgate by throwing a party for its members and regulars.
Guest of honour was former chancellor Lord Lamont, who shared his recollections of life at 11 Downing Street.
Lamont was introduced to the guests as “the most effective but also the bravest chancellor since the war.”
Boisdale of Bishopsgate has long been considered by many as the flagship culinary Boisdale experience in London, even as the group has grown. Head chef Neil Churchill has won countless awards for his innovation and expertise over the last seven years and this dinner reflected his passion for the best Scottish ingredients – naturally a haggis Scotch egg was on the menu – as well as his considerable skills as one of London’s finest chefs.
Piper Major Willie Cochrane played the pipes on the night and entertained guests after the speeches with some haunting Highland melodies.
Lord Lamont related that, when negotiating Britain’s non-participation in the euro at Maastricht, he was met with hostility and condescension by his continental colleagues in government.
He remembers fondly the Greek finance minister putting his arm around his shoulders, giving him a squeeze and saying, “You say you don’t believe in the euro, but when the time comes you will join.”