Boulestin came to my attention as their courtyard was used in ‘Made in Chelsea’ but don’t let that put you off. I and one of my occasional Lieutenants, went there for a light lunch that changed into a heavy one.
It’s in St. James’s and there is parking in a few nearby streets and in St James’s Square but it’s a bit of a trek from there (5-10 mins) so I would get there by taxi. The entrance is via a small unevenly paved alleyway next to the restaurant, where you arrive at a courtyard with tables. However, if you want to dine inside, there’s a large step to navigate through a french door – they have a portable ramp.
Once in, there was plenty of room to sit at the tables and we proceeded to enjoy the classically French menu. The Confit of Canard was delicious and the Gavi wine even better (a bottle and 2 extra glasses were consumed, hence the heavy lunch).
The decor, service and style is very ‘bistro french’, without the rude waiters – service was excellent. It’s loosely based on the original Boulestin but relates more to the books of connoisseur X. Marcel Boulestin whose restaurant was located in Covent Garden, from 1927 until 1994.
This re-creation is a brainchild of Joel kissin who also helped establish Bibendum, Quaglino’s and Le Pont de la Tour, three restaurants we love and have previously reviewed.
Unfortunately, although the style and ambience is superb, the difficult access and lack of a disabled WC means we can only give them 1.5 BBS Ticks. We loved it nonetheless!