How much did we love Scott´s?
By Patito, published on 9 June 2010
Muchisimo! Scott´s had been on our wish list ever since we moved to London in 2006 so when Mother Patito was in town for the Chelsea Flower Show we finally took advantage and placed a call to Caprice Holdings. Chef director, Tim Hughes, is responsible for Caprice Holdings´nine sites, including Le Caprice, Scott´s and The Ivy. He initially worked under Mark Hix (now of Hix Oyster and Chop House and Hix Soho fame) and stepped into Hix´s shoes when he left. We reserved two seats at the Oyster and Champagne Bar at Scott´s for 7,30pm on a Wednesday evening.
We pulled up in a taxi and were greeted by an exquisitely charming and professional doorman who gently took Mother Patito´s hand as she stepped out of the car. Scott´s is located in Mount Street, in the heart of Mayfair. Even by London standards, it´s a great location. A favourite among celebrities, Scott´s has won a host of awards over the years.
Once checked in we were shown to the Bar. The Prodigal Fool had assured us these were the best seats in the house (in fact, in 2008 he advised us
If you’re feeling casual or dining alone, the bar is a great vantage point from which to sit, enjoy a meal, and soak up the buzz of the rest of the room”)
and indeed they were. Unfortunately, Mother Patito´s legs were not quite long enough to reach the foot rest. No worries. A word in the ear of the ever so polite Maitre d´ and we were shown to a table near the entrance (perfect for star spotting). But not before we had indulged in a glass of bubbly and the ever-so-delicious nibbles that came with it (the pork crackling was particularly delicious, if a little evil).
Installed at our table, we placed our order: half a dozen Isle of Islay oysters (at a reasonable £12,75) and then a whole turbot for two (at a rather steep £34 per person) and a side of spring vegetables. At the suggestion of the sommelier, we opted for a bottle of Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine ‘sur lie’ 2008 Morinière which at £28 was a risky choice but turned out to be delightful. The highlight of our meal was without a doubt the oysters. They were served with all the trimmings and even a non-oyster fanatic like us could appreciate that these were exquisite. As soon as we swallowed the first we wished we´d ordered the dozen. Note to self. The fish was certainly plenty for two hungry people and tasty enough, but next time we would ensure we ordered it grilled (contrary to our order, this one was served in a light batter and seemed to be fried rather than grilled). The flavour was divine, but light it was not.
As we continued to delight in our plate of food, all of a sudden Mother Patito´s eyes bulged and a smile spread across her face. “Lord Sugar has just walked in.” Mother Patito has a habit of doing this. Last time she was in London we ended up sitting next to Sir Stuart Rose. A cheeky glance across the room confirmed that, indeed, it was the businessman formerly known as Surallan. Chatting to acquaintances, he looked very much at home in Scott´s. If we had his money, we´d probably make it our second home too. Alas, we are not and the bill when it arrived was inevitably painful. We had had a lovely evening though and, even if we weren´t the usual celebrity clientele, the staff certainly didn´t let us know that. Caprice Holdings does it again. Chapeau!
Scott´s, 20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE, Tel: +44 20 7495 7309
How much did we love Scott´s?
Muchisimo! Scott´s had been on our wish list ever since we moved to London in 2006 so when Mother Patito was in town for the Chelsea Flower Show we finally took advantage and placed a call to Caprice Holdings. Chef director, Tim Hughes, is responsible for Caprice Holdings´nine sites, including Le Caprice, Scott´s and The Ivy. [...]
4 Responses to “How much did we love Scott´s?”
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[...] at Cecconi’s perhaps? A tasting menu at The Square? Maybe a couple of seats at the oyster bar at Scott’s? But no, what we got was: “I didn’t book anything; I thought that way we’d have more [...]
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Bistro Volnay: delicious, affordable and French (unlike the Ritz’s Martinis) « The Prodigal Guide
1 December 2010
[...] Mother Patito recently came to stay. We spent weeks pondering which restaurant to book; we flicked through guides, read websites, asked our pals. But nothing sounded right. The main issue with restaurants in Paris is finding one that isn’t overrun by tourists. We know, we know, we’ve only been here two months and we’re already grumpy Parisians. But it’s TRUE! Almost every good restaurant we’ve been to has been filled with Americans. Nothing wrong with Americans. But what we like about Paris is that it’s French. And you want a flavour of that when you go out for dinner. So, in our quest, we decided to ask our French colleague where we should take our mother. A silver fox himself, we thought he might know what would appeal to a Scottish lady of a certain age. And, boy was he right. [...]
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Barbarian boozers at Bar Boulud « The Prodigal Guide
14 January 2011
[...] of course that they know a thing or two about good service. De Tarso was apparently poached from Scott’s, while Stephen Macintosh, the general manager, was assistant General Manager at The Wolseley for [...]
The Prodigal Fool
9 June 2010
Well, Patito, we’re slowing learning more and more about you through your excellent restaurant reviews!
This week, the revelations include that your mother is a midget with a penchant for over the hill fat cats…