Foxtrot Oscar (Byward Street)

I booked a table for one via the online reservation booking system on Gordon Ramsays website. I received a text message straight away confirming my time, and that was that.

Entering Foxtrot Oscar was a bit like walking into a sex shop crossed with a florists. Whilst its entrance and flower boxes are quaint and unnassuming, the latex rubber awning made the place look like a brothel for people with a pendant for gimp masks.

Never-the-less, i entered. The room is small, and a little cramped. I was sat next to two gentlemen, even though the restaurant was empty. I didn't mind, however, someone else might be quite peeved by this, especially if dining alone.

The wallpaper reminded me of something out of mork and mindy, a little bit retro, but not in the good way. The ceiling had lots of little holes, as if they'd had woodworm but left it so to look 'shabby sheek'. Maybe not, eh?

I was given two bread rolls and a round of butter. I didn't have a plate to put my bread on, so had to juggle it inbetween both hands whilst trying to decide where to put it, it ended up on top of the butter.

Starters was a caesar salad with maple glazed bacon. Whilst the salad itself, with poached egg, was pretty good, the soft croutons and cheap tasting bacon held the dish back somewhat.

For mains i decided on the special, rib-eye steak with bearnaise sauce. On the plate was the steak, bearnaise sauce in a copper jar and a tomato with herb crust, that was it. For £20 i would of expected at least some vegtables or mashed potato.

Dessert was a classic creme brulee. I was expecting it to be out of the mould, ala Ramsay, but i was disappointed to see it in a shallow mould, with the sugar caramelised a little too much on top, which cut too much into the creamy texture beneath.

All in all, for £43, it is a little overpriced, and a little underpar in terms of standards. I would go back again with a friend to try different dishes, but when your in Chelsea, you expect to get some crunchy croutons, afterall!
Comment on this reader review

Richard John
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 5
Friday, August 07, 2009