Boisdale of Canary Wharf - Canary Wharf, London

Boisdale's Canary Wharf site is one that doesn't blanch in the face of ambition. Its scope is vast. Perched above Canary Wharf's Cabot Square, looking out across a gushing fountain, the restaurant takes no prisoners in the pursuit of creating a pleasuredome to connoisseurs across the globe, earning a number of superlatives along the way. Not only does it boast the largest collection of Scotch whisky in England, but it also offers one of its largest smoking terraces and is a recurring site for Spectator Magazine's Cigar Smoker of the Year (awarded to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2015).  

Upstairs, the grand, almost cavernous room is hardwired with the energy of aficionados enjoying the finer things in life, whether it's visual art, jazz, single malt, or a selection from their extensive walk-in cigar library, which is overseen by the talented Felipe Fonseca. He takes pains to ensure that the Boisdale regulars always have something new to try, regularly visiting auctions to source rare and vintage cigars, and ensuring that they are of the highest quality. There's a room adjoining the library where guests can enjoy a smoke indoors, and outside an extensive terrace circumscribes the western border of Cabot Square, with a special section reserved for members.

For those wanting to enjoy the full menu, head to the second floor which is kitted out in full tartan regalia, with gold leaf columns, a diverse collection of modern art, framed portraits of jazz and blues icons running the gamut from Miles Davis to BB King, and a bandstand at the end which plays host to live acts. It's always lively on the weekends, but Boisdale also runs the Summer Superstar Series on Wednesdays, featuring some of the most celebrated music in pop history with live performances of the music of classic and iconic stars such as Elvis, Bob Marley, Sinatra and The Beatles

We visited on a Wednesday night, kicking the evening off with a pair of gin martinis, a half dozen Jersey Royals from the Channel Islands with a red wine mignonette, and Boisdale's famous smoked salmon. Dunkeld oak smoked salmon was laid out on a branded red plate, its sumptuous orange flesh fanned out like breakers coming into shore. We were then offered a variety of accoutrement to garnish - capers, chopped shallots, chives and minced chilli.

A bottle of house claret served as a nice foil for the beef that was to follow. We ordered both served on the bone rare. A grass fed Aberdeenshire fillet aged 28 days and a ribeye aged 40. The beef had been crosshatched elegantly and was served with miniature jugs of béarnaise. To pad things out on the side we ordered both thin and thick chips and an order of creamed spinach that had been spiked with black truffle.

For anyone that enjoys Scotland, beef, whisky, wine or cigars, Boisdale will cater to your desires with aplomb.