Waffle & Bellini Hour: At the Luxurious Bob Bob Ricard in Soho

Can you believe, this is my first time at Bob Bob Ricard? Perhaps one of this cities best known restaurants, famed for it’s Champagne and oodles of caviar, for some reason I’ve just never managed the chance to visit – until now that is. The restaurant, in the heart of Soho on Upper James St, serves a luxurious menu of British and Russian cuisine to an equally luxurious clientele – yet there’s not an ounce of stuffiness here and the service is some of the finest in the area.

Step inside and if you haven’t made the effort to put your best shirt on, you’ll certainly wish you did. It’s stunning. Gold and copper tones, rich shades of royal blue, perfectly positioned lighting to make you look good in every reflection and an almost Orient Express style to the individual booths, which are all equipped with that oh-so important “Press for Champagne” button.

Of course, it didn’t take us long or indeed much persuasion to press that magic button – where glasses of Champagne magically appear at your table. I could only imagine if Absolutely Fabulous was still running on TV, that automatic Champagne refilling fridge would have now evolved into this button and Bob Bob Ricard would be their new favourite restaurant.

Once we finished that glass of bubbles, we order one of the famous Bellinis. I have to admit, I was expecting a rather ordinary flute with little to get excited about – but this was the most beautiful and delicious Champagne Bellini I’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping. A gorgeous glass, filled with a rather heady amount of Champagne and a thick, rich foam to make every sip heavenly. I think I’d come back just to enjoy one of these again.

“The” Waffle, created by brand new head chef Tom Peters and made to order using specially-commissioned waffle irons is without a doubt going to be the best waffle you’ll ever eat. It’s grown up, refined, beautifully presented and can be served with a variety of delicious toppings. It’s rather large too, which for the price (starting from £9), it’s also fantastic value for money and I struggled to finish mine.

As for the toppings, it can be served topped with whipped Guernsey cream, organic crispy bacon or seasonal fruit. If that’s wasn’t already good enough, you can choose between regular or truffle maple syrup. We ordered the “The Truffle Waffle” which we topped with the most sensational organic crispy bacon, Cornish salted butter and fresh truffle maple syrup which was lovely. Looking back, a touch of that Guernsey cream on the side with this waffle would have made it even better – but it was still utterly delicious. Also perhaps an ice cream version wouldn’t be a bad idea or an experimental “weekend special”.

Having not been to Bob Bob Ricard before, I thought this was a fantastic introduction to the restaurant and the perfect way to develop what I hope will be a long new relationship – filled with lots of Champagne. Plus they have a steak tartare I’ve heard so much about which warrants an imminent return. Would we come back for this Waffle & Bellini Hour? Absolutely. It’s a fantastic way to start your day and the perfect excuse to spend the rest of the afternoon in my favourite part of London – Soho!

NB: My meal was complimentary. All views are as always, my own. My views are not influenced by anyone other than my own palate and slightly poor eyesight.