In London for my birthday, we decided to eat locally, and since we were staying in Shad Thames, the choice was lots of nice but a bit run-of-the-mill-and-not-special-occasion-y places.
Or Smith’s.
Smith’s it was.
We walked across Tower Bridge and strolled along the river to Smith’s, a large, rather green, glass confection with great views.
Sadly, even though we’d called in person the previous day to book, and mentioned it was my birthday, we didn’t get a table with a view of the river as requested, but never mind. Can’t win ’em all. That’s what you get for having a birthday on a Saturday in London.
The restaurant was packed, and as an avid people-watcher, it was a fascinating crowd. (I don’t live in the UK, just for the record, and haven’t for 40 years, just in case I sound weird in my people judgement). But basically, I felt as though I’d time-travelled back to the days of City FX traders with lashings of money and very blonde girlfriends. There was lots of champagne-drinking, girls in dizzying high heels & plunging necklines, and the people next to us ordered stonking great lobsters and caviar (but were both glued to their mobiles, which was totally 2017).
All quite fun.
Now, I must mention that we are not an easy combo to feed.
I don’t eat meat, and hubby is allergic to anything fishy or sea-foody…but it was my birthday, remember, so I was indulged and he had a côte de boeuf which he pronounced excellent. He also drank white with his beef, because it was my birthday. Nice man.
I had oysters to start. Divine.
Then scallops. Equally divine.
All very nice, and I guess it was childish of me to feel a twinge of jealousy when the lady at the table opposite us got the whole “happy-birthday-to-you” routine. I went over to wish her, as a fellow-birthday-girl, but she smiled and told me it wasn’t actually her birthday till the following week…ah well, you can’t win ’em all Mark II.
We paid our bill, & I didn’t say that I blog or review.
Good.
Recommended.