Alexander O’Neal At Boisdale Review

If you’d like to try some delicious traditional British food with a side of live blues, soul and jazz music curated by their Patron of Music, Jools Holland then head to Boisdale in Canary Wharf.

This unique two floor venue with tartan floors and dark red walls covered in artwork, instruments and taxidermy overlooks the fountains of Cabot Square and provides the perfect setting for an intimate show. The ambience is elegant, yet also cosy with OnIn.London attended during a 3 day residency in October by the soul and R&B legend that is Alexander O’Neal.

Alexander and his band graced the stage, welcoming the audience with a joke and announcing that he would be playing songs from his first three albums which was met with rapturous cheers and applause. Opening with ‘(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me’ diners began dancing in their seats.  Ballads ‘Sunshine’ and ‘If You Were Here Tonight’ allowed Alexander to showcase those smooth vocals, leaving us with goose bumps. However it was anthems ‘Criticize’ and ‘Fake’ that left plates of food untouched whilst the whole room got up to dance. We took a walk through Alexander’s back catalogue with other songs including ‘What’s Missing’, ‘Hearsay’, ‘Never Knew Love Like This’, ‘Saturday Love’ and ‘The Lovers’. The night wouldn’t have been the same without the accompanying band and vocalists who were fantastic.

Despite being 64 years old and 30 years since the release of the iconic album Hearsay, Alexander bought energy and passion to the show with his voice being as soulful as ever. The night demonstrated that his songs can stand the test of time.

We were also lucky enough to enjoy a two course dinner. Browsing the extensive menu full of great British ingredients (Scottish in particular) it was hard to choose which dish to try with shellfish, fish and steak available. I decided upon linguine of Devonshire crab (parsley, shallot & chilli, shellfish bisque) with a side of heritage Isle of Wight tomatoes, red onion & avocado, extra virgin oil and aged balsamic. This was a comforting bowl of pasta with the added bonus of soup. The crab was fresh and the chilli did not overpower the dish. My dining partner chose chargrilled rosemary & lemon marinated free-range Yorkshire chicken (red pepper, mustard & winter green salad, charred pepper & walnut dressing) with a side of wilted spinach. The chicken was moist, tender and zesty with the salad offering a modern twist to the usual vegetables.

For desert I tried dark chocolate & cherry torte (70% Valrhona chocolate mousse, poached cherries, honeycomb). This was light and the contrast between the rich chocolate and sweet cherries was delicious. The honeycomb added a surprise twist. My dining partner chose the homemade sorbet (raspberry) and this was easily the best raspberry sorbet either of us has tried with it being refreshing, fruity and without bitterness.

You can also enjoy fabulous cocktails or an outstanding wine list. There is also an extensive choice of spirits displayed behind the bar.The service was also impeccable and Boisdale will not disappoint.

Don’t worry if you missed out on seeing Alexander on this occasion, he is currently on tour in the UK until April 2019. Tickets are available from all major ticket outlets. You can find details about other Boisdale events here www.boisdale.co.uk/canary-wharf/music

Address: Upper Level 1
Cabot Place, Canary Wharf
London, E14 4QT

Written by Jaynita Haria

Photo: Alan Davidson