Every so often I head down to London for a day out with my friend Fran and being avid foodies we always try and find a delicious venue for a chinwag. This time it was the turn of Mac & Wild, a small but perfectly formed restaurant offering modern Scottish Cuisine.
I felt right at home as soon as I set eyes on the place. Rather than being festooned with blue and white flags and tartan, it has instead a modern and tasteful decor more akin to what you might actually find if you hunt down a fine whiskey establishment in the Scottish Highlands.
The rustic wood all comes from the same tree and specially commissioned photographs from a wild game hunt on the owner’s estate adorn the walls.
You can even flick through a book with a bottle of Irn Bru if you’re so inclined!
Fran and I had our minds set firmly on the Scottish brunch which is served each weekend between 11am and 4pm. Our friendly hosts persuaded us to try some other delicacies first though starting with beer sticks (venison salami) served in a mug.
Whilst these were really rather tasty I’m not sure I’d order them again on account of feeling a little bit like a dog with a chew toy!
The second Scottish treat was an absolute belter: Haggis Pops. I was hesitant to try them at first (all I could think of was sheep stomachs) but Fran convinced me that I’d be missing out if I didn’t at least have a bite.
They are basically a savoury ball of meat and oats which are satisfying enough on their own but turned out to be an absolute wonder when dipped into the accompanying Whisky Jon gravy.
No Scottish brunch would be complete without a wee dram of course, so we ordered a Tams Tears cocktail. Containing Prosecco, Tanqueray Ten Gin, Vermouth and Sherry as well as lemon verbena, it was a very enjoyable and refreshing tipple. I recommend giving one a try… just don’t try and operate any heavy machinery afterwards!
For my main I kept it simple with scrambled egg and salmon on toast. The eggs were lusciously buttery, smooth and expertly balanced with a subtle Dulse seasoning which was complimented perfectly by delicate slivers of fresh salmon. I hardly touched the chunky slabs of Sourdough in a vain attempt to save some room for dessert. (Yes – brunch turned into a 3 courser!)
I couldn’t resist ordering a Bloody Scotsman. It’s a scrumptiously spicy concoction made with Bruichladdic Port Charlotte.
…Plus it’s got tomato juice and celery in it so it’s basically one of my five a day am I right?
We decided to share the aptly named ‘I Shouldn’t But I Will’.
It was, quite simply, the best dessert I’ve had in a very, VERY long time (and it’s not like I haven’t had my fair share recently either!). A creamy dark chocolate set on a biscuit base with salted caramel, orange and almonds mixed in for good measure.
…add to this a toffee sweet ice cream topped with crumbled honeycomb and I was smitten.
All things considered, I give Scottish Brunch at Mac & Wild a hearty and very appreciative thumbs up and ‘ah cannae wait tae gang back!”*
P.s. Mac & Wild get bonus review points for their gorgeous doorstop which is named Hodor. (One for my fellow Game Of Thrones fans!)
Address: 65 Great Titchfield Street, London
Nearest Tube: Goodge Street
*Sincere apologies to my Scottish Mum for abusing the Scottish language in this post!
Have you tried any Scottish cuisine? What do you think of Mac & Wild?
Disclaimer: I was a ‘plus one’ on this occasion so whilst I was under no obligation to write a review, my food was complimentary. As always my views are my honest and unbiased opinion.
