Last Updated on December 12, 2016
Duck and Waffle – Heights and Hype:
I seem to spend an inordinate amount of time eating and writing about food. Despite that, until recently I hadn’t been to the much hyped Duck and Waffle – still trending despite opening in restaurant terms, an age ago in the summer of 2012. After a little arm-twisting I dragged a few friends along for a Friday evening supper. The catch, or perhaps the benefit of trying to review when you are socialising with friends, is that focus on food tends to be subsumed into good conversation and catching up on gossip. This review is short and the photos not my finest. No reflection at all on the quality of what we were eating or on the ambience – this particular evening was hit with all of us.
Of course, part of the lure is that on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, almost touching noses with the Gherkin it has fantastic views across the city. It’s also the grown-up, laid back big brother of Sushi Samba – a hip cocktail bar a couple of floors down that I believe was the cause of the nightclub like queues and bouncer. That and the fact that one of the lifts was out of order.
On a Friday night, perhaps not suprisingly, Duck and Waffle was packed. But not unpleasantly so – and we were shown to our table quickly. We all kept making excuses to pop to the ladies, lurking in the bar area, admiring the view and watching the growing crowd on the terrace at Sushi Samba
Everyone inside was friendly and smiley too, despite an obviously busy night.
We were waiting for one late arrival so ordered a selection of small plates – her loss because she missed out on the feather light foie gras creme brulee with butter roasted scottish lobster and the silky smooth coal charred aubergine with sumac yoghurt, cumin, garlic and grilled naan my favourite pair from the four plates we picked
Main courses – we had to try the signature duck and waffle – for me a slightly odd combination of crispy leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. I don’t like eggs so this dish just wasn’t on my personal wishlist.
But, the delicious angus rib eye most definitely was and still is. Served with gnocchi, bone marrow and cauliflour (sic) gratin, pickled turnip and watercress, this was a generous sharing plate for £36
The food is actually very reasonably priced for somewhere so hip and trendy in the heart of the City. Generous ‘small plates’ are £9-£16 and we looked enviously at the whole roasted shropshire chicken which comes with ratte potatoes, while mushrooms and truffle, and is ample for mains for four people. Wine though is marked up, so if you are on a tight budget be careful.
All in a great night out. The view alone makes it worth a visit…but even if it was in a basement in Putney, I’d make the trip.
Duck & Waffle
Floor 40, Heron Tower,
110 Bishopgate,
London EC2N 4AY.
I have always wanted to try this restaurant. Thanks for the review!
I’ve wanted to go here for such a long time. It’s just slightly out of my way and I imagined getting a table would be a bit of a nightmare. Sounds like it wasn’t too bad though? Will have to give it a go.
I think you just need to book enough in advance. We managed a party of 4 on a Friday night, though I think my friend booked about a month before we actually went.
I have plans to visit this establishment. I just need to convince my bestie to take me …….
lol you have to go now then!
I’ve heard the name but didn’t realise it was up in the sky! I always think they’re going to serve duck with Birds Eye potato waffles so thank you for putting me straight on that!!
The egg and maple syrup sounds so good.
As a foodie blogger, it’s imperative that some nights are more focused on conversation that taking pics of food;-) Glad you were able to master both, Fiona, looks like a great spot!
Wow! Incredible views! And the steak looks to die for 🙂
Janie x
The view is to die for, the food almost equal to the view. What were desserts like? It does look fantastic
I went there for a relaxing Sunday Brunch, and had the signature dish, really nice view. worth the visit
Looks like fun, and to be touching noses with the gherkin is the bomb. We think it is a very funny name for that building
VERY impressed with the prices Fiona and this also a wee bit spooky, but Hannah was just telling me that she is going to Sushi Samba next week with her new beau! Lovely looking meal and I LOVE that chandelier, Karen
I have been a couple of times now, both meals have been super, can’t wait to get back!
So good when somewhere with so much hype turns out to warrant the great reports
Great selection of food. Indeed the view is fabulous! 😉
The view is stunning. Next time I am going for lunch so I can see the view by day time
That rib eye looks amazing, my favourite cut of steak actually.
it was beautiful – managed to be pink without being too fatty