Bob Bob Ricard

For 14 years now Bob Bob Ricard has been an exceptionally fun dining experience in London’s Soho.

Bob Bob Ricard is named after Leonid Shutov and Richard Howorth. The two Bobs come from the fact that Leonid, who is also affectionately known as Bob, put up two-thirds of the funding. A fun fact for you all. I digress, because there is much more to this luxurious restaurant than just a slightly odd name. It’s a cosy restaurant with a Russian-Anglo-American twist. You know how it is in London, always a twist and a “fusion”, but here it’s neither pretentious nor annoying. Here you’ll find veal shepherd’s pie, triple-fried crisps and even popcorn in cocktails. Think fun, not formal, but dress to impress.

Restaurants come and go; places disappear and a new one pops up in their place. Not so at Bob Bob Ricard, which has been serving delicious food with a fun twist since 2008. If you are a big kid at heart (aren’t we all?), this restaurant is a must. We love an aperitif and Bob Bob Ricard does not disappoint. If you are persistent enough, you should treat yourself to a -18 degree cold vodka to get things rolling! Just kidding, you want to remember the evening, especially if you are in the company of a beautiful lady! The cocktails here are very creative: cucumber martinis or a strawberry and peach bellini with champagne foam. It really is a culinary and alcoholic fair for adults.

When you are ready to eat, Bob Bob Ricard in Soho has everything you need: Chicken Kyiv, Chateaubriand and fries, lovely fries. Did I mention fries? Truffle fries, to be precise. If you are romantically inclined, there are oysters, and if you are in a generous mood, caviar is on offer. I must stress that you should definitely leave room for dessert: melting chocolate bombs, popcorn cups and all the most wonderful naughty treats you can dream up in your chocolaty, sweet dreams.

This wonderful Soho restaurant is an absolute favourite of our girls, and if you are visiting London, you should definitely go there.

Bob Bob Cité – the middle child

Ten years after Bob Bob Ricard arrived in Soho, along came Bob Bob Cité. On the eighth floor of the Leadenhall Building is a restaurant that is a cross between the Orient Express and a spaceship. Bringing it’s quirky personality and glamorous menu to the Square Mile. Bob Bob Cité manages to be as individual as it’s older sibling, in part to its location in one of London’s iconic landmarks.

The menu is much the same, you and a gorgeous companion will be treated to all the same decadent delights available in Soho but just a few minutes walk from Aldgate and Tower Hill. A luxurious brasserie that does not take itself too seriously. Somewhere where you and a beautiful date can dine in style without any pretentiousness.

Bébé Bob – the younger more relaxed brother

Say hello to Bébé Bob, the baby sibling to Soho’s famous Bob Bob Ricard. Now that Bob Bob Ricard is now 15 and all grown up it is time for the restaurant to branch out. Based just around the corner from it’s big brother in the Golden Square, this new kid on the block is the perfect dinner date venue. Just add a beautiful companion for a great night out.

“Quite possibly most glamorous rotisserie out there“

If you like chicken, truffle fries, caviar and champagne then this is going to be your idea of heaven. Because to be honest, there is not a lot else to eat here. At the risk of sounding like a high end Nando’s you really do have to be a fan of chicken. Remember Henry Ford introducing the Model T in 1919? We hope not, as that would make you 104 but it seems the same philosophy he had about car colour has been applied to the Bébé Bob menu.

“Any colour the customer wants, as long as it’s black.” – Henry Ford

“Any main course the customer wants as long as it is chicken or chicken.” – Bébé Bob

Bébé Bob does exactly what is says on the tin. Rotisserie chicken for one or for two to share. A small selection of starters, a few sides and then some calorific desserts. I suppose it is not unlike all the steak frites restaurants that have been popping up all over town such as Le Petit Beefbar and Le Relais de Venise l’Entrecôte. There is something nostalgic about this new restaurant, it is almost like it is 1985. Whether it is the prawn cocktail starter or the apple tart and ice cream or maybe the scarlet red carpet I am not sure. It conjures up a warm, reassuringly nice feeling of days pre smart phones that’s for sure.

No “press for champagne’ here. Whilst you will not find the famous “press for champagne” button here you and your date can certainly enjoy a bottle of Moet, Bollinger, Dom Perignon or Krug. Both Bob Bob Ricard and now Bébé Bob offer a fantastic selection of wines and champagnes. You won’t pay over the top here either, in fact the most expensive bottles of red, white and champagne are all under £200. Classic cocktails are also on offer here so you can really let your hair down.

The family resemblance is strong. The bold decor choices are familiar. Very much like Bob Bob Ricard there are flamboyant design choices at every turn. We are on the cusp of Soho and Mayfair after all. Much like its older brother this restaurant has a cosy intimate feel whilst still being a flash London venue. Gold, red and black accents ensure that you remember that you and your gorgeous date are dining “up West”. The atmosphere here is fun. Whilst it is a more casual affair than the original restaurant it is still a smart London eatery. Perfect for a first dinner date with a gorgeous companion.