Duck & Waffle

London Eats

11 May

Duck & Waffle Mine and Stew's birthdays fall very close together, just 15 days apart, and this year we decided to treat each other to a day out in London, instead of buying each other gifts. Each had free reign as to what they chose to surprise the other with - whether it was food, drinks or an activity - but both had to pick somewhere for dinner at least.I decided to surprise Stew by picking somewhere that has not only been on our list to try since moving to London, but offers incredible views over the city. I picked Duck & Waffle. As Duck & Waffle shares the Herron Tower with other restaurants, I knew it would keep him guessing. Once in the lift and directed to the right floor, it soon dawned on him as to where we were headed, and just as we walked into the restaurant he proceeded to tell me that he'd chose the exact same for my birthday! What are the chances!! Out of all the possible restaurants in London. Hilarious! Duck and Waffle review As he told me this, I was in the middle of letting waitress on the door know that we were here for our reservation, and almost missed the fact that she said we had two complimentary glasses of prosecco to our table! I had cheekily called the restaurant when I placed the booking months before, letting them know that it was a special occasion and if there was anything they could do to make our evening extra special, I would be very grateful. In return, I offered to share photos of our evening on social media and write a review on my blog. After all, it's great content and something I would've done anyway. I didn't expect to receive anything though. I'm sure almost everyone who dines at Duck & Waffle is there for a special occasion. So to my delight we were given two glasses of bubbles and not only that, but they sat us at the best table in the house! We were seated in the far right hand corner, overlooking Shoreditch and North London to the left of us and Tower of London and the Gherkin to the right. It was really quite breathtaking and I can't thank the general manager enough! We were both blown away by their generosity. Duck and Waffle spicy ox cheek doughnut Duck and Waffle charred mackerel starter In terms of the menu at Duck & Waffle, most dishes are designed to share. Although mains are large enough to have to yourself, sharing means you can try more and believe me when I say that you will want to try everything on the menu!! Of course, their signature dish is the Duck and Waffle, but there are many other amazing sounding dishes that you will be tempted by.We decided to share the Spicy Ox Cheek Doughnut and Charred Mackerel for starters. Stew loves mackerel, and although I'm not a fan, it was his birthday. However, the ox cheek was the star of the show in this round. It is quite literally a doughnut, filled with melt in the mouth pulled ox cheek, in an apricot jam. The doughnut is finished in a coating of paprika sugar. Seriously incredible! Duck and Waffle bread Duck and Waffle nduja gruyere bread Duck & Waffle also offer a selection of freshly baked breads which are made to order, so be prepared to wait a little longer for them, but don't worry - they're more than worth it!! We chose the Nduja & Gruyere type and well, I'll let the photo do the talking... :) Duck and Waffle Duck and Waffle miso glazed rabbit Duck and Waffle tenderstem broccoli with blue cheese and crispy shallots For our main course we of course had to try THE Duck & Waffle, I mean it would've been rude not too, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Although it's quite hefty in size, the waffle is beautifully light, as is the crispy coating on the duck. The maple syrup has a touch of mustard which gives it a lovely kick and it's topped with a fried duck egg. You HAVE to order this if you go. It's available on the menu all day too (the restaurant is open 24/7!!). We also chose the Miso Glazed Rabbit, which came with a roasted cauliflower puree and crispy kale, and was again absolutely dreamy!! The combination of flavours was delicious, and although each element was rich, it wasn't overpowering. Everything is in perfect balance with each other - expert chefing! To accompany our mains we had a side of Ratte Potatoes with marmite butter (HELLO!) and Tenderstem Broccoli with blue cheese ranch and crispy shallots. Duck & Waffle Baked Alaska Although incredibly full, we couldn't leave without trying a dessert so we decided to share the Baked Alaska, made with chestnut ice cream, blood orange and pistachio. View from The Duck & Waffle All in all I cannot express how much of a special evening it was. Very often at these types of restaurants in the city, the food can actually let it down, but not at Duck & Waffle. The food is expertly cooked and perfectly paired on the plate. There was honestly not a single thing we thought could've been better. I have nothing but good things to say, and I always try to write a fair review.Of course the view made it much more special, so a window seat is desired, but the atmosphere of the restaurant is fab anywhere you sit, and there's bar outside where you can continue the evening with some drinks, whilst staring at that stunning view! I booked in for 6.45pm so we managed to catch sunset too. Seeing the city go from light to dark is really very special.Duck & Waffle 5/5