Foxtrot Oscar

Last week a friend was in London. I obliged when he suggested we go to a Gordon Ramsay restaurant. After a browse on Ramsay's website, decided on Foxtrot Oscar.

Located in a residential Chelsea neighbourhood, the exterior is unassuming. I walked in to find a nicely decorated-homely feeling restaurant. I was immediately greeted by friendly and welcoming staff and led to our table. I was surrounded by a nicely dressed crowd who, like me, seemed to be there to enjoy good company and good food in a slightly more relaxed environment.

The menu attempts to consist, although not exclusively, of more traditional ‘hearty’ as described on the web-page, British dishes. Prices for starters ranged from £6.50to £10 and main-courses £13 for the burger to £22 for the porterhouse steak.

I opted for the grilled sardines to start and to follow the slow-cooked pork-belly at the suggestion of our very helpful waiter. The sardines were somewhat of a disappointment. Although grilled, it was served off the bone. The result was bland. I didn’t get any of the taste or texture of what I would have expected from a hearty dish. It came on a bed of smoked aubergine which didn’t do any justice either. On to the main course. The pork belly came without the traditional crackling. It was served very elegantly with apple sauce and Jerusalem artichokes. In an effort to make this as elegant as it looked it lacked character, there was no distinctive taste and overall very disappointing.

I decided on dessert hoping for redemption. I ordered the apple and blackberry crumble.  In truth I can’t tell you much about it as it was served so hot, the first spoonful burnt my tongue-I couldn't taste anything after that!

In terms of the overall experience I would say it was a good one. However we did go there for the food. As food goes what I would remind Ramsay, and excuse the pun- I’m sure Ramsay himself intended it, perhaps for the chef or maybe even the guests, it does't really matter. Gordon Ramsay, Foxtrot Oscar.

Foxtrot Oscar, 79 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 (020 7352 4448).