52-53 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8ED www.busaba.com
He may struggle with simple pronunciation, but Tom doesn’t struggle with the plates of food put in front of him at the launch of the newest Busaba…
For now we’ll call it Neil.
There are now thirteen Neils across London, and a couple up north, with the most recent opening on Eastcastle Street just off Oxford Circus. A brainchild of infamous restauranteur Alan Yau (Wagamama, Hakkasan, Duck and Rice etc) the restaurants have always, for me, represented the positive sides of chain operations; consistency, reliability and convenience, whilst somehow avoiding the negative.
It looks as though the newest Neil is carrying this torch.
On the launch night when we attend the restaurant is packed. The layout and flow, however, is well designed for this with the large square communal tables not only helping the army of wait staff glide around but also adding to the party atmosphere. Numerous Chang beers further assist.
Food, as expected, is great value and tasty.
My accomplice’s sticky tamarind chicken wings do what they needed to but in a city of wonderful wings (Bone Daddies, Chick’n’ Sours to name two) are up against stiff competition.
As mentioned, the night we attended was a bit of a launch party full of food bloggers taking top down photos of their plates (guilty) and I presume local business folk – and so unsurprisingly the service was slick even with the vast number of covers. It would, therefore, be a little inaccurate to presume the service is as good usually, that is if it wasn’t for my other visits to Neil.
From a quick curry in Soho to a relaxed outdoor pad Thai down by the Thames in Kingston, I have always been surprised by the level of service they offer. I don’t doubt they’ll create this magical work ethic on Eastcastle Street too.
My accomplice’s Bangkok king prawn stir fry didn’t disappoint either, buzzing with ginger and garlic. It was so good, in fact, he forgot about the bowl of jasmine rice it came with.
Although it’s not the most romantic side of dining out I feel it important to mention the prices at Neil, firstly because they’re fairly low and secondly because this makes it an even more perfect stop allowing for that extra Union Jack hat purchase.
Mains hover around the £9 or £10 mark with various set deals including the’Best of Busaba menu’ offering prawn crackers, a small plate, a main and unlimited fires or rice for £18.90.
It’s easy to hate chains.
“Me and my wife, Helen, have lived in Little Cockingdown for over twenty-two years and the last thing we want to see is another Costa opening near the church.â€Â
In fact, as much as I hate the idea of every high street being made up of chains, when they’re this solid I say why not. Everyone needs a post office, and a library, and a paper shop, and I think everyone also needs a Neil.
For more information visit www.busaba.com