Boisdale beats the ban (sort of)

After the CWF dinner (see below) some of us wanted to keep the party going, so we jumped in a cab and drove over to Boisdale in Belgravia. As many of you know, owner Ranald Macdonald is a fierce critic of the smoking ban. He has been interviewed several times on the subject, and together Forest and Boisdale have organised a number of smoker-friendly events.

Determined not to be defeated by the smoking ban, Ranald has built (at a cost of £40,000) a fantastic rooftop terrace that allows customers to smoke in some comfort. I know a lot of outdoor smoking areas aren't what they're cracked up to be but, believe me, the terrace at Boisdale has to be seen to be believed.

When we clambered up last night (it only opened last week), I was gobsmacked. If you live in London, or are simply visiting, and fancy a drink and a smoke, I can't recommend it highly enough. I think we've just found the perfect outdoor solution to the smoking ban.