Just looking around the downstairs, where we were seated, told me a lot of what I needed to know; upcycled and reclaimed oak decor, hand-written steak menu on a mirror and water served in ex-whisky bottles, bringing the rustic, yet thoroughly thought through design of the place to life.

The menu was mightily impressive too; lots of whisky as you’d expect from a Scottish restaurant and a lot of incredible sounding meat dishes. We could not read through the starters and not order the haggis pops, they are reason enough to get a table booked here. They were delicious and served with brown sauce, for a moment we were transported back up to Scotland where we have spent many a foodie holiday. It was even raining outside to give the full experience!

The menu is perfectly balanced but the only chose for us was between burgers (doesn’t sound special but wow) and steaks. Seeing other diners receiving their food Kirsty opted for the Big Mac and Wild, a burger in the style of the one produced under the Golden Arches around the world, but with some intriguing provenance stories attached to each component. It was the burger that dreams are made of, disgustingly messy (extra napkins are advised) and the tender, succulent and well-seasoned patties were delicious. Although absolutely stuffed afterwards there was no greasy or guilt taste left in behind.

I chose London’s Best Burger 2016, The Veni-Moo; a monster that included a beef patty, a venison patty, béarnaise sauce and many other elements and it was exceptional.

My cocktail of choice was naturally the Ginger Laddie, a Port Charlotte whisky cocktail with ginger and Olorosso sherry and bitters, a beautiful accompaniment to the meal.

One thing that struck us was the attentiveness and passion of the staff; they were curious, interested to recommend options on whisky flights and enjoyed talking about whisky and the restaurant itself. We were very impressed.

Once we had finished our main meal, I was treated to a six-part whisky flight that included some absolute stunners, at a very fair price of £32;

Longrow 14 Year Old

Jura Superstition

Glendronach 18 Year Old

Bruichladdich Octomore

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Balvenie 14 Year Old Caribbean Cask

Overall we absolutely loved Mac and Wild; a really great display of the brilliance of Scottish cuisine without the weather and heather you see in other attempts in the City. Lovely food, superb whisky and attentive staff; an absolute delight and will definitely be back to try the Venison Sunday Roast, which claims to have a Yorkshire Pud – the size of yer heed. Can’t wait as we have big heads!

Thanks to Mac and Wild for hosting Kirsty and myself for our meal.