Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Camden Town, London, United Kingdom

The Worlds End - The worlds End by monkeyslaper

monkeyslaper — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:19:04 +0000

Review by monkeyslaper

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7482 1955

Website: http://www.foundationgroup.co.uk/pubs/worldsend/worldsend.htm

The pub has the least amount of character out of many pubs i've visited. I had the misfortune, to lay a foot into it. Poss. still the largest pub in the world (?), But nothing to offer.

The pub has the least amount of character out of many pubs i've visited. I had the misfortune, to lay a foot into it. Poss. still the largest pub in the world (?), But nothing to offer.

Somerstown Coffee House - New management, new leaf. by messydesk

messydesk — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:11:48 +0000

Review by messydesk

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7387 3649

Tags: cool, friendly, relaxed

The Somerstown Coffee House is a really wonderful place, recently taken over by two sisters from France. They have hired a fantastic, dedicated waiting staff who really know their stuff, devised a very good French menu and serve real ale. There's a restaurant in part of the pub which is sectioned off, but you can eat the restaurant menu in the main bar if you'd like.
Importantly, the interior is very comfortable and low key without being soulless or seeming corporate. The lighting is warm and restful and the front and back gardens are lovely.
It's usually quite quiet apart from after work type times when it's crowded. Having only recently started to open at the weekends (as of September 08), it's very peaceful then, although it gets busier the more people get to know about it.
They welcome dogs too, an increasing rarity, and always bring over a bowl of water and the occasional snack for my battle-scarred staffy.

Best place around, no contest.The Somerstown Coffee House is a really wonderful place, recently taken over by two sisters from France. They have hired a fantastic, dedicated waiting staff who really know their stuff, devised a very good French menu and serve real ale. There's a restaurant in part of the pub which is sectioned off, but you can eat the restaurant menu in the main bar if you'd like.
Importantly, the interior is very comfortable and low key without being soulless or seeming corporate. The lighting is warm and restful and the front and back gardens are lovely.
It's usually quite quiet apart from after work type times when it's crowded. Having only recently started to open at the weekends (as of September 08), it's very peaceful then, although it gets busier the more people get to know about it.
They welcome dogs too, an increasing rarity, and always bring over a bowl of water and the occasional snack for my battle-scarred staffy.

Best place around, no contest.

The Dublin Castle - What a night! by damo1977

damo1977 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:37:22 +0000

Review by damo1977

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 1773

Tags: live music, friendly, rock

This is the BEST PUB IN LONDON!

OK, you might walk past it during the day and mistake it for a dive. You are so wrong.

Come the evening and this place is jumping. One of the coolest jukebox listings I've ever seen (one of the few bars with one left).

The back room is used for bands almost everynight, and is well worth a visit. Everyone who is anyone on the british music scene has played here.

Even if you don't go through to the back, a great night can be had in the front bar. The staff a customers are so friendly you just feel like you belong.

I can't stress it enough. Visit this pub!This is the BEST PUB IN LONDON!

OK, you might walk past it during the day and mistake it for a dive. You are so wrong.

Come the evening and this place is jumping. One of the coolest jukebox listings I've ever seen (one of the few bars with one left).

The back room is used for bands almost everynight, and is well worth a visit. Everyone who is anyone on the british music scene has played here.

Even if you don't go through to the back, a great night can be had in the front bar. The staff a customers are so friendly you just feel like you belong.

I can't stress it enough. Visit this pub!

The Ice Wharf - A bite to eat by damo1977

damo1977 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:31:20 +0000

Review by damo1977

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7428 3770

Website: http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/pubs/pub-details.php?PubNumber=2450

Tags: pub chain, live music, excellent pub food

A good pub, if not a bit "sterile" for Camden.

If you want something to eat and don't want to spend much then this is your place. But you're in Camden, go and try something different, use the footbridge outside and discover a world of food in the markets.

Being a Weatherspoons it's got a good range of drinks at cheap prices. Good place to start your afternoon. Sitting outside when it's sunny is great, watching the world float by. Theres plenty to watch, including the narrow boats appearing and disappearing behind the lock.

What ever you do, don't spend the whole night here. If your going to do that why visit Camden? There's a world outside your door... Explore it!A good pub, if not a bit "sterile" for Camden.

If you want something to eat and don't want to spend much then this is your place. But you're in Camden, go and try something different, use the footbridge outside and discover a world of food in the markets.

Being a Weatherspoons it's got a good range of drinks at cheap prices. Good place to start your afternoon. Sitting outside when it's sunny is great, watching the world float by. Theres plenty to watch, including the narrow boats appearing and disappearing behind the lock.

What ever you do, don't spend the whole night here. If your going to do that why visit Camden? There's a world outside your door... Explore it!

The Crown & Goose - Probably the best local in London by sparklepants

sparklepants — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:13:54 +0000

Review by sparklepants

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 8008

Tags: food, cool & smart, friendly

This is such a great pub! And when I moved out of Camden, (albeit up the road!!) I knew that this is what I would miss the most. It has such a quirky unfinished â¬Üdirtyâ¬" appearance, far from the minimalistic same old same old that is taking over London! They do an amazing Sunday lunch, in fact all of the food cannot be faulted! Including the sharing platters which I could happily eat alone! They donâ¬"t have a beer garden, but they do have benches and table to the side. Go on a chilly day and sit yourself down by the open fire...bliss!This is such a great pub! And when I moved out of Camden, (albeit up the road!!) I knew that this is what I would miss the most. It has such a quirky unfinished â¬Üdirtyâ¬" appearance, far from the minimalistic same old same old that is taking over London! They do an amazing Sunday lunch, in fact all of the food cannot be faulted! Including the sharing platters which I could happily eat alone! They donâ¬"t have a beer garden, but they do have benches and table to the side. Go on a chilly day and sit yourself down by the open fire...bliss!

The Good Mixer - Taking the mick.... by simwilliams

simwilliams — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:26:04 +0000

Review by simwilliams

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7916 7929

Tags: friendly, pool, rock

The two previous posters (blondie_wandie & papayoyo) have, at least, a sense of humour; but, to give The Good Mixer five stars is madness.

Its location in Camden Town, beside one of the largest mens' hostels in Europe, tells it all. It is the recreation room for that hostel which accommodates some very needy individuals who deserve help and pity, more than ridicule.

For years, service and hygiene standards have been very low - and sometimes, an effort is made to provide musical entertainment.

A busy fruit and vegetable market is just outside the pub; the traders are daily customers - less than articulate ones. One star is generous, really.

The two previous posters (blondie_wandie & papayoyo) have, at least, a sense of humour; but, to give The Good Mixer five stars is madness.

Its location in Camden Town, beside one of the largest mens' hostels in Europe, tells it all. It is the recreation room for that hostel which accommodates some very needy individuals who deserve help and pity, more than ridicule.

For years, service and hygiene standards have been very low - and sometimes, an effort is made to provide musical entertainment.

A busy fruit and vegetable market is just outside the pub; the traders are daily customers - less than articulate ones. One star is generous, really.

The Rocket - dire student pub, discerning people avoid! by patheticshark

patheticshark — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:56:44 +0000

Review by patheticshark

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7388 0021

Tags: pool, food, dance

This pub is populated exclusively by students staying in the halls around Tavistock Gardens (Hughes Parry, Canterbury etc) and by people who go there to beat up students. Nice! It plays loud, awful pop music and serves crap drinks at student prices. You will probably love this place if you are the kind of person who likes drinking Carlsberg and headbutting people, or who likes doing karaoke to Christina Aguilera; otherwise you may want to kill yourself. I strongly recommend avoiding it and avoiding any fellow students who try to convince you to go there with them, because London is FULL of excellent pubs and this is about as far away from them as you can get.This pub is populated exclusively by students staying in the halls around Tavistock Gardens (Hughes Parry, Canterbury etc) and by people who go there to beat up students. Nice! It plays loud, awful pop music and serves crap drinks at student prices. You will probably love this place if you are the kind of person who likes drinking Carlsberg and headbutting people, or who likes doing karaoke to Christina Aguilera; otherwise you may want to kill yourself. I strongly recommend avoiding it and avoiding any fellow students who try to convince you to go there with them, because London is FULL of excellent pubs and this is about as far away from them as you can get.

The Lock Tavern - Summertime frolicks in Camden Town. by papayoyo

papayoyo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:20:59 +0000

Review by papayoyo

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7482 7163

Website: http://www.lock-tavern.co.uk

Tags: beer garden, cool, friendly

Situated just opposite Camden Town's Stables Market, The Lock Tavern is a splendid place to while away a sunny summer's afternoon or evening with its luscious garden bar and terrace. Somewhat labyrinthian in layout it is decked out downstairs with comfy leather sofas and has a classy but cool atmosphere. Usually rammed with Camden's finest trendy young things, there are weekend gigs upstairs and the place exudes that "happening" Camden vibe. They also do reasonable pub grub and the usual british selection of beers. The main attractions are the locale, the foliage bedecked garden and the indie music oriented terrace. A fine place to sink a few ales with a few good mates and the scenery of the female kind (and male I've been told) is generally easy on the eyes. If the doormen like you they'll even give you a VIP card, whatever that's for.Situated just opposite Camden Town's Stables Market, The Lock Tavern is a splendid place to while away a sunny summer's afternoon or evening with its luscious garden bar and terrace. Somewhat labyrinthian in layout it is decked out downstairs with comfy leather sofas and has a classy but cool atmosphere. Usually rammed with Camden's finest trendy young things, there are weekend gigs upstairs and the place exudes that "happening" Camden vibe. They also do reasonable pub grub and the usual british selection of beers. The main attractions are the locale, the foliage bedecked garden and the indie music oriented terrace. A fine place to sink a few ales with a few good mates and the scenery of the female kind (and male I've been told) is generally easy on the eyes. If the doormen like you they'll even give you a VIP card, whatever that's for.

Marathon Kebab - Camden's Last Chance Saloon by papayoyo

papayoyo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:05:34 +0000

Review by papayoyo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 3814

Tags: lively, turkish, crowded

Ever found yourself stumbling down Camden High Street after being turfed out of every pub at closing time but still with the will to party driving you on into the night? Welcome to the Marathon Bar, Camden's hazy crazy last chance saloon! Is it a kebab shop, is it a bar, or is it the final resting place for Camden Town's die hard alcoholics and desperados? Herein you will find all manner of drunken cheerfulness and legendary French rock n roller Daniel strumming his geetar and skwawking his glorious way through Chuck Berry songs. They dance, they sing, they drink, they eat kebabs, they flirt until the wee small hours when it really is the end, unless you catch word of the evening's house party where a trip to the nearest offy in Kentish Town for a bottle of cheap vodka will gain you entrance and the debauchery will continue till god knows when.Ever found yourself stumbling down Camden High Street after being turfed out of every pub at closing time but still with the will to party driving you on into the night? Welcome to the Marathon Bar, Camden's hazy crazy last chance saloon! Is it a kebab shop, is it a bar, or is it the final resting place for Camden Town's die hard alcoholics and desperados? Herein you will find all manner of drunken cheerfulness and legendary French rock n roller Daniel strumming his geetar and skwawking his glorious way through Chuck Berry songs. They dance, they sing, they drink, they eat kebabs, they flirt until the wee small hours when it really is the end, unless you catch word of the evening's house party where a trip to the nearest offy in Kentish Town for a bottle of cheap vodka will gain you entrance and the debauchery will continue till god knows when.

The Elephants Head - Rockabilly-tastic by papayoyo

papayoyo — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:33:58 +0000

Review by papayoyo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 3130

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

Right in the midst of Camden Market on the high street is a fine pub which is home to a very glamourous and stylish crowd of rockabilly clientelle. If you are partial to 50's fashion and music you need to get yourself down here especially at the weekend. Some excellent 50's DJs spin seriously cool rock n roll for you to jive your socks off to in your finest billyrags whilst downing vast quantities of Jack Daniels and coke. Bouffants, tattoos, piercings, stilettos, stay-ups, brothel creapers, you name it, if it's hip and sexy it's here. One of Camden's essential stop offs on the ultimate pub crawl.Right in the midst of Camden Market on the high street is a fine pub which is home to a very glamourous and stylish crowd of rockabilly clientelle. If you are partial to 50's fashion and music you need to get yourself down here especially at the weekend. Some excellent 50's DJs spin seriously cool rock n roll for you to jive your socks off to in your finest billyrags whilst downing vast quantities of Jack Daniels and coke. Bouffants, tattoos, piercings, stilettos, stay-ups, brothel creapers, you name it, if it's hip and sexy it's here. One of Camden's essential stop offs on the ultimate pub crawl.

Annies - LUSH BAR BUT WITH KAREOKE BINGO CROWD by LOVEANDKATE

LOVEANDKATE — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:49:26 +0000

Review by LOVEANDKATE

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7485 3237

Tags: food, tv for sporting events, mature

Having just moved to the area, I'm trying out everywhere and was told that Annies had had a refurb. On wandering in on a rainy British summers night my first impressions were 'fab', the decor was over the top royal red and golds, with flocked wallpaper - garish but i liked it. I had a coiuple of glasses of wine with a friends and relaxed in the comfy throne like chairs quite happily.

I intended to take my mum the next week as the crowd seemed more mature.

However on passing last Friday there appeared to be a caberet singer!!!!!!

the clientele all had blue rinses and clip on earrings and however nice the bar fit was - the pub now appeared in a time warp.

I had thought that the old crowd that used to reside in Annies before the refit had continued to drink there creating an amalgamation of new, old, benny hil, camp, bank turned wine bar with extensive drinks list that no one is trained to create vibe. However, after the cabaret glimpse maybe their intentions were to capture and market the already existing crowd that reside there and that Annies has been saved from another skinny jean, magners drinking venue of which we have many?????

I will try Annies again but i'm confused as to whether I fit in there.

Wine was, though a rather tasty red [miles better than a previous glass that I had in teh Oxford!!]

Try Annies yourself and we'll see who it is really for!Having just moved to the area, I'm trying out everywhere and was told that Annies had had a refurb. On wandering in on a rainy British summers night my first impressions were 'fab', the decor was over the top royal red and golds, with flocked wallpaper - garish but i liked it. I had a coiuple of glasses of wine with a friends and relaxed in the comfy throne like chairs quite happily.

I intended to take my mum the next week as the crowd seemed more mature.

However on passing last Friday there appeared to be a caberet singer!!!!!!

the clientele all had blue rinses and clip on earrings and however nice the bar fit was - the pub now appeared in a time warp.

I had thought that the old crowd that used to reside in Annies before the refit had continued to drink there creating an amalgamation of new, old, benny hil, camp, bank turned wine bar with extensive drinks list that no one is trained to create vibe. However, after the cabaret glimpse maybe their intentions were to capture and market the already existing crowd that reside there and that Annies has been saved from another skinny jean, magners drinking venue of which we have many?????

I will try Annies again but i'm confused as to whether I fit in there.

Wine was, though a rather tasty red [miles better than a previous glass that I had in teh Oxford!!]

Try Annies yourself and we'll see who it is really for!

THE LOWDOWN @ UNDERSOLO - Not bad for a boogie.... by sparklepants

sparklepants — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:21:04 +0000

Review by sparklepants

Rating: 3.00

Tags: relaxed, hip-hop, cool

A bit cheesey, but very relaxed!

Don't go if you fancy a caht...unles you can lip read ;o)A bit cheesey, but very relaxed!

Don't go if you fancy a caht...unles you can lip read ;o)

Fifty Five Bar - The best cocktails in London? by tanzanitelilac

tanzanitelilac — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:30:34 +0000

Review by tanzanitelilac

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7424 9054

Website: http://www.fiftyfivebar.co.uk

Tags: cool, bar, relaxed

The amazing cocktails make it well worth the trip after a hard day at work and at 2 for 1 from 6pm-8pm, well that just sweetens the deal! This is a modern, unpretentious yet trendy bar and even the toilets are nicely decorated. Sometimes you do need to wait for a table, especially on a Friday but at lunchtime itâ¬"s a bit quieter. There is music playing but you can still hear yourself think, which is very unusual and welcome! If youâ¬"re worried about your liver they do some great non-alcoholic drinks including a great milkshake! Go and you wonâ¬"t be disappointed!The amazing cocktails make it well worth the trip after a hard day at work and at 2 for 1 from 6pm-8pm, well that just sweetens the deal! This is a modern, unpretentious yet trendy bar and even the toilets are nicely decorated. Sometimes you do need to wait for a table, especially on a Friday but at lunchtime itâ¬"s a bit quieter. There is music playing but you can still hear yourself think, which is very unusual and welcome! If youâ¬"re worried about your liver they do some great non-alcoholic drinks including a great milkshake! Go and you wonâ¬"t be disappointed!

Devonshire Arms - Devonshire Arms by sophiestar

sophiestar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:08:07 +0000

Review by sophiestar

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7284 0562

Website: http://www.pubsnbars.co.uk

Tags: live music, tv for sporting events, dj

This is a very gothic style pub, but that's nothing to be afraid of, just stay away if you don't like that type of atmosphere. The ceiling is absolutely covered in posters of bands which makes quite interesting reading if you've had a few too many!
The toilets here are a let down, they are tiny, and when I was in this pub last week, the mirrors had been graffitied with lipstick, all kinds of obscenities were written all over them! I suppose it does add to the er 'atmosphere' of this place.
It's always very quiet in here so it's a good place to chill out and grab a quick bite!This is a very gothic style pub, but that's nothing to be afraid of, just stay away if you don't like that type of atmosphere. The ceiling is absolutely covered in posters of bands which makes quite interesting reading if you've had a few too many!
The toilets here are a let down, they are tiny, and when I was in this pub last week, the mirrors had been graffitied with lipstick, all kinds of obscenities were written all over them! I suppose it does add to the er 'atmosphere' of this place.
It's always very quiet in here so it's a good place to chill out and grab a quick bite!

The Lord Stanley - Lord Stanley by nispero

nispero — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:28:52 +0000

Review by nispero

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7428 9488

Tags: posh, friendly, food

The Lord Stanley is located very near to Camden Road in a very quiet street. It serves a good variety of beers and wines (shown in blackboards hanging in the walls) that change frequently.
There are tables with chairs, a big sofa and even a piano. In summer they open the beer garden that is really nice decorated with mirrors and lights and it is very cosy.
The food is nice and very tasty but also expensive.
On the other hand the drinks are quite expensive and the staff is not very good, almost every week there is different people and you have to wait ages to be served.The Lord Stanley is located very near to Camden Road in a very quiet street. It serves a good variety of beers and wines (shown in blackboards hanging in the walls) that change frequently.
There are tables with chairs, a big sofa and even a piano. In summer they open the beer garden that is really nice decorated with mirrors and lights and it is very cosy.
The food is nice and very tasty but also expensive.
On the other hand the drinks are quite expensive and the staff is not very good, almost every week there is different people and you have to wait ages to be served.

AtProud - Pride of Camden by Niamheen

Niamheen — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:14:34 +0000

Review by Niamheen

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7482 3867

Tags: cool, live, jazz

Proud doesn't give a good first impression. When you enter, you go through a large, usually empty room (unless you get there late), and wonder if you have come to a bar, or what?! Then you turn the corner, and with relief see a bar with lots of people in, in the old Camden stables. It's really nice, I like the decor, I like the music, and the live music can be quite good. The staff have been really friendly anytime I have been there. It's become a firm favourite and semi-regular haunt.Proud doesn't give a good first impression. When you enter, you go through a large, usually empty room (unless you get there late), and wonder if you have come to a bar, or what?! Then you turn the corner, and with relief see a bar with lots of people in, in the old Camden stables. It's really nice, I like the decor, I like the music, and the live music can be quite good. The staff have been really friendly anytime I have been there. It's become a firm favourite and semi-regular haunt.

The Engineer - Well Engineered by chrisp

chrisp — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:16:03 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7722 0950

Website: http://www.the-engineer.com

Tags: gastro pub, lively, good value

As should be perfectly apparent to any readers of my reviews, I am no photographer. It's pushing the limits of my meagre ability just taking an in-focus shot of an immobile plate of food three feet from my face, so whilst for many people a trip to London Zoo would provide a bounty of photogenic opportunity, the best I could manage was a slightly blurry shot of a group of lazy lemurs, barely recognisable behind thick chicken wire. I do possess other skills, however - not least the ability to sniff out a gastropub within half a mile, and so as the queue for the zoo stretched halfway down Albert Road at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon, I suggested we have lunch first and give the crowds a chance to dissipate.

The Engineer is a handsome, rather eclectically decorated pub in the handsome, eclectic neighbourhood of Primrose Hill. Staff were cheery and slightly hippified, in keeping with the area, and the menu followed suit, containing a variety of standard gastropub ingredients (chicken breast, cod, lamb) served with some less-than-standard sides (harissa, bok choi and mash, barley and grape salad). It was tempting stuff, and our rickety little corner table was beginning to feel very much like home as I sipped on a pint of Hook Norton ale and gazed out over the well-heeled crowd.

It being only lunchtime, and mindful of the looming Â£15 zoo entrance fee (that place goes up by Â£5 every year, I swear), we had one course each. As you can see, my lamb fillet was nothing if not a pretty plate of food, coloured by pomegranete seeds and flecks of chilli, and the meat itself was rich and tasty with nicely roasted potatoes. But the barley and grape salad was, as you might have already decided, perhaps just a little into 'weird' territory. Not quite enough to stop me wolfing down the whole lot, obviously, but nothing I would go out of my way to recreate at home or order again somewhere else. I need dishes like this though occasionally, just to be reassured that some people are brave enough to try new flavour combinations, otherwise you'd just end up being offered the same stuff everywhere. So well done The Engineer - your barley and grape salad is wrong, but don't stop trying.

We did eventually make it to the zoo, and despite the price rise it's still one of my favourite ways of spending a sunny afternoon. In summer they have a hugely overpriced BBQ set up near the penguins, serving many of the animals you're paying to go and see roasted inside a sesame seed bun. It's a slightly surreal experience, and one guaranteed to set your moral compass spinning, so I would recommend following your own gastro radar some place else if you're need of sustenance. There's no shortage of options, and I can thoroughly recommend the Engineer at the very least.As should be perfectly apparent to any readers of my reviews, I am no photographer. It's pushing the limits of my meagre ability just taking an in-focus shot of an immobile plate of food three feet from my face, so whilst for many people a trip to London Zoo would provide a bounty of photogenic opportunity, the best I could manage was a slightly blurry shot of a group of lazy lemurs, barely recognisable behind thick chicken wire. I do possess other skills, however - not least the ability to sniff out a gastropub within half a mile, and so as the queue for the zoo stretched halfway down Albert Road at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon, I suggested we have lunch first and give the crowds a chance to dissipate.

The Engineer is a handsome, rather eclectically decorated pub in the handsome, eclectic neighbourhood of Primrose Hill. Staff were cheery and slightly hippified, in keeping with the area, and the menu followed suit, containing a variety of standard gastropub ingredients (chicken breast, cod, lamb) served with some less-than-standard sides (harissa, bok choi and mash, barley and grape salad). It was tempting stuff, and our rickety little corner table was beginning to feel very much like home as I sipped on a pint of Hook Norton ale and gazed out over the well-heeled crowd.

It being only lunchtime, and mindful of the looming Â£15 zoo entrance fee (that place goes up by Â£5 every year, I swear), we had one course each. As you can see, my lamb fillet was nothing if not a pretty plate of food, coloured by pomegranete seeds and flecks of chilli, and the meat itself was rich and tasty with nicely roasted potatoes. But the barley and grape salad was, as you might have already decided, perhaps just a little into 'weird' territory. Not quite enough to stop me wolfing down the whole lot, obviously, but nothing I would go out of my way to recreate at home or order again somewhere else. I need dishes like this though occasionally, just to be reassured that some people are brave enough to try new flavour combinations, otherwise you'd just end up being offered the same stuff everywhere. So well done The Engineer - your barley and grape salad is wrong, but don't stop trying.

We did eventually make it to the zoo, and despite the price rise it's still one of my favourite ways of spending a sunny afternoon. In summer they have a hugely overpriced BBQ set up near the penguins, serving many of the animals you're paying to go and see roasted inside a sesame seed bun. It's a slightly surreal experience, and one guaranteed to set your moral compass spinning, so I would recommend following your own gastro radar some place else if you're need of sustenance. There's no shortage of options, and I can thoroughly recommend the Engineer at the very least.

Abbey Tavern - bad management by niknix58

niknix58 — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:51:02 +0000

Review by niknix58

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7485 2131

Tags: tv for sporting events, dart board

This pub is now a supposed gastro pub. I booked my birthday party here months ago, paying a deposit. The weekend before the party, my daughter & friend went and paid for the food that we'd ordered. Three days later, whilst sitting in a cafe in The Vatican in Rome, my daughter was called and told that our booking had been cancelled due to an electrical fault. Later we were told by another person that our slot had been filled by a wedding party. We were given our money back and told by the manager, Caine, by way of compensation, that maybe he could have a meal at one of the companies other pubs. I have not heard from them since.
We did find another venue. The Vine on Highgate Road. The manager was so accommodating when we told him what had happened. The room was free (The abbey charges Â£100) and the food absolutely amazing. So if you need a decent venue for a special day/event, don't go to the abbey in kentish town.This pub is now a supposed gastro pub. I booked my birthday party here months ago, paying a deposit. The weekend before the party, my daughter & friend went and paid for the food that we'd ordered. Three days later, whilst sitting in a cafe in The Vatican in Rome, my daughter was called and told that our booking had been cancelled due to an electrical fault. Later we were told by another person that our slot had been filled by a wedding party. We were given our money back and told by the manager, Caine, by way of compensation, that maybe he could have a meal at one of the companies other pubs. I have not heard from them since.
We did find another venue. The Vine on Highgate Road. The manager was so accommodating when we told him what had happened. The room was free (The abbey charges Â£100) and the food absolutely amazing. So if you need a decent venue for a special day/event, don't go to the abbey in kentish town.

Green Note - cute jazz bar by gilka

gilka — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:08:24 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 9899

Website: http://www.greennote.co.uk/

Tags: jazz, cute, live music

Green Note is a cute jazz bar in the nicest street in Camden (parkway). I was there twice- the first time I listened to the house band and they were fantastic. The second time we saw a guy playing folk and that was a bit unbearable.. check what's on and then try to listen in Myspace before going...
The veggie food is good- we had a tapas selection: homous,wedges,Indian potato patties,spanakopita and dolmades
all fresh and tasty. Good vibrations! Green Note is a cute jazz bar in the nicest street in Camden (parkway). I was there twice- the first time I listened to the house band and they were fantastic. The second time we saw a guy playing folk and that was a bit unbearable.. check what's on and then try to listen in Myspace before going...
The veggie food is good- we had a tapas selection: homous,wedges,Indian potato patties,spanakopita and dolmades
all fresh and tasty. Good vibrations!

The Hawley Arms - Is she actually wearing a mango on her head? by VixBix

VixBix — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:47:44 +0000

Review by VixBix

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7428 5979

Website: http://www.greeneking.co.uk

Tags: food, traditional english, helpful staff

Im a good old fan of the Hawley like alot of young ambitious people waiting for a big break and this is the kind of place that draws in that kinda crowd,although I miss the old Hawley Arms before it got alot of press coverage involving the likes of Amy Winehouse and trendy bans of the moment being spoted in there. only for the simple reason being you get under age fans and giggly girls hopeing to spot the likes of Noel Fielding or Russel Brand which of course only goes and cheapens the experiance.
As Im sure some of you are aware the pub is closed for the time being due to a fire in the area which caused alot of damage and the pub being part of what got affected which is why its closed but gladly enough to say it will reopen in 6 months time.
great food,music and the staff are swell!
Love that they serve chips in a pint glass,simple and brings a smile.Good beers on tap also.
Lovely terrace with heaters where peole hang out all year round and also a nice little garden on the ground floor..wether this will be the same on its return we can only but wonder.

Over all good feel to it and an enjoyable experiance..although if arriving later expect to que for a bit outside which is no good but always forgotten once your inside.

Im a good old fan of the Hawley like alot of young ambitious people waiting for a big break and this is the kind of place that draws in that kinda crowd,although I miss the old Hawley Arms before it got alot of press coverage involving the likes of Amy Winehouse and trendy bans of the moment being spoted in there. only for the simple reason being you get under age fans and giggly girls hopeing to spot the likes of Noel Fielding or Russel Brand which of course only goes and cheapens the experiance.
As Im sure some of you are aware the pub is closed for the time being due to a fire in the area which caused alot of damage and the pub being part of what got affected which is why its closed but gladly enough to say it will reopen in 6 months time.
great food,music and the staff are swell!
Love that they serve chips in a pint glass,simple and brings a smile.Good beers on tap also.
Lovely terrace with heaters where peole hang out all year round and also a nice little garden on the ground floor..wether this will be the same on its return we can only but wonder.

Over all good feel to it and an enjoyable experiance..although if arriving later expect to que for a bit outside which is no good but always forgotten once your inside.