Latest reviews in Somerstown, London, United Kingdom

Diwana Bhelpoori House - Jolly, cosy vegetarian restaurant by Angella

Angella — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:59:56 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7387 5556

Very near Euston station. Great starters. Mine contained chickpeas. Lovely flavours. My main course was masala dosai. The 'pancake' was too crisp for me but the potato filling was good and it was so big that I had half of it wrapped up to take home. They offered as I sat 'playing' with the second half. I was really pleased, because when you are somebody else's guest you don't like to ask to have food wrapped up. I'd already filled up on the starter. And the mango lassi.

Drinks? Good choice of non-alcoholic. I was told that you always get given tap water automatically in Indian restaurants. The other Indian drink I tried was the Faluda with glass noodles and rose water. It tasted very pleasant.

Slurping any kind of noodle in public can be a disaster for those of a delicate disposition. You look hideous, like Dracula in drag - with strings of pink hanging from your mouth or - draped down a beard.

Desserts included gulub jamun which was home made and warm and wonderful. We ordered one portion of the sweet syrupy gulub jamun and one of fruit. The fruit was cut fine like tinned cubed salad, in order to fit in a sundae glass. But it tasted fresh. We were also given a small square platter of complimentary fresh fruit including something in strips of yellow which turned out to be jackfruit.

Toilets down a dingy corridor, generally rather soiled and seedy.

Restaurant very jolly with a happy crowd of intellectual couples of all ages. Plenty of nooks to sit in so you feel private although surrounded by people. Tables for two or four. Coloured fairy lights, either for diwali or Xmas added to festive feel. Ended our meal with masala tea. An acquired taste but I've acquired it. Waiters rush about but quite pleasant. The place is open until midnight. Very handy. Busy in the evening on a wet Wednesday. Service is brisk, from waiters who rush around and as in most restaurants nowadays want to grab the menu back to give it to others - hence the people who want to occupy a table indefinitely have complained elsewhere on this site - but you could go to a pub in the same street if you want to sit all afternoon or evening. The trouble is, the sort of people who want wholesome food don't want to sit and drink. One couple had a bottle of sparkling wine - maybe they had brought in their own. I never found out. Maybe other diners or the owners could enlighten me. Would I recommend it to family and friends? I already have.Very near Euston station. Great starters. Mine contained chickpeas. Lovely flavours. My main course was masala dosai. The 'pancake' was too crisp for me but the potato filling was good and it was so big that I had half of it wrapped up to take home. They offered as I sat 'playing' with the second half. I was really pleased, because when you are somebody else's guest you don't like to ask to have food wrapped up. I'd already filled up on the starter. And the mango lassi.

Drinks? Good choice of non-alcoholic. I was told that you always get given tap water automatically in Indian restaurants. The other Indian drink I tried was the Faluda with glass noodles and rose water. It tasted very pleasant.

Slurping any kind of noodle in public can be a disaster for those of a delicate disposition. You look hideous, like Dracula in drag - with strings of pink hanging from your mouth or - draped down a beard.

Desserts included gulub jamun which was home made and warm and wonderful. We ordered one portion of the sweet syrupy gulub jamun and one of fruit. The fruit was cut fine like tinned cubed salad, in order to fit in a sundae glass. But it tasted fresh. We were also given a small square platter of complimentary fresh fruit including something in strips of yellow which turned out to be jackfruit.

Toilets down a dingy corridor, generally rather soiled and seedy.

Restaurant very jolly with a happy crowd of intellectual couples of all ages. Plenty of nooks to sit in so you feel private although surrounded by people. Tables for two or four. Coloured fairy lights, either for diwali or Xmas added to festive feel. Ended our meal with masala tea. An acquired taste but I've acquired it. Waiters rush about but quite pleasant. The place is open until midnight. Very handy. Busy in the evening on a wet Wednesday. Service is brisk, from waiters who rush around and as in most restaurants nowadays want to grab the menu back to give it to others - hence the people who want to occupy a table indefinitely have complained elsewhere on this site - but you could go to a pub in the same street if you want to sit all afternoon or evening. The trouble is, the sort of people who want wholesome food don't want to sit and drink. One couple had a bottle of sparkling wine - maybe they had brought in their own. I never found out. Maybe other diners or the owners could enlighten me. Would I recommend it to family and friends? I already have.

Camden Market - by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:19:48 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 5473

Website: http://www.camdenlock.net

Tags: second hand, helpful staff, vintage clothing

Horrible at the weekends! Full of grotty kids and tourists. That includes you - you know who you are!

But full of wonderful stores, stalls, bar et al. Give yourself a lot of time (and patience) to explore, find your favourites, pick up a bargain.

Note, the stall holders will haggle. Never attempt to pay full price for anything! I'm a very tight young man.Horrible at the weekends! Full of grotty kids and tourists. That includes you - you know who you are!

But full of wonderful stores, stalls, bar et al. Give yourself a lot of time (and patience) to explore, find your favourites, pick up a bargain.

Note, the stall holders will haggle. Never attempt to pay full price for anything! I'm a very tight young man.

H.K Diner Restaurant - by liangliang

liangliang — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:47:33 +0000

Review by liangliang

Rating: 5.00

Tags: lively, malaysian, vegetarian

have gone thee twice , excellenthave gone thee twice , excellent

Conduit Coffee House - Really awful coffee - Vote with your feet by hhrtmnn

hhrtmnn — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:11:35 +0000

Review by hhrtmnn

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7242 8707

Tags: avoid, english

Be Warned - as an independent on the lovely Lambs Conduit you may be enticed - but get your coffee elsewhere!

The coffee beans used come from a fine italian brand but the product was brewed so badly that you could not drink it and keep it down.

Staff also seemed to have attitude (you have to beg for brown sugar) and this is a pity as they have a great location and sitting out under the trees with a cuppa was just what I was looking forward to.

Pricing's also a bit squiffy - Cappuccino is Â£1.45 but double espresso is Â£2.40. I'm confused as it doesn't gel with other places prices!

Under new management and with a complete overhaul this could be a real little treasure.Be Warned - as an independent on the lovely Lambs Conduit you may be enticed - but get your coffee elsewhere!

The coffee beans used come from a fine italian brand but the product was brewed so badly that you could not drink it and keep it down.

Staff also seemed to have attitude (you have to beg for brown sugar) and this is a pity as they have a great location and sitting out under the trees with a cuppa was just what I was looking forward to.

Pricing's also a bit squiffy - Cappuccino is Â£1.45 but double espresso is Â£2.40. I'm confused as it doesn't gel with other places prices!

Under new management and with a complete overhaul this could be a real little treasure.

Secrets 5 - AVOID THIS PLACE or LOSE THOUSANDS OF POUNDS!! by Jonny212

Jonny212 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:25:41 +0000

Review by Jonny212

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7388 6487

Website: http://www.secrets-clubs.com

Tags: thieves, hole in pocket

Me and some friends went to this club 2 weeks ago and 2 lads were spiked and do not remember being there and then found that nearly Â£10K (TEN THOUSAND POUNDS) had been stolen from their bank account for fake Champage and entertainment they have not even received. Avoid this place at all costs, on informing the Police we found that the club is under investigation, so hopefully will be closed soon and the thieves locked up for stealing money. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE or you lose thousands of poundsMe and some friends went to this club 2 weeks ago and 2 lads were spiked and do not remember being there and then found that nearly Â£10K (TEN THOUSAND POUNDS) had been stolen from their bank account for fake Champage and entertainment they have not even received. Avoid this place at all costs, on informing the Police we found that the club is under investigation, so hopefully will be closed soon and the thieves locked up for stealing money. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE or you lose thousands of pounds

St Pancras Grand, St Pancras International Station - Go for the decor, not for the food by paolaenergya

paolaenergya — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:47:02 +0000

Review by paolaenergya

Rating: 3.00

Tags: romantic, expensive, brasserie

I went to the Grand last Friday for a business networking lunch. We had a set menu and I chose betroot salad and pigeon in a port sauce with celery and chestnuts.
The salad was miser and the pigeon was a dark colour on the outside and raw on the inside. A few differently chopped pieces of celery accompanied the pigeon and I think I counted 3 small chestnuts with it.
I would go back for the decor as I find it's a beautiful place but I would eat elsewhere.I went to the Grand last Friday for a business networking lunch. We had a set menu and I chose betroot salad and pigeon in a port sauce with celery and chestnuts.
The salad was miser and the pigeon was a dark colour on the outside and raw on the inside. A few differently chopped pieces of celery accompanied the pigeon and I think I counted 3 small chestnuts with it.
I would go back for the decor as I find it's a beautiful place but I would eat elsewhere.

Ruby Lounge - Ruby Lounge by Gemma_Townsend

Gemma_Townsend — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:03:07 +0000

Review by Gemma_Townsend

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7837 9558

Website: http://www.ruby.uk.com

Tags: cool, relaxed, food

I went to Ruby Lounge last week for a night out with my girlfriends and had a fabulous time. We sat and talked while enjoying a few bottles of wine and when the music was turned up we were straight on our feet until it closed. Our only complaint was that it took a while to get served once it got busy P.S. Hi to the really fit barman with the bead-necklace.
I went to Ruby Lounge last week for a night out with my girlfriends and had a fabulous time. We sat and talked while enjoying a few bottles of wine and when the music was turned up we were straight on our feet until it closed. Our only complaint was that it took a while to get served once it got busy P.S. Hi to the really fit barman with the bead-necklace.

The Fitzroy Patisserie - Avoid this place by jmd

jmd — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:18:50 +0000

Review by jmd

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7388 7928

Tags: cafe

The most ridiculously over priced cafe in the area. Â£5 for toast & coffee ! Cheap & nasty ingredients & sour service at the tills. Plenty of much better places on the surrounding side streetsThe most ridiculously over priced cafe in the area. Â£5 for toast & coffee ! Cheap & nasty ingredients & sour service at the tills. Plenty of much better places on the surrounding side streets

Bree Louise - Wonderful pub! by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:59:24 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7383 2141

Tags: relaxed, friendly, real ale

Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!Damn straight, this is a great pub! I could be a little wasted on you if you're after a polished, slick city bar and you don't like beer (in which case I feel very sorry for you for many reasons) but this is a Beer Mecca!

Capacity for 16 beers, most of them on gravity (last time there were only 15 on. The shame!) and 8 proper ciders means that you will be spoiled for choice. It's a decent price, even more so if you're a CAMRA member as you get a handsome discount.

They have a good food menu dominated by pies. Now, my steak and kidney wasn't the greatest steak and kidney pie I've ever had but it was still damnably good and about the size of my head. Monday to Thursday they feature a "Pie of the Week" for a fiver which is most pleasingly barginous. Unless you have a CAMRA card in which case all pies are Â£5 any day of the week!

Staff are as a rule charmingly inoffensive and efficient and there is a very friendly, buzzy atmosphere. You will inevitably get a smattering of Beardy Weirdys but that should offend no one (partly because of what I aspire to become maybe) and I would say that the demographic is pretty varied.

Big screens show some sporting events, sound off during civilised hours.

Very highly recommended!

Addis - Good food, rubbish service last night by osianb

osianb — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:25:47 +0000

Review by osianb

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7278 0679

Tags: african & caribbean, good value, relaxed

Opinion was divided amongst our party about the food. I enjoyed it very much, although another diner described it as 'dire' and no better than army food. I love the communal aspect of everyone digging in and sharing. The Wot and the Injera were all delicious. Service was pretty bad though. Water was served - but with one glass between five and our wine was luke warm. Waiting staff unsmiling and unenthusiastic.Opinion was divided amongst our party about the food. I enjoyed it very much, although another diner described it as 'dire' and no better than army food. I love the communal aspect of everyone digging in and sharing. The Wot and the Injera were all delicious. Service was pretty bad though. Water was served - but with one glass between five and our wine was luke warm. Waiting staff unsmiling and unenthusiastic.

May Ling - Good all round value for money by Prowse1

Prowse1 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:28:28 +0000

Review by Prowse1

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7388 8103

Tags: chinese, good value, family & home feel

My partner and I have been using May Lings for about 4 years and we've never had a bad meal anytime. Particularly the home delivery, they're so prompt its frigtheningly quick. The premises might not look new and shiny but you wouldn't get much better in China TownMy partner and I have been using May Lings for about 4 years and we've never had a bad meal anytime. Particularly the home delivery, they're so prompt its frigtheningly quick. The premises might not look new and shiny but you wouldn't get much better in China Town

Poppadom Express - Good Indian Restaurant by Meera

Meera — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:20:07 +0000

Review by Meera

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7692 3602

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

Tags: indian

This restaurant is an excellent Indian dining experience. The menu is authentic and the food is outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant.This restaurant is an excellent Indian dining experience. The menu is authentic and the food is outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Spaghetti House - Goodge Street - Really lovely by adiguy60

adiguy60 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:29:27 +0000

Review by adiguy60

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7636 6582

Website: http://www.spaghetti-house.co.uk

Tags: italian, lively, romantic

Great food and a great location... comes highly recommended!Great food and a great location... comes highly recommended!

Spaghetti House - great place! by adiguy60

adiguy60 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:21:45 +0000

Review by adiguy60

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7405 6658

Website: http://www.spaghetti-house.co.uk

Tags: italian, good value, lively

Really great food at very reasonable prices. Could not recommend highly enough... the terrace is wonderful and the staff are really friendly. Top eatery!Really great food at very reasonable prices. Could not recommend highly enough... the terrace is wonderful and the staff are really friendly. Top eatery!

Fino Restaurant - delightful to be invited there by susan

susan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:38:34 +0000

Review by susan

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7813 8010

Website: http://www.finorestaurant.com/

Tags: spanish, expensive, business

I was lucky to be invited to Fino for lunch. My host ordered, and all the dishes were delicious: a classic Tortilla, chorizo chips, pimientos al padron, squid, black bream, fried artichokes and tomato salad. Service was stylish and competent. The basement restaurant looks chic and modern. Lunch for two without any alcohol came to Â£65, which for me makes it a luxury outing.I was lucky to be invited to Fino for lunch. My host ordered, and all the dishes were delicious: a classic Tortilla, chorizo chips, pimientos al padron, squid, black bream, fried artichokes and tomato salad. Service was stylish and competent. The basement restaurant looks chic and modern. Lunch for two without any alcohol came to Â£65, which for me makes it a luxury outing.

Roka - Roking by chrisp

chrisp — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:59:50 +0000

Review by chrisp

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7580 6464

Website: http://www.rokarestaurant.com

Tags: japanese, lively, expensive

Roka is a Robata-yaki restaurant. No, I didn't know what it meant either - it turns out that it stands for the large charcoal grill in the centre of the room - the Robata - and the food cooked on it. Sort of a Japanese barbecue pit, only with sushi on the side instead of cornbread and grits, it attracted my interest because there's very few things I won't eat that have been cooked on a charcoal grill (to be fair, there are very few things I won't eat full stop, except perhaps raw rabbit brains, which is a shame because I'm apparently going to be served them in El Bulli in September... wish me luck).

We began with the obligitory bowl of edamame, which were a very good example of their kind - in fact probably the best I've had. Buttery and moist inside, salted evenly throughout and packed with flavour. Super.

Next arrived a very attractive plate of sashimi, with the even slices of raw fish arranged around a spectacular mountain of solid ice. The fish itself was fine - no more but certainly no less tasty than that I've had elsewhere - but it was the presentation that won here. Maybe that's the point of sashimi after all.

Next began arriving the hot dishes. My least favourite was first - a tray of grilled aubergine. It occurred to me as I was working my way through the soggy pieces of vegetable that perhaps I just don't like aubergine, and indeed I can't think of many times I've really been wowed by what is essentially a big tasteless bag of mushy grey flesh. Perhaps one day I'll be proved wrong, but in the meantime, I Don't Like Aubergine. There, I've said it.

Then, to save the day, a great dish of grilled chicken wings, coated I think in some sort of honey and soy sauce and sesame seeds, and a little wooden spoon of sea salt by the side. There was nothing subtle about the flavours here, but the crispy sugar from the honey, the sea salt and the chicken fat combined to produce a wonderful feast for every part of your palette. This was food from heaven's own barbecue - bold and brilliant.

And then, as if that wasn't enough, the black cod arrived. At Â£20 a plate, this had a lot to live up to, but boy did it. A sweet crust of honey and spices broke to reveal the most incredibly meaty, flavoursome flesh and gorgeous crispy skin underneath. Served prettily inside a dried leaf and with a stick of what looked and tasted like pickled lemongrass, the fact that it was actually very slightly overcooked at the edges did nothing to distract from the extraordinarily rich flavour of the fish and masterful use of spices. Worth every bit of its Â£20 price tag, this is the first fish dish I've had in a very long time that I never wanted to end. I've been dreaming about it ever since.

Along with impeccable and genuinely friendly service and a light and informal room (we bundled in wearing jeans and t-shirts and laden with John Lewis shopping bags but didn't feel out of place), you'd be nit picking to find anything to fault about Roka at all. Apart from the odd extravagant option (and if that black cod is any indication, these are pricey for a reason) it is all very reasonably priced, presented with flair bordering on artistry, and yet with the most important thing - the flavour - still taking centre stage. I'll even do them a favour and ignore the dish I didn't like - after all, they weren't to know I Don't Like Aubergine.Roka is a Robata-yaki restaurant. No, I didn't know what it meant either - it turns out that it stands for the large charcoal grill in the centre of the room - the Robata - and the food cooked on it. Sort of a Japanese barbecue pit, only with sushi on the side instead of cornbread and grits, it attracted my interest because there's very few things I won't eat that have been cooked on a charcoal grill (to be fair, there are very few things I won't eat full stop, except perhaps raw rabbit brains, which is a shame because I'm apparently going to be served them in El Bulli in September... wish me luck).

We began with the obligitory bowl of edamame, which were a very good example of their kind - in fact probably the best I've had. Buttery and moist inside, salted evenly throughout and packed with flavour. Super.

Next arrived a very attractive plate of sashimi, with the even slices of raw fish arranged around a spectacular mountain of solid ice. The fish itself was fine - no more but certainly no less tasty than that I've had elsewhere - but it was the presentation that won here. Maybe that's the point of sashimi after all.

Next began arriving the hot dishes. My least favourite was first - a tray of grilled aubergine. It occurred to me as I was working my way through the soggy pieces of vegetable that perhaps I just don't like aubergine, and indeed I can't think of many times I've really been wowed by what is essentially a big tasteless bag of mushy grey flesh. Perhaps one day I'll be proved wrong, but in the meantime, I Don't Like Aubergine. There, I've said it.

Then, to save the day, a great dish of grilled chicken wings, coated I think in some sort of honey and soy sauce and sesame seeds, and a little wooden spoon of sea salt by the side. There was nothing subtle about the flavours here, but the crispy sugar from the honey, the sea salt and the chicken fat combined to produce a wonderful feast for every part of your palette. This was food from heaven's own barbecue - bold and brilliant.

And then, as if that wasn't enough, the black cod arrived. At Â£20 a plate, this had a lot to live up to, but boy did it. A sweet crust of honey and spices broke to reveal the most incredibly meaty, flavoursome flesh and gorgeous crispy skin underneath. Served prettily inside a dried leaf and with a stick of what looked and tasted like pickled lemongrass, the fact that it was actually very slightly overcooked at the edges did nothing to distract from the extraordinarily rich flavour of the fish and masterful use of spices. Worth every bit of its Â£20 price tag, this is the first fish dish I've had in a very long time that I never wanted to end. I've been dreaming about it ever since.

Along with impeccable and genuinely friendly service and a light and informal room (we bundled in wearing jeans and t-shirts and laden with John Lewis shopping bags but didn't feel out of place), you'd be nit picking to find anything to fault about Roka at all. Apart from the odd extravagant option (and if that black cod is any indication, these are pricey for a reason) it is all very reasonably priced, presented with flair bordering on artistry, and yet with the most important thing - the flavour - still taking centre stage. I'll even do them a favour and ignore the dish I didn't like - after all, they weren't to know I Don't Like Aubergine.

Forum Cafe - Very bad customer service by makisushi007

makisushi007 — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:46:21 +0000

Review by makisushi007

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7404 1878

I 100% agree with the previous post. Zero communication, bad body language, VERY bad customer service. Very disappointed, I wanted to say he was doing the business bad but just by being in the shop for 10 minutes, i could tell he could become a very violent man and would be shouting till i got out of the shop.

I do not recommend this place to anyone.

I 100% agree with the previous post. Zero communication, bad body language, VERY bad customer service. Very disappointed, I wanted to say he was doing the business bad but just by being in the shop for 10 minutes, i could tell he could become a very violent man and would be shouting till i got out of the shop.

I do not recommend this place to anyone.

El Parador - I could live here by benantiben

benantiben — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:50:17 +0000

Review by benantiben

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7387 2789

Tags: spanish, good value, family & home feel

If they'd let me I really would move in to El Parador. It's been on my list of places to go for around two years and I have no exuse as to not going sooner, but for our first wedding anniversary the wife and I walked down the hill and ate ourselves giddy.

Food cooked fast and fresh, amazing classic flavours delivered with both power and subtlety with great variation on a pleasantly uncomplicated menu. We'll be going back to work our way through the entire menu I think. Some of the best Spanish food I've ever had.

I thoroughly recommend this to all and every!If they'd let me I really would move in to El Parador. It's been on my list of places to go for around two years and I have no exuse as to not going sooner, but for our first wedding anniversary the wife and I walked down the hill and ate ourselves giddy.

Food cooked fast and fresh, amazing classic flavours delivered with both power and subtlety with great variation on a pleasantly uncomplicated menu. We'll be going back to work our way through the entire menu I think. Some of the best Spanish food I've ever had.

I thoroughly recommend this to all and every!

Salt Yard - by BenfromDrum

BenfromDrum — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:23:43 +0000

Review by BenfromDrum

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7637 0657

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

Tags: expensive, spanish, lively

Favourite restaurant in London ... great place to relax and spend an afternoon ... brilliant food (the specials are always good) and lovely wines. You need to book in advance though ...Favourite restaurant in London ... great place to relax and spend an afternoon ... brilliant food (the specials are always good) and lovely wines. You need to book in advance though ...

The Victoria - The Goose has lost it's Crown... Camden's best pub by AlexWoods

AlexWoods — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:22:33 +0000

Review by AlexWoods

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7387 3804

Tags: beer garden, jazz, cool

I donâ¬"t want to alarm any one, but this could well be the best pub in Camden. I know thatâ¬"s controversial, and I think I may have to write a letter of apology to the Crown, but this place is just utterly fantastic. I think Iâ¬"m in love.

For a start, it closes in the afternoon. Now, that may not seem like a merit in most peopleâ¬"s book but there is something so quintessentially â¬Spubbyâ¬ about it â¬ open for lunch, close during the â¬Sgraveyard hoursâ¬, which any barman/maid is familiar with (in fact, I wrote most of my undergraduate dissertation while at work during this down time) then open up for knocking off time.

(Also, if you think about it, itâ¬"s completely logical â¬ A: the kind of people who are drinking at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon are the kind of people you probably donâ¬"t want in your pub. People like me. B: just a quick cost/benefit analysis must highlight the fact that the amount of money you take over the bar on your average weekday afternoon is usually significantly less than the cost of powering and manning the place.)

So. Itâ¬"s closed. Great. Inside it is beautiful! Very comfortable and welcoming, a little dark but that gave it a more cosy touch. Thereâ¬"s a decent sized L-shaped bar, with some excellent bar stools. Around one side are some very interesting copper-topped tables, which must be a bugger to keep clean but they look great! Around the other side there are some more comfy looking tables, chairs and sofas.

Now then. The garden is a delight! Itâ¬"s enclosed, itâ¬"s paved and overhung with some kind of vegetation. There is also a long trestle table roofed with trellising which I can imagine in the evening looks very romantic indeed.

They only have one beer, but itâ¬"s London Pride and it was delicious so who gives a crap. Further to that they have a pretty standard collection of lagers etc.

By far and away the highlight of this pub is the juke box. I had a wonderful time (and spent a lot of money!) trawling through the extensive collection which can cater to pretty much any taste.

As if l that wasnâ¬"t enough, the staff when we went in were some of the most charming and sociable Iâ¬"ve had the pleasure to have met and they do great pizza.

This all makes for a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and I can see this gaff becoming a regular.
I donâ¬"t want to alarm any one, but this could well be the best pub in Camden. I know thatâ¬"s controversial, and I think I may have to write a letter of apology to the Crown, but this place is just utterly fantastic. I think Iâ¬"m in love.

For a start, it closes in the afternoon. Now, that may not seem like a merit in most peopleâ¬"s book but there is something so quintessentially â¬Spubbyâ¬ about it â¬ open for lunch, close during the â¬Sgraveyard hoursâ¬, which any barman/maid is familiar with (in fact, I wrote most of my undergraduate dissertation while at work during this down time) then open up for knocking off time.

(Also, if you think about it, itâ¬"s completely logical â¬ A: the kind of people who are drinking at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon are the kind of people you probably donâ¬"t want in your pub. People like me. B: just a quick cost/benefit analysis must highlight the fact that the amount of money you take over the bar on your average weekday afternoon is usually significantly less than the cost of powering and manning the place.)

So. Itâ¬"s closed. Great. Inside it is beautiful! Very comfortable and welcoming, a little dark but that gave it a more cosy touch. Thereâ¬"s a decent sized L-shaped bar, with some excellent bar stools. Around one side are some very interesting copper-topped tables, which must be a bugger to keep clean but they look great! Around the other side there are some more comfy looking tables, chairs and sofas.

Now then. The garden is a delight! Itâ¬"s enclosed, itâ¬"s paved and overhung with some kind of vegetation. There is also a long trestle table roofed with trellising which I can imagine in the evening looks very romantic indeed.

They only have one beer, but itâ¬"s London Pride and it was delicious so who gives a crap. Further to that they have a pretty standard collection of lagers etc.

By far and away the highlight of this pub is the juke box. I had a wonderful time (and spent a lot of money!) trawling through the extensive collection which can cater to pretty much any taste.

As if all that wasnâ¬"t enough, the staff when we went in were some of the most charming and sociable Iâ¬"ve had the pleasure to have met and they do great pizza.

This all makes for a fantastic, friendly atmosphere and I can see this gaff becoming a regular.