Tipped

Consistently Wonderful

November 11, 2007

Although this is one of our many neighbourhood gastropubs, it’s been a while since I’ve been. But we went back the other day, taking my cousin who was visiting from San Francisco, and once again, it was amazing. I have never had a bad experience or bad meal here and I’m not that easy to please.

The pub itself is small and cosy with a fireplace and chandeliers made out of wine glasses. The walls are painted nicely and feature local artists work for sale. The semi-circular dark wood bar is inviting; and the waitstaff are always friendly and attentive. There are large tables in the front bar where people can share (or not) plus a couple smaller ones, and about 5 tables in the back which is considered the more formal dining room, although it’s not much different except slightly quieter. Then there tables out front for those who want to smoke or to enjoy on a sunny day as well as a back patio for al fresco diners during the warmer months.

The food is wonderful. Although I hear their steaks are amazing, I actually went the vegetarian route and started with the Jerusalem artichoke soup with truffle oil (£4) and the pumpkin risotto with toasted cashews for my main (£11). My husband had the quinoa salad with green beans, quail eggs and pomegranate dressing (£6.50) for starter and the monkfish with razor clam (£14.50), equally delicious. The portions were hearty and they start you off with fresh baked bread served with balsamic and olive oil for dipping so you don’t leave this place hungry.

The Barnsbury is my #1 local right now.

Keywords: gastropub, al fresco, Sunday Roast, art