The Barnsbury

The menu at The Barnsbury is tempting, and I really enjoyed my leg of rabbit with pancetta, parsley & radicchio risotto, truffle jus. However, the portions are not huge and cost the same as some of the higher-end West End restaurants - but, frankly, The Barnsbury does not compare to these venues. We were seated in the pub rather than the dining room; although despite this, the service was quite attentive, even if we had to repair to the bar each time we needed more drinks. However, the ambience of a pub is very different to that of a restaurant and I think that The Barnsbury does not realise that eating there is not nearly as good an experience as dining at a good restaurant for a comparable price.
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dawnage - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Sunday, January 20, 2008

The Barnsbury has an almost spot-on gastropub atmosphere, and serves a menu that is for the most part very good, with attractive, well-prepared dishes. The feedback from our recent office meal there was that most, particularly the meat courses and desserts, were very good, although some of the starters, such as the soup, were bland and average.

The service on an early Friday evening was less inspiring - some of our dishes arrived lukewarm, or not at all, and had to be chased. Worst of all was the duty manager, who seemed to be more focussed on his average revenue per diner (£44, as he told us, repeatedly), and subsequently engaged us in a 30-minute discussion because he had decided to retain our £300 deposit because some of the diners had ordered from the A' La Carte rather than Set menu. He seemed inexperienced and our experience, as a result, suffered.

The Barnsbury has a very good kitchen, very good atmosphere, but I wouldn't depend on it for a romantic meal or business dinner until they sort their service and duty management out.
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Damian
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Excellent food - had difficulty choosing from the menu as everything looked so good. A little on the pricey side considering we were eating in the bar (with the door wide open to let out all the smoke!!), but overall good value - would go back again and try and eat in the dining area.
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superkat - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Monday, May 07, 2007

Super pub food. Ate here for the first time tonight. Delicious, very fishy (filled with pieces of white fish) cullen skink soup with a huge rarebit crouton and also a very tasty foie gras and chicken terrine. Roast chicken and duck confit went down well. Only problem is the smoke which, being a pub, you notice more than in other restaurants. Will definitely return.
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Lucy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, February 11, 2007

Really good and very good value for this level of cooking. The Confit of Duck with red cabbage is excellent especially with buckets of their very lovely Pinot Noir. Scrummy.
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Susan
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, November 29, 2006

After reading the reviews below I actually checked the photograph to see if I had somehow made a mistake. I had lunch there this Sunday and was bitterly disappointed. We shared a starter of Samosa, the contents of which would have suited a Shepherd’s Pie. The Yorkshire pudding’s were those horrible, no substance, frozen/pre chilled ones and instead of vegetables we were served a watery orange mush that I imagine was carrot and something else. The roast potatoes were burnt and the beef totally unremarkable. The waitress then scraped our, quite substantial, leftovers onto one plate while standing at our table. We thought maybe this was due to the amount of orange mush left but then watched her do this at many other tables. I don’t know if we visited on a particularly bad day but I cannot believe anybody thinks this place is good value. Our bill was £49; the only alcohol consumed being one glass of wine. My nephew was so hungry afterwards we went to Wagamama’s.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, November 22, 2006

We had a fantastic night at the Barnsbury, took our aunt there for her 90th birthday and the staff - who were coping effortlessly with a full pub where most tables were being served food - couldn't have been more helpful or attentive. Food was delicious and the whole evening was relaxed and unhurried. Will definitely be going back.
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Sinead
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, November 15, 2006

I love this pub, and is always my favourite destination for a Sunday lunch.

Portions are generous, but the food is always immaculately cooked and service is excellent. It always has a nice buzzing atmosphere, but as it is away from the crowds of Upper Street it is never too packed or two rowdy.

Essentially this is a very nicely run pub with friendly and attentive staff, and it is always worth a visit.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, August 29, 2006

I regularly eat at the Barnsbury and always have an enoyable meal. The food is simple (in a good way), well cooked and well presented and the service usually very reliable. The wines are well chosen and fairly priced. The pub itself is usually satisfyingly full - enough people to create a good atmosphere, but rarely overcrowded. What more could you want from a local?
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Leo - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, July 14, 2006

GREAT!!!

Very fun and positive vibe place. Not to crwoed, nor empty.

We went there on a saturday night and were pleasantly surprised byt the great food and sevice. They have a great menu and wine list. The portions are generous (the brownie with ice cream is a must!!!) Will definitely go there again!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, May 10, 2006