The Barnsbury

We used to like coming here with our dog and toddler son but it seems to have really gone downhill. Went in for Sunday Lunch on Father's day and it was surprisingly quiet. Food was unappetising, bland and too salty. Sorry but we won't be coming back in a hurry (although it does seem to be the only Islington gastopub you can get into for Sunday lunch at short notice - now we know why!).
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Clare
2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Nice starter and beautifully cooked duck but why oh why did they have to smother the taste with star anise in the sauce and big lumps of the stuff that tasted like aniseed balls? A real disappointment.
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3 Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Saturday, November 26, 2011

Great pub for drinking; good selection of booze, very good bar-staff and a nice ambience. But the food...oh dear...had roast chicken there yesterday, still not too sure what I actually ate...tasted like chicken but I've certainly never seen chicken bones as big as the ones I was given. Really, really, appallingly and insultingly bad.
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potted
4 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 0
Monday, April 11, 2011

Had a lovely evening here. Cottage pie came in a big cereal bowl and had nice mashy topping. A little pricey for what it is but this is Islington afterall! Wines & ales were good, and so was the service. I'd come back for the drinks (maybe less so for the food).
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8 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Saturday, March 12, 2011

We had a not so enjoyable experience. the lamb dish was so salty it was simply unbearable. We asked the waitress to change the dish, which she reluctantly did, without one apology. Bottom line, very average food (to say the least) and terrible service. Beats me why this place is so popular! One customer who will not be returning.
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2 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Saturday, January 22, 2011

We went there recently on a Thursday night and for Sunday lunch with our 3 month old son, the staff were friendly, food was great and child friendly. This pub will now become our regular. We love it!
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10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, November 29, 2010

I hadn't been to the Barnsbury for some time and having heard it had undergone refurbishment and was under new management thought I’d go and check it out with friends. I was pleasantly surprised. We went on a Wednesday night which happened to be their £2 a pint of ale night so I shared a couple of the flavoured ones with a friend and they are dangerously delicious! We stayed to eat and I had the pig cheeks, something I'd never eaten before and which were absolutely to die for and my friend had the lamb which was equally as tasty. Good quality food beautifully presented. The staff were friendly and attentive and all in all a great place for a drink and food at reasonable prices in a nice friendly atmosphere. Will definitely be going back especially as I'd like to try the Sunday roast and somewhere I wouldn't hesitate recommending.
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Anna - View all reviews by this user
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I always loved coming here, unfortunatly a few months ago it felt like the Barnsbury had taken a fall for the worst. However I've recently visited again and there has been a change in ownership and management and you can really tell just by walking in, the staff are very friendly and love talking about the ales and other recent changes. One barman made me join thier real ale club (which I'm looking forward to) and the food seemed to be back on form also with dishes going out smelling excellent... I did spot one waitress putting out knives and forks touching the heads not the handles (come on guys train people) I'd say something if a drink was handed over by someone touching the rim but I'll say this is something the new staff will eventually learn.... Besides it's great to see the place getting back to it's former glory.
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Ali Clarkson
9 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, October 02, 2010