The Clissold Arms

Dining here is always a pleasure. We live locally and have been four times. Each time brings something new whether this is the wine list (which are mainly the owners choice and are marvellous) or the food, which is organic and brought in from around the UK. Not cheap, not expensive, just right!
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Richard Johnson
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, September 22, 2008

a return visit for dinner which was outstanding. soft shell crab tempura was light and crisp; followed by duck 3 ways (pate, confit and pan fried breast) with braised red cabbage and peppercorn jus (plus chips cooked in dripping) was fantastic. plum panna cotta and choc/walnut brownie were also well enjoyed.

staff are very friendly and add to a relaxed atmosphere

ignore the uninspiring surroundings because once you delve into the grub you won't even notice it.

i will be back!!!
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littlehippie
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, September 07, 2008

I had read that the Clissold Arms was one of Time Out's "hot eats" for a few weeks, and so it seemed like it was worth a trip to investigate (especially as it was the place where the Kinks played their first gig!). The interior is quite generic for a gastropub, but pleasant nonetheless. Nice and airy - and a really nice semi-covered area at the back for dining if the weather is nice (it was for us).

To the menu - a good selection of meat, fish and veggie options, as well as the standard roasts (beef, pork or lamb, with all the trimmings, served Sunday lunchtime only). My starter was a salad of greek manouri cheese, artichoke hearts, walnuts, and a nutty dressing - excellent, tasty and light. A main of poussin stuffed with dates and almonds, was delicious, as was the cheeky yorkshire pudding I requested as a side. Others in the group enjoyed a duck liver pate starter and roast beef or halibut mains. The overall quality of the food was excellent and the service was friendly and not overly rushed.

Will I return? Yes. It is a shame that the place has not made itself stand out from any other gastropub in the area, and being more or less halfway between Muswell Hill and East Finchley I just wonder if it'll really take off. It does lack a little atmosphere, and for a Sunday lunchtime I was very surprised to see it little over half full. It would be a shame if it doesn't take off - after having recently tried the Bald Faced Stag in East Finchley (which was packed on a Sunday), I would recommend a trip to the Clissold Arms instead. The price is a little higher, but I feel the quality of food more than makes up for it.
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Littlehippie
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, June 25, 2008