Rose and Crown Highgate

We went for Sunday lunch with friends. We ordered the sunday roasts. When the food came the 'mixed vegetables' on the menu consisted of four green beans - accompanied by slices of meat, a few tiny roast potatoes and gravy - quite cold. When we eventually got the attention of the waitress to ask about the mixed vegetables and the fact that one of the portions of beef was actually lamb disguised with a yorkshire pudding and gravy, we were met with stares and silence. No apology - the waitress walked off saying OK. But it wasn't OK. The problem with this place is that it is neither a great traditional pub nor a gastro pub/restaurant. It is the sort of place that thinks if they strip the floors, put a few candles out and display a fancy menu then they are a restaurant not a pub - this is so frustrating! The staff barely said a word - I had to get up twice to ask for mint sauce and I felt like I had asked for the Earth! My boyfriend, meanwhile spent so long at the 'bar' waiting to order drinks that he felt he should start timing. Again, is it a restaurant or pub? I am confused. It wasn't like the place was really busy - it just looked like total incompetence. I got the impression that the place was run by amateurs (perhaps the owners are on holiday and left friends to run it?). The waitress did take two meals off the price of our bill (although there was no apology or no word that they were doing this we only found out when the bill was placed in front of us and she walked off. I tried to explain to her that I have never complained before in a restaurant and why we were unhappy - but sadly I feel that they just don't get it and it isn't going to change. What a waste of a Sunday afternoon.
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Katie
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Monday, September 04, 2006

Jason Hall, the Bull is over priced crap! The Rose and Crown provides the most friendly service and the food is all made fresh in house. It is very frustarting to read reviews where the people either have not been to the site or they are talking a load of "bull"(sorry for the reference) For anyone that knows Highgate well it has become a haven for chains serving average grub, the RC offers a range of great dishes from around the world, a must to try both chilled lazy Sunday lunch or candlelit dinner.

There are alot of tables close together, this adds to the intamacy and atmosphere of one of the villages true gems.
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SB
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Great local place, good bread and crudites fine for munching while waiting for the main course, which was salmon with mash and spinach. This was really good, and we had a great bottle of wine.

The place was full. I don't understand the poor reviews, we had a good time and enjoyed it, and will go again. It's pub food, done well with cheerful staff and lively customers so just the thing for an informal night out.
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Lynn
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Sunday, May 07, 2006

Bitter olives, stodgy bread to start didnt auger well. We decided on mixed starters for the table rather that the unattractive main courses seen at our neighbouring tables. Tempura prawns suggests light airy batter to me not small prawn encrusted in heavy clump. A simple prawn cocktail was the highlight of the meal but could have been more saucy. Spring rolls were too greasy and lacked well spring! 2 glasses of nice white wine shows me the strength of this pokey place lies in drinking and not the gastro. Its Cafe Rouge for cheap,cheerful and unpretentious nosh in Highgate.
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Davey Byrne
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 4
Tuesday, April 18, 2006

We decided this Christmas should be a lazy one would and let someone else deal with the cooking, cleaning and serving for us. Couldn't believe our luck when we saw the Rose was open Xmas day. We arrived early for our 3.00pm sitting and were informed that there would be a short wait to be seated. It was clear that the first sitting were in full festive spirit and it was nice to see that the staff were not rushing people out. The only inconvenience, if you can call it that, was that there was more time spent at the bar (never a bad thing when all the others were now closed).

The food was traditional fare (our party of four all had the turkey) and was up to the usual standards you would expect from the Rose. The service was relaxed, unhurried and friendly despite the fact that the staff looked run off their feet all day. They fully deserved their day off on Boxing day!

At £24.95 I'll be back next year.
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Christine
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, January 09, 2006

Well having read the reviews about the Rose and Crown I felt compelled to write my own.

I have been to this place on several occasions and will continue to do so. I have lived in Highgate a good 20 years and I think the Rose and Crown has become one of Highgates greatest assets. I know that it has changed hands on a couple of occasionsin the last five years and that in the old management I found the food, pretty average and the service ludicrously slow. However in the hands of the current owners the Rose and Crown is one of my favourite restaurants in London let aloine Highgate.

The service is excellent, the staff polite and the food is simply gorgeous. I have quite a fussy palate so I haven't tried a lot of food there however whatI have had has been fantastic and I gather from my partner that the Venisson is good.

The atmosphere is lovely and low candle lighting throughout and at the front of the bar I know they have a dj on Sundays and have wanted to go there just for a drink but haven't anaged to yet. With all the "chain" restaurants in Highgate I would urge anyone to sample the Rose and Crown, it's not expensive and is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I hope they remain in Highgate for as long as possible! I should get a free meal for this review :-)!!!
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Alex
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Having occasionally frequented the Bar which is a pleasure in it's own right due to the friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere I took some clients for dinner on Wednesday evening. I have dined at many local restaurants and would rank the R&C as one of the best. While professional and courteous at all times the staff are very friendly and the service was impeccable. The food was exquisite and very reasonably priced and the managers knowledge of wines is to be commended. I'm particularly looking forward to dining here in the summer in the spacious secluded garden in the rear. Overall, a delightful culinary experience which I would recommend highly. The R&C really is the jewel in the crown of Highgate village. Having perused the reviews here I would suggest that Jason Hall try the McDonalds at the foot of Highgate hill rather than any purveyor of good food.
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Stephen
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Thursday, December 15, 2005

We popped in for a glass of wine early afternoon on 3 Dec after a walk on Hampstead Heath to celebrate a friends 30th birthday and didnt end up leaving until closing we had such a nice time! Great atmosphere. The best food in Highgate. Manager more than made up for some staff's lack of knowledge of the wines. Friendly, unpretentious place. We will definately be back!
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Chris
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Sunday, December 11, 2005

Short and sweet review: don't go there, I wish I hadn't. Total Waste of money.

Go to dim t, The Flask or The Angel.
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Friday, November 18, 2005

Not a French restaurant anymore. Not even a gastro ub. Cramed tables. amateur service, slobbering manager. Food? You can do better at Marks and Sparks.

Waste of time and money. Go somewhere decent like the Bull down North Hill
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Jason Hall
Thursday, November 17, 2005