Rose and Crown Highgate

I make no apologies, as per the last reviewer, when beginning my review of the Rose and Crown in Highgate. My dining partner and myself were both warmly welcomed upon entering this establishment and then seated in the intimate raised dining room away from the bar. We began by sharing some lovely fresh rock oysters, which were kept honest by being served simply with lemon wedges and shallot vinegar. Our mains were just as enjoyable, however displayed more of the skills of the chef, the 21 day aged sirloin was cooked to perfection, which is not always the case with pub dining, and what a great cut of meat provided by the local butchers. My friend enjoyed the pork belly, which looked amazing, and as I was informed, was also cooked wonderfully, the slow roasting was perfect. These meals were delicious in flavour but also displayed great presentation, just as modern gastro pub food should. We will return to the Rose and Crown as it really does offer a great dining experience and is offering something unique in Highgate Village.
Comment on this reader review

Miss O Witney
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, February 23, 2008

Just had a luch for four. We visited a few years ago and were happy with the experience so decided to return.

However, a change in menu/management saw the standard of food drop to a dissapointing level. Our starters whic hincluded potted crab were fairly tasteless and given the price should have been much better.

Our main courses of Raost Beef and Yorshire puddings were average, but our desserts of chocolate filled brioche and peach tart were stodgey and a little overcooked respectively.

The service was v good and staff were pleaseant and attentive.

Overall an average experience but overpriced given the quality of food served.
Comment on this reader review

M Goga
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Sunday, February 17, 2008

Had a wonderful evening thoroughly enjoyable.

All our courses were executed skillfully. Quality ingredients, simply cooked and delicious to eat.

With its friendly service, cosy atmosphere and well priced menu - judged food The Rose and Crown is a great local place to eat.
Comment on this reader review

Amy
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, February 06, 2008

I ate alone at the rose and crown in highgate last week.

service was perfectly adequate. food was simply-prepared, delicious winter fare. drinks were fine, particularly an old-fashioned mixed for me by the eager to please young american bartender, who properly took his time (essential for an old-fashioned) and appeared to show a real love of his work. the friendly young chef was passing through the dining area and took the time to enquire as to my meal. he needn't have worried. friendly, warm and charming. a real find.
Comment on this reader review

- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

upon arriving at this former local pub on a january thursday evening, we were greeted by a delightful young polish girl, who made us feel at home. the meat- and game-heavy menus came mounted on wooden frames. on a freezing winters' night a pot-roasted pheasant served whole (you are meant to carve it yourself) with braised red cabbage, hazelnuts and pancetta hit the spot for two of us (it is recommended to share). our companions opted for braised lentils with mushrooms, a hearty and well put-together if simple dish, and a pub classic: bangers and mash with onion gravy, pricy at £10.50 but otherwise perfect in every way. three sausages of venison, pork and leek, and another pork offering (honey?) on a bed of perfect light creamy mash, with a gravy as unctuous and silky as you will find. again, we were disappointed with the lack of ales on draught. the dessert menu was good but too small. service friendly and efficient
Comment on this reader review

francis morgan and friends - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

A great little gastro pub!

Food was really good especialy the pork fillet with black pudding.

The ideal place to have a drink with friends, a meal with your girlfriend or to watch the football with your mates!
Comment on this reader review

Steven
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Thursday, October 04, 2007

I walked past and decided to pop in for a quick drink, with my wife. It had a good atmosphere and the staff were friendly. As a result, we stayed for dinner and weren't disappointed - the haloumi and pear salad was lovely! It was surprisingly affordable, for a three course dinner and a bottle of wine, of which they had a nice selection.

The dining area is raised and away from the bar - affording us the privacy we craved.
Comment on this reader review

Matt
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, June 28, 2007

Being a local I am sorry to say this was more than disappointing. I can confirm that per earlier reviews this used to serve very good food but I think the management must have changed. You will find better food in the greasiest of greasy spoons and will not have to shell out £15 for it. In addition the wine was awful. At £20 a bottle it vividly brought back my days as a student. I wish I had read the review before mine before going. I will certainly not be returning any time soon!
Comment on this reader review

Andy
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Tried this place about a year ago and was pleasantly surprised as we had good food served well at reasonable prices. Returned recently and its gone downhill. Foreign staff struggled with basic English (ordering two pints was a task in itself), the place was filthy and the food rubbish. Doesn't know whether its trying to be a gastro pub, a normal pub, or some sort of "trendy" bar (although whether neon lights are trendy I'm not sure)
Comment on this reader review

Rob
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 2
Sunday, April 22, 2007

Having gone to The Rose And Crown for the first time last week I must say it will be the last!! It is the worst pub (if you can call it a pub???) I have ever set foot in. I had a busy day at the office and wanted to have a nice pint with my collegue, boy was it so not worth it.

I asked for a pint of London Pride, was told they do not have any Ales!!! No Ales, when this is supposed to be a traditional pub in Highgate???.

So I ordered a pint of Carling and to be honest it was disgusting? ( they obviously have never heard of line cleaning before?) the glass was dirty and warm to say the least.

Having sat down to try and enjoy this pint the member of staff who served me sat two tables away from me was enjoying a cigerette and talking at the top of his voice on his mobile (Maybe he should be cleaning the lines rather than smoking??).

So I moved to another table at the back of the pub so I could breathe but the smoke seemed to carry all around the pub.

After 20 minutes I decided enough was enough. Having not even finished our drinks we left. (Do yourself a favour and drink down the road at the Flask great selection of Ales and the staff are far more interested in making there customers feel welcome!!).

The staff was still enjoying his cigerette as we left and did not even aknowledge us as we left.

A horrible place to go, don't waste your time. Worst pub in Highgate.
Comment on this reader review

David
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Thursday, March 22, 2007