North London Tavern

We dined at the North London Tavern in December on a quiet weekday evening, prior to going to the theatre. We were greeted by a surly waiter who looked aghast when we mentioned that we only had about 40 mins to dine (we had merely ordered 2 starters & a main & would have thought any chef worth his salt could deliver in the time frame). Food eventually arrived about 30mins later: the cod & beetroot was delicious but portion size was small for a main course - and no carbs in sight! The starters of steamed mussels were decidedly disappointing: although the sauce was a well executed French classic, and the portion generous, the actual mussels themselves were tiny, which is very odd given that they are in season! One wonders just quite how thorough their food sourcing is...

My goats cheese & tangy red onion accompaniment was lovely, but nothing to write home about. While lots of attention has clearly been lavished on the interiors of this pub (all dark walls & chandelier), I'm not sure the food quite lives up to the quality one would expect of a gastro-pub with prices to match!
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foodie
6 Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Thursday, December 22, 2011

I think this is one of the most overrated and overpriced places I've been to. I had soup to start which was soooo bland i couldn't get enough salt and pepper in there. Tasted like a supermarket one heated up but not as nice. Then I had duck which was nice but the portion very small. And even though the mains are redic expensive you still to pay extra for potatoes and vegetables!! All very expensive and the service was average. Not a big fan.
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mcp750
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 0
Friday, August 20, 2010

I enjoyed my recent outing at the NLT. The pub gets off to a good start with its interior and atmosphere, which nicely blends old with new; pleasing old leather upholstery, a screen with a live match on, and chalkboards displaying wines.

Of the wines, there seemed to be plenty, and the Temranillo which appeared to be the house offering, was enjoyable.

A main course of grilled plaice, served with green beans and new potatoes, was clearly prepared in the hands of a good chef. The fish was delicate, cooked to perfection, and the whole dish was very well seasoned.

Rocket and Parmesan salad was just that, and perhaps could have benefited from a dressing, even if just a dash of oil.

Dessert of treacle tart with crème fraiche was nice, and although I’m not sure the pastry base was quite as intended, its sturdiness did work well with the soft textures on top.

The food was quite pricey, with a clear gastropub ethic which means the quality must be present. It was certainly good enough that I will be going back.

Service was good; the lady bringing our food located us outside on a cigarette break, when she found our seats empty. Decent, friendly bar staff rounded off a very nice evening, in a pub which was quite lively on a cold Sunday evening.
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Tom - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

I've been here about five times and this is the best eating place in the area. The food is a bit hit and miss. Usually delicious, sometimes a bit bland but never bad. Sometimes they mess up the orders (apple pie and chocolate icecream !?!?) but all in all a decent place and worth a try.
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Ox - View all reviews by this user
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, September 20, 2009