The Elk in the Woods

I often go here and would strongly recommend it. I love the quirky decor and interesting food and have always found the service relaxed but polite. I don't think I would go there for a swanky or romantic meal out (other restaurants in Islington for that) but ingredients are well sourced and I like the interesting vegetarian choices - bit more imaginative than most.
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Joanna Burnett
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Sunday, May 25, 2008

Been to this place twice now and found it to be excellent both times. Decor is a bit of a mix, looks mostly like a pub, with a bit of randomness to it, like some elk skulls, with misteltoe on them as it was christmas. Bit odd, but quite a nice feel to it, with old wooden tables that were still sturdy.

Food was generally excellent, with an amazing lamb hot pot that was thick, creamy and tasty. I only couldn't finish it as I was tucking into the nicest chips I've had in ages, perfectly soft yet crispy. Think I'll go back just for them. On the second visit I had a very good trout, well cooked and succulent, though tricky to eat as it was in a pool of tomato water.

Desserts were less good. A raspberry crumble was quite bitty. Necessarily so I suppose, but annoying. The second time was a pretty tastless chocolate thing, so generally wouldn't recommend the desserts.

Service was good though. Prompt and friendly, never a problem. Cost was pretty reasonable considering, about £20 without booze.

I'd reccommend this place in an instant, and will be happy to go back if I'm in the area.
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Stephen H - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Thursday, January 10, 2008

Awful service, awful food. I had raindeer which was undercooked, served on greasy old cabbage and overdone potatoes. I also waited over an hour for my food. Drinks were fine but not outstanding and service was rudimentary at best. As a local, this is now my last choice of restaurant.
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Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 1
Thursday, December 20, 2007

Havng a had a baby just under 6 months ago, I don't get out much these days so when I do I look forward to a good time. Unfortunately, myself and my husband were extremely underwhelmed by the style over substance that is Elk in the Woods. Chosen by a friend for his birthday celebrations we had high hopes when we saw the location and the decor. Sadly, the pretensious interiors did not match the menu's pretensions. My starter of calamari was over cooked and greasy - a very poor start. My frikadella (Danish pork smorgsabord kind of thing) was more grease and stodge. And my desert of a red berry crumble had the sum total of about 10 red and black current beneath a dry, floury luke warm crumble. The only redeeming features seemed to be the cocktails that my party all had and a decent wine list. At £40 a head we thought it was cheeky to say the least.
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Gen - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 3
Monday, December 17, 2007

We went to Elk in the Woods last Saturday (24 November) for dinner. We'd been before for a quick drink and really liked the look of the place. I still think this is a very cosy, stylish place but the service let the dinner down badly. We arrived early for our table and were met with a chaotic welcome, with staff dashing all over the place. It set the tone for the rest of the night. It wasn't neccesarily that staff were unfriendly (apart from the barman who sniffily warned us off ordering a pre-dinner drink on the basis that he was already serving several other people. We ordered drinks anyway... but never got them). The issue was more that service was really disorganised. The 2 staff waiting tables didn't have dedicated tables, which resulted in waiting for someone to take our wine order for 10 minutes and then being asked twice in quick succession (after our mains had arrived). We asked for dessert spoons, got none, and then got 6. (There were 3 of us). We arrived at 8.15 for an 8.30 table but didn't get a drop to drink until 8.50. Lovely place, friendly staff, great cocktails and very decent food - but service? Must try harder, Elk in the Woods.
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Jonathan
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, November 28, 2007

I had great expectations of this place! Unfortunately I have never been so disappointed. I have lived in Islington for several years and I am lucky to have many good restaurants along upper street and in the surrounding area. This is definitely not one of them.

I had heard a lot of good things about this place (mainly concerning the atmosphere) and I finally got round to trying it out with four friends one evening in August 2007.

The food was average. What really let this place down was the service. I have never come accross waiters with so much attitude. It came to a point when the only way I can describe their behaviour is rude. We left without paying the suggested gratuity fee.

I don't think any of us will ever return purely because of the appalling attitude.
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Pete
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 5
Friday, November 09, 2007

I have frequested the Elk in the Woods from the day it opened, its on my doorstep and the rest of Islington is in the main very commercial, which leaves little choice other that here and Fredericks. I have very mixed feelings about this place. I love the interiors, the location and the eccentricity of the place but the service and attitude really lets the side down massively. The food is very average and slightly over priced but it does the job (if you go for the starters!). The wine is very overpriced and beware if you get an old menu with the old prices on - I experienced a very crabby manager snatching it out of my mitts! Terrible attitude and such a lack of humour and charm - we left with a real sour taste in out mouths - and that had nothing to do with the food or wine! Its a shame that there aren't more independent bars and restaurants apart from Fredericks (great if you can afford it) along that stretch of Camden Passage because its a lack of interesting choice that brings me back to the Elk - NOT the service or food.
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LARA LASS-BURCH
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

After reading the bad reviews on this website, I was a bit worried when a friend booked this place for their birthday.

However, I found most of the reviews to be completely inaccurate. The food was delicious and the staff were exremely helpful and polite (even when 13 of us each decided to pay sperately on different credit cards).

I'm guessing they've smartened up their act since the early reviews.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, July 02, 2007

Appalling service from arrogant, rude staff who clealry think they are netter than mere waiters/waitresses, and sub-standard canteen food which tastes like its been cooked from frozen. Considering the variety of (far superior) options in the neighbourhood this place should be avoided like athe plague. All in all, a place for those who aren't nearly sophisticated as they think they are.
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TMills
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, March 07, 2007

i have enjoyed the ambient elk for just over one year now. in that time have come to understand and appreciate its style and eccentricites.

there are many things i could write about the elk but i am going to list the basics. the atmosphere is relaxed and on special events the music is eccectic and entertaining without being interfering. the staff, with a few exceptions, are the most welcoming i have had the pleasure of being served by. jocular, effecient and accomodating to say the least.

the food, is generally of a good standard, with the menu having a recent over-haul. weather by design or default, the intention of the new menu reflects a bold and creative flair with hefty prices to match. although, this is not the case, at times the food can be inconsistent with what is promised on the menu.

i am still regularly frequenting this unique place and hope that with time the menu will match its creative surroundings.
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linda
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 6
Friday, November 24, 2006