The Island

Have been to the Island a few times now, mainly in the summer when it's a pretty pleasant place to sit outside whilst enjoying the meal. However, in the past I'd found the food to be alittle overcomplicated - setting its sights too high and failing to meet them. I went again last night however and things seem to have improved dramatically - the menu was a little more simple but full of largely classic dishes, and particularly the type of robust food that goes down well in winter. Had a duck liver parfait with toast and pickles which was beyond reproach, followed by a chargrilled steak served with chips and salad. The steak was cooked to perfection, the salad was fresh. The chips were, if one wanted to be critical, a little undercooked, but to be honest that would really be splitting hairs. My companion enjoyed her food similarly, having gravlax and rolled pork. The price was extremely fair for the meal, and it's a reasonably pleasant environment - Kensal Rise isn't necessarily the best served area of London for food and drink, and the Island is very much, er, an island. This is mitigated against by the pub having a number of rooms on different levels - one can eat in any of them but if one eats upstairs in the restaurant area, going downstairs to the bar area where there's an open fire is a pretty pleasant way to allow the meal to digest. It's good enough and local enough for me to plan on going there more frequently from now on.
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Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

This is our local and the food has been excellent on every visit - and there have been a few!!

The service is really very good - you're looked after without intrustion.

Wine list reasonably priced and delicious. Food fantastic.

Funny quirky interior which we weren't too sure about at first but is less offensive now....

Give it a try
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, February 16, 2007

Went here last night with a group of friends and absolutely loved it. The staff were very friendly, service impeccable and the food was yummy! I don't live very nearby but would definitely make the trip again.
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Charlotte
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Absolutely top notch! I had the pleasure of eating and drinking in the newly arrived Island Pub and Dining Room in Kensal rise the other day. We had the Sirloin with handmade chips and salad and the Caeser salad, both of which were excellent. I loved the decor, and the terrace outside, which is lucky enough to get the sun all day is lovely. The atmosphere was great and the sevice impecable. If you haven't been then go, soon.
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jack apple
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, May 18, 2006

Blimey - this place has changed a bit. Used to be a right grubby old pub (the buccaner) but has spruced itself up no end. Went for a family dinner here the other night and have to say I was very impressed. Everyone enjoyed their food immensely, the service was excellent (both asthetically and practically) and the atmosphere was splendid.
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Mr Big - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Wednesday, May 03, 2006

a very mediocre place to eat (and i wouldn't even say there was anything remotely french about the food or wine list). i had a smoked mackerel caesar salad which was served with far too many over sized croutons and the fish bearly tasted smoked. i wasm't even convinced the rioja i order was indeed rioja, though i didn't have time to check with our unpleasant waitress.

too many other much better places to eat and have an enjoyable time in to waste another visit.
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chloe - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 2
Sunday, April 30, 2006

I have stumbled on a bit of a gem in Kensal Green. The Island has newly appeared in the void left by the old Buccaneer and it’s a world away from the old place. It's part Gastropub, part Bar and Dining Room, but what really excites me on days like today when the sun pokes through is the acres of outside space to enjoy. The food is good and the wine list is extensive and very well priced.

At last oysters and Guinness in Kensal Green!
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Beanmiester
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Friday, April 28, 2006