All reader reviews by NorthLondonFoodie

Alfresco (Whetstone)

Live locally and regularly (and one point weekly) vist this restaurant. Does get busy and at times service can be patchy but never had any major problems.

Extensive menu and despite what some have said a lot of meals are cooked from frozen (well at those prices what do you expect) but if you navigate the menu you can still have some very nice dishes.

Excellent and reasonable wine list and nice buzzy atmosphere.

Recommended!

Friday, January 28, 2011
Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9

Haven Bistro & Bar

Dined here last couple of weeks ago on a Saturday night. Live locally but typically only eat here once a year (out of choice) and nothing has changed my impression.

Simply put people continue to go to this place for the lack of a decent bar in the near vicinity for the over 30 "seen to be seen" crowd and the food over the years seems to be a secondary consideration.

Menu hasn't changed, calamari starter was cold and dish was so basic could of been put together by a student home economics class. Rack of lamb not cooked to order (over cooked) and very stingy with vintage port servings for £ 8 a pop. Service is very impersonal and in some cases patronising

On the positive side the restaurant still maintains a good all be it pricey wine list (in keeping with my second paragraph) and the Bar while cramped at weekends is a nice place to spend an hour or so during the week on the way home from work.

Improvements need to be made but I cannot see it happening as place still manages to pack them in week in week out so if you are going purely for food I would try elsewhere.

Friday, January 28, 2011
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 3