Eat & Drink
Originally published on Friday, 7th March 2008
The Barnsbury
The Barnsbury is one of those pubs that seem to have it all: a savvy owner, Jeremy Gough, who started out working for Conran Restaurants, a comfy decor with crackling logfires, and quirky touches like the wineglass chandeliers, and a nice walled garden for when the weather's fine.
And now the food's gone up a notch too, with the arrival of posh chef Denis Baudet (formerly of Bank and One Aldwych) who's created a pub menu with a bit more pizazz than usual - choose from grilled sole, crayfish tails and spinach with a butter sauce or prosciutto-wrapped rabbit leg with radicchio and parsely risotto. Quality wines, beers and real ales are served, of course, and there's even a grocers a couple of doors down where you can stock up on deli-like items plus homemade pies, pates and potted shrimps.
But my favourite thing about the place? Football strips are actively discouraged and there's not a flat screen TV in sight. So 'Up the Gunners!' elsewhere, if you please.
Hours: Mon-Sat 12-11pm • Sun 12-10.30pm
Place: 209-211 Liverpool Road, N1 1LX
Cost: £30
Web: thebarnsbury.co.uk
Book: 020 7607 5519