The Highbury Barn, Islington

I had a wonderful lunch there on Saturday 17th August which was the opening day of the football season and the atmosphere was vibrant and the food excellent.

I later found out that the head chef has spent time with some of the most renowned three star Michelin chefs this country has seen and that he spent a good 7 or 8 years perfectling his trade in a private members club, no surprise there as to why this match day menu works perfectly!

The timing on the service was faultless and the waiting staff excellent, they are efficient, know to ask the right questions when taking the order and work well as a team. The food exited the kitchen in a timely manner and it felt like the perfect short pause between placing the orders, receiving the drinks and then the starter and then between the starter and main course, this was brilliant coordination between the kitchen and the front of house and credit is due to the manager for getting this right.

The place is brilliant, I can't see a rival to it anywhere in the area. The fit out is excellent and it works perfectly as a restaurant and a pub. It's the perfect local gastro pub.

20 Aug 2013 11:48