The Prince, Stoke Newington

We have visited The Prince a couple of times before but after today's Sunday lunch, I have promised myself not to return. I was never able to put my finger on what was missing, until now.

Happily Stoke Newington has a glut of excellent eateries and a person would therefore assume each establishment would try a little harder to vie for custom. This place seems to rely on its back street cosy location and faux gastro pub status with funky metallic bar (damp - use a cloth!) and thinks it doesn't have to do much else to attract business.

The food wasn't outstanding but palatable, although the portions big. The vegetables seemed microwaved and my friend thought her sausages were bland, but the gravy and the crispy roast potatoes were delicious. All in all average fayre really.

The main problem for me, were the staff. Two of them especially displaying a certain well-honed aloof manner, and bordering on offensive indifference in our being there. This crescendo-ed on my paying the (over-priced) bill. The 'Thank you' was uttered but I was stared right through with a chilling lack of human interaction.

The staff coupled with the sterile atmosphere and bland choice in music (I am from originally from Liverpool and tremendously proud of my heritage, but there is only so much back to back Beatles even I can take) made my mind up never to return.

I say save yourself a few pennies and go somewhere warmer in atmosphere and marginally cheaper like the Londesborough or the Daniel Defoe where the manager cracks a joke as he pours your pint.

5 Oct 2008 18:43