The Northgate reviews
Went with 3 girlfriends to recapture our youth - we'd all met as barmaids there 22 years previously when it was a local boozer.
So surprised at how it's changed. When we told the staff why we were there, they were so lovely - came to say hello, asked how it had changed etc - and we felt really comfortable straight away.
Sat down to eat and I honestly could not fault one bit of the menu. The waitress knew every dish, advised us on wines and was simply a delight (unlike some gastropubs I've eaten in, she actually seemed to want to be there!). We could see the chefs at work. Everything our table ordered was fresh and plentiful. Didn't really have room for pudding but could not resist the sticky toffee pud after seeing the couple on the next table eating it. I would go there JUST FOR THAT! The belly of pork was one of the best I've had too.
All in all, 10 out of 10 for this place. I shall be back - won't be leaving it 22 years though!
by ShelzBelz, 19 Mar 2012
So surprised at how it's changed. When we told the staff why we were there, they were so lovely - came to say hello, asked how it had changed etc - and we felt really comfortable straight away.
Sat down to eat and I honestly could not fault one bit of the menu. The waitress knew every dish, advised us on wines and was simply a delight (unlike some gastropubs I've eaten in, she actually seemed to want to be there!). We could see the chefs at work. Everything our table ordered was fresh and plentiful. Didn't really have room for pudding but could not resist the sticky toffee pud after seeing the couple on the next table eating it. I would go there JUST FOR THAT! The belly of pork was one of the best I've had too.
All in all, 10 out of 10 for this place. I shall be back - won't be leaving it 22 years though!
by ShelzBelz, 19 Mar 2012
We held our wedding reception at The Northgate earlier this month and feel compelled to write a review on this fabulous venue, pub and restaurant. Prior to booking the pub for our wedding we had visited for both drinks and food and have always found the service and quality of food to be great. From start to finish the owners, Roz and James, were fantastic in making sure they understood exactly what we wanted and ensured the whole day ran smoothly and to plan. Planning our day was effortless as the pub was very flexible and nothing was too much trouble.
The chef put together an excellent three-course menu for us, which received rave reviews from all our guests. Each dish was perfect from the first to the last, with quality never compromised despite a large group eating all at once. One of our guests even commented on how it was the best wedding menu they have ever eaten. Our personal recommendation would be the slow-roasted pork belly, it is absolutely amazing.
The staff, food and service at The Northgate has been first class every time we have visited and we are delighted we chose the pub for our wedding. If you are looking for great food, a great venue and service which is both personable and attentive, look no further than The Northgate. Many thanks to Roz, James, Barrie, Katie and all the staff there for delivering a perfect wedding.
by thomas_bridge, 31 Jul 2011
The chef put together an excellent three-course menu for us, which received rave reviews from all our guests. Each dish was perfect from the first to the last, with quality never compromised despite a large group eating all at once. One of our guests even commented on how it was the best wedding menu they have ever eaten. Our personal recommendation would be the slow-roasted pork belly, it is absolutely amazing.
The staff, food and service at The Northgate has been first class every time we have visited and we are delighted we chose the pub for our wedding. If you are looking for great food, a great venue and service which is both personable and attentive, look no further than The Northgate. Many thanks to Roz, James, Barrie, Katie and all the staff there for delivering a perfect wedding.
by thomas_bridge, 31 Jul 2011
I am so glad this pub has reopened under new management - it is better than ever! Great food, friendly staff... it's everything a pub should be!
by juliawalton1542000 (2 reviews), 11 Feb 2011
by juliawalton1542000 (2 reviews), 11 Feb 2011
My partner and I have eaten here twice and both times were extremely happy with the food and the general atmosphere in the place. We sat the second time by the lovely fireplace and sank back into the comfy leather sofas to enjoy the fantastic food. My boyfriend had the rib eye steak, which he loved (difficult to impress a guy from Aberdeen), and I had the pot roast chicken, which was superb and moist. The wine list is varied and the house red (a Tempranillo) is fruity and massively drinkable. Fun staff, chilled out pub, not too dark inside like some 'old man' pubs. Will be sure to go back many, many times...
by IslingtonGirl, 24 Jan 2011
by IslingtonGirl, 24 Jan 2011
Having been a resident of N1 for all of my life, the re-opening of The Northgate pub on Southgate road, after months of closure, has been greatly anticipated.
The new owners, also locals, have retained the previous chef, seemingly adhering to the mantra 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. The menu is a varied and exciting combination of dishes and flavours, not relying too heavily on a single type of cuisine, but merely on high quality, well-sourced ingredients. This is a far cry from the tired 'gastropub' menu, which - after years of over-exposure - can make an establishment seem predictable and unimaginative, something The Northgate menu could never be.
The interior of the pub has been tastefully redecorated, with the basic layout remaining the same. If anything, it feels far cosier than its previous incarnation, which didn't want to encourage 'pub' people, more 'bar' people. To the rear of the building is the restaurant, served by an open galley kitchen. This system works well, as the customer can choose between eating in the bar area or having a more intimate experience and being waited on in the restaurant. I will personally always choose to watch a chef work; on the evening that I ate there, the two chefs worked tirelessly and meticulously, producing food of a consistently high standard and almost dancing around each other in the process.
The staff and management were professional and made a point of welcoming us and engaging with both myself and my partner. There was a substantial wine list (I recommend the white Rioja) and a choice of over 5 draught lagers and 3 ales. The music was at just the right volume to allow conversation whilst creating an atmosphere, and the customers seemed to be a good balance of young professionals and older 'locals'.
Having been tempted to physically lick my plate clean, I will definitely be returning for another serving of pork belly and feel the need to explore the rest of the menu if this is the standard of cooking. Sunday lunch can get busy and they do a killer brunch on a Saturday, great for curing a hangover. As for me, I have found my new local. Tell your friends, The Northgate is the new kid on the block.
by roughafro, 17 Jan 2011
The new owners, also locals, have retained the previous chef, seemingly adhering to the mantra 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'. The menu is a varied and exciting combination of dishes and flavours, not relying too heavily on a single type of cuisine, but merely on high quality, well-sourced ingredients. This is a far cry from the tired 'gastropub' menu, which - after years of over-exposure - can make an establishment seem predictable and unimaginative, something The Northgate menu could never be.
The interior of the pub has been tastefully redecorated, with the basic layout remaining the same. If anything, it feels far cosier than its previous incarnation, which didn't want to encourage 'pub' people, more 'bar' people. To the rear of the building is the restaurant, served by an open galley kitchen. This system works well, as the customer can choose between eating in the bar area or having a more intimate experience and being waited on in the restaurant. I will personally always choose to watch a chef work; on the evening that I ate there, the two chefs worked tirelessly and meticulously, producing food of a consistently high standard and almost dancing around each other in the process.
The staff and management were professional and made a point of welcoming us and engaging with both myself and my partner. There was a substantial wine list (I recommend the white Rioja) and a choice of over 5 draught lagers and 3 ales. The music was at just the right volume to allow conversation whilst creating an atmosphere, and the customers seemed to be a good balance of young professionals and older 'locals'.
Having been tempted to physically lick my plate clean, I will definitely be returning for another serving of pork belly and feel the need to explore the rest of the menu if this is the standard of cooking. Sunday lunch can get busy and they do a killer brunch on a Saturday, great for curing a hangover. As for me, I have found my new local. Tell your friends, The Northgate is the new kid on the block.
by roughafro, 17 Jan 2011
Avoid this gastropub like the plague. Whilst the Brazilian waitress was extremely professional and personable, the owners left much to be desired and can only be described as rough and rude! The food was pedestrian for the price and two meals were served to our table cold and sent back, only to be microwaved and returned by a woman with a mouth like a butcher's wife or, in this case, the pub landlord's.
Considering the mains range between £10-£15, I would recommend going to Rivington near Old Street, where you can be assured of fine dining, superb service and a great experience for much the same price.
by ellen007, 08 Jan 2011
Considering the mains range between £10-£15, I would recommend going to Rivington near Old Street, where you can be assured of fine dining, superb service and a great experience for much the same price.
by ellen007, 08 Jan 2011
This place is great. The food was sensational - watermelon and feta salad to start, pork belly (cooked PERFECTLY - a very hard thing to pull off) followed by a chocolate souffle which was so good I almost had to change my trousers. Price was reasonable, the wine (Argentine Malbec) was sensational. I left a big tip and will certainly be going back for more.
by unclemaxwell, 18 Jun 2007
by unclemaxwell, 18 Jun 2007
Good place for a drink, but food was pretty average. We went there one Sunday afternoon. They had run out of many things on the menu and the roast beef they served up was mediocre. They said they had been busy and they only used fresh ingredients, so that's why they ran out. A well-run kitchen does not run out of half the things on a menu on a Sunday, so I can only assume otherwise. Nice decor and wine list though.
by bellmeister (7 reviews), 11 Jun 2007
by bellmeister (7 reviews), 11 Jun 2007
Fantastic food, great service. It has got a lot better since it's been taken over.
by Anonymous, 26 Sep 2006
by Anonymous, 26 Sep 2006
Very friendly and relaxed bar staff, excellent food and just a good all round atmosphere to relax in.
by Anonymous, 23 Jun 2005
by Anonymous, 23 Jun 2005
Amazing food, great wine and beer selection. Think this places was taken over a while ago and it is just brilliant now...
by Anonymous, 14 Jun 2005
by Anonymous, 14 Jun 2005
Have we missed a great gastro pub in London? Let us know.
