Grand Union

Not being the world's biggest Camdenite due to it's typically overcrowded venues and overly image-conscious inhabitants, I was very happy with my visit to the Grand Union for a friend's recent birthday. Sitting a two minute walk off the High Street, right next to Camden Road Station, it was quite the find and not what I was expecting at all. A real all-rounder. The tasteful, shabby-chic styled interior was a great backdrop to our rather eclectic gathering. Everything from what looked like paintings lifted out of a period drama to traditional Japanese fans and an array of lamps and lanterns you would do well to find on Portabello market, all whilst finding ourselves in a tiki style hut in the middle of North London, it certainly made for an interesting atmosphere! Food was top notch, with burgers, pizzas, salads and a few of their sides (*proper* onion rings always wins brownie points for me) we had a fair old spread with no real complaints. Service was great throughout and they really seemed to care about our having a good experience. We stayed on right through the evening, with discounted cocktails during the 5pm-8pm happy hour seemingly a false economy as it meant we were all still there "enjoying ourselves" till way beyond midnight. A good time had by all and a firm recommendation from me.