Restaurants

NORTH

Charles Lamb

Charles Lamb
Time Out Eating & Drinking Award 2006 Best Gastropub (runner-up)
Situated on a quiet side street, this gorgeous, little-known corner pub feels like it’s been plucked from a village green in Somerset, and indeed the inspiration for its mouth-watering winter menu is noticeable bucolic. The interior, split into main bar and cosy lounge is the kind of snug that can snatch away an entire afternoon - the ideal place for a festive lovers tryst or a Christmas catch-up with old friends. Both the two-course (£17.50) or three-course (£23) Christmas menus offer fish and leek pie with Brussel sprouts or confit of duck with mashed potatoes, red cabbage and cranberry sauce. Both options include tea or coffee with mince pies. Charles Lamb, 16 Elia St, N1 8DE (020 7837 5040).
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Gilgamesh

Gilgamesh
Above the higgledy-piggledy stalls of Camden Stables Market, the bizarre location of this Asian bar/restaurant is just another quirk in Gilgamesh’s cool. Fresh and beautifully flavoured Thai food along with a delicious range of cocktails are all served within Gilgamesh’s sleek and mysterious interior, reminiscent of the British Museum’s grandeur or India Jones’ outdoor lounge room. The six-course Christmas menu (£55) offers a good choice of starters and a choice of roast suckling pig with plum sauce, steamed halibut with black bean sauce or duck and watermelon salad for the mains. Tasty afters include a watermelon granita and Asian plum trifle. The perfect place for festive extravagance with a difference - especially if you’re not picking up the bill. Camden Stables Market, Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AH (020 7482 5757/www.gilgameshbar.com).
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