Kentish Canteen

I had gone to the Kentish Canteen on a couple of occasions for a quick coffee and cake and was eager to try out a full meal. What an unbelievable disappointment! Although the atmosphere is pleasant and the staff good their main meals are overpriced and mediocre. Their desserts are absolutely divine which is why I wanted to go again but now that I have paid a whopping bill for three spoonfuls of something I can make at home on a lazy day off - I am not returning and would highly recommend that you steer clear of this place.

We popped in for a quick dinner before a gig at the Forum. Waitress was friendly and fun, food was outstanding. My Steak Frites was cooked to medium perfection, tender, moreish and a good size portion for a light dinner. My husband chose the hamburger and although the waitress tried to encourage him not to have it well done (but that's the way he likes them) the chef obliged and my husband declared it one of the best burgers he's had. My frites were delicious, his chunky chips were great too. Main course, a large Malbec and a coke for under £40 inc tip. Can't complain. I'd recommend it to anyone in the area. Though the guy who brought our bill and took payment looked miserable and as if we were a bit too much effort for him. Complete opposite to the waitress. The bar/snug area downstairs looked inviting as I passed, would be a great place to enjoy a few cocktails with friends.

I've lived in the area for a good few years now and this place is such a welcome addition. Fantastic food, fresh and comforting with some lovely twists. Plus it's all reasonably priced. I've spent many a weekend lunch enjoying their yummy food and atmosphere, both with friends and the in-laws! Seems to have something to please all tastes.. The portion sizes are always generous but never so much as to leave you feeling you need to lie down afterwards and there's always at least one thing new on the menu so I haven't got bored yet. Yesterday it was cinnamon and salted caramel ice cream, which was out of this world! Three scoops and not two! Looking at some of the reviews below, it surprises me that people mention the staff as being rude. I can hand on heart say they are such a friendly and attentive bunch, always aiming to please. Also, my partner is veggie and this place has more options than most plus the coffee is some of the best around. Although there are some lovely gastro pubs in North London, I always struggle to find a local restaurant with good food, atmosphere and that doesn't break the bank. This answered the call. Definitely worth a visit whether you're a local or not.

I've lived in the area for a good few years now and this place is such a welcome addition. Fantastic food, fresh and comforting with some lovely twists. Plus it's all reasonably priced. I've spent many a weekend lunch enjoying their yummy food and atmosphere, both with friends and the in-laws! Seems to have something to please all tastes.. The portion sizes are always generous but never so much as to leave you feeling you need to lie down afterwards and there's always at least one thing new on the menu so I haven't got bored yet. Yesterday it was cinnamon and salted caramel ice cream, which was out of this world! Three scoops and not two! Looking at some of the reviews below, it surprises me that people mention the staff as being rude. I can hand on heart say they are such a friendly and attentive bunch, always aiming to please. Also, my partner is veggie and this place has more options than most plus the coffee is some of the best around. Although there are some lovely gastro pubs in North London, I always struggle to find a local restaurant with good food, atmosphere and that doesn't break the bank. This answered the call. Definitely worth a visit whether you're a local or not.

My experience was atrocious. The service was extremely poor with the waiting staff acting as if they were doing the customers a favour. Incredibly slow and unattentive. My side order of spinach had a long black hair in it on the first forkful and not even an apology was given after I asked for it to be taken away and removed from the bill. My steak was rare althought asked for it medium, with some chips undercooked and some refried. I was then given a complimentary pot of mint tea by the manager and found a gloopy brown gunk in the sugar bowl. The manager was annoyed by my further complaint at this poor service and proceeded to pour the pot of tea into the sugar bowl to demonstrate that the tea changed the colour of the sugar: which it didn't. My refusal to pay the bill of such a terrible meal resulted in the manager attempting to intimidate me and accuse me of faking all these problems in order to get a free meal. Perhaps the staff and manager felt able to patronise and treat me in such a disrespectful manner as I am an 18 year old girl however this behaviour is completely unacceptable. Would this have happened to a middle aged man or woman? I am appalled by this treatment and will be complaining legally at my humiliation and mistreatment.

Best "club sandwich" place in north London!

Totally agree with Kentish John. Great food but I'm afraid I won't be going back. The service is beyond bad - having been several times, each time its been a struggle to get attention whether that is to (try) and order food, or ask for the bill. I decided to give it one last chance on Saturday whilst my mum was visiting. It looked quite full but there was the odd table. There were 2 waitresses milling about when we arrived and chatting to each other didn't even acknowledge we had walked in and clearly were looking for a table. Minutes past and my mum had to actually stop one of them in their tracks as the time we had been waiting had got slightly embarrassing by this point. They were almost rude about the fact they didn't have any tables and didn't even seem to check properly or attempt to find a solution by offering us one later on. Such a shame but I am sticking to my guns this time!

Lovely food, but don't go there if you are seeking a calm, pleasant dining experience. The decibel level makes civilised chat a little difficult, to say the least. The family at the next table, both parents inebriated and all virtually shouting didn't help. Avoid on a Saturday night!

Attractive looking place but the service was awful from the kitchen - we had to wait 45 minutes for food that was not as we ordered. We were told the delay was because me friend asked for her burger well done - but that was evidently not the case she she couldn't eat it all due to it being pink in about half of it. I asked for no tomatoes due to an intolerance but the fish dish came with tomatoes and tomato sauce on the plate underneath the french beans, which meant I couldn't eat most of them. We were credited for the burger but thought the prices a bit over the top for what we actually got so I agree with Sarah H of Nov 7 - not a place to go if you are feeling the pinch or you want quick service. The food service team were apologetic but would not go again, especially as due to the delay we were late getting into the HMV Forum

I eat at Kentish Canteen regularly and find it such a great, special place. The food is AMAZING, the menu has just changed and the food is of such an exceptional high standard for the prices they are charging. I had the freshest sole on basil mash with a delicious sauce and topped with Samphire, beautifully presented and stylish. Staff are very friendly and know their stuff. I was even invited downstairs for a complimentary cocktail to see their new bar. A super addition to Kentish Town. They do need some draughts beers though.