Marquess Tavern

Living locally I frequent the Marquess Tavern quite regularly but of late have observed bizarre goings on with the food. It seems that the kitchen is now being run as a separate entity, 'a little of what you fancy'. Gone is the prix fixe menu and in it's place overpriced and over-gastrofied food. We went to eat recently and not wanting a three course meal really struggled to order anything. Now I have discovered that the chef in his wisdom is no longer serving food during the week - what is that about? This used to be a place you could rely on if you fancied some good food at a reasonable price now you're lucky if you can get food when you want it and it certainly isn't reasonable. A little of what I fancy? Very little indeed.

Lovely place away from the main Islington drag. Went on a week night and had the 3 courses for £15, which is amazing. Menu was short but interesting with something for everyone. Had an awesome pork fritter for starter which went well with the fresh remolade side. Fishcake main course was classic and just as it should be. Wine list was interesting and reasonaby priced. Will certainly be returning next time I'm in London.

Lovely bar, but very disappointed with service and over priced, over fussy food, which was served tepid.

The Marquess seems to have new management. For starters its been spruced up and looks the part. The food has taken an impressive turn. I had the turkey with parsip puree and pancetta, my partner had the steak with salsa verde with chips. Neither of us shared it was to good. One thing that would have been nice was some salad with the steak, its always a hassle not knowing if you are getting it or not and then having to order it retrospectively. For dessert I had the chocolate soup and I believe if it was real it would be exactly how the river of chocolate from Charlie and the Chocolate would have tasted, just wonderful. The staff were great, so welcoming and helpful even though its so busy. There was a great buzz there and it made me really happy.

Ate there the other night, they've done away with the pizza's and are now doing some pretty classy food. I was very impressed with my venison dish.

Is this really the same pub at which I and two friends have just had one of the worst meals in years. Indifferent bordering on rude staff managed to take an hour to serve up overcooked chef's special of 28 day hung beef. It was tasteless and cold and accompanied by disgusting Yorkshire pudding that would cause a riot up north. The roast potatoes seemed to have been deep fried and the broccoli was cooked to buttery. Horrible and expensive.

I have just read the review below and now am determined to go back and try the bangers and mash!! I just wanted to thank the Marquess staff for a really lovely evening. I was taken there by my boyfriend for a quiet 30th birthday to find a surprise party of 10 friends sitting in the beautiful conservatory dinning room surrounded by balloons, with fairy lights on the ceiling - it was stunning and made me feel 25 again!! More importantly the food was perfect, from the lamb to the fish and chips we were all very happy. The waiter was friendly and recommended a beautiful malbec red wine. I am very happy to go back on a more regular basis! Thanks again. Becky

I had not know about The Marquess Tavern for long before finding out the disappointing news about the prix fixe menu coming to an end!! Finally I found the bargain of a life-time and then it's gone! Despite being a bit gutted I still go in with friends to take part in the weekly pub-quiz which is a great place to get to know some locals in the area! Just the other night I tried the new menu, which is now much bigger. I had the bangers and mash - But these are no normal bangers and mash, the sausages and venison not pork, the mash is really creamy and the gravy is delicious. I know bangers and mash is not a complex meal but The Marquess Tavern really have perfected this British favourite - I very strongly recommend it to anyone in the area with a rumble in their belly!!

Proud to call it my local. A friendly, old fashioned country pub in Canonbury that offers great food and drink. It's hard to convince people now-a-days that a £12 two course set menu including lamb or steak as a main course is any good – it is easy to imagine the meat being similar to an old shoe for that price in London!! I can only give you my honesty – the meat is 9 times out of 10 a good cut, the kind of cut you would pay £18 for in Central London!! The side orders are generous – maybe a little heavy on the butter at times (at least my wife can't tell me off if it's already there though!!). Compliments to the chef! The bar promotes it's large array of wines and whiskeys – unfortunately this is not always true, they are sometimes not fully stocked but I put that down to the long-stay regulars! As for the service don't get me wrong this is not a mitchelin star establishment; the staff are casual in both their dress and their manner – everyone's friend, making you feel as welcome every time. I recommend it to anyone in the area who loves a good old English eat!!

I live pretty local and didn't even know the Marquess Tavern existed! I usually meet friends along St Paul's Road but am happy to have found a new spot!! It is a real gasto pub and makes you feel like you could be in the countryside with all the beers, ales and whiskeys that they have on offer. There is a back dinning room with bright white walls, a high ceiling and chandelier (a nice surprise for the girlfriend me thinks!!) The beer garden is small which obviously has it's pros and cons - I didn't have to wait 20 minutes for a drink which I would have in the 'garden hot spots!' The staff are friendly and the food looked amazing - I will be going again to give it a go!