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Bald-Faced Stag
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After watching a film at the lovely old Phoenix, it’s just the ticket to slip over the road to the Bald-Faced Stag, reinvented by the Realpubs chain as a smart gastropub. The large dining room is all dark wood, with flower arrangements, an open kitchen and subtle lighting. It buzzes loudly with locals when busy, but friendly staff are on-the-ball, happy to advise and pass on customers’ foibles to an adaptable kitchen. There’s a laudable range of beers (including three real ales) and eclectic wine choices. All this, plus a modish menu, raises expectations, which, sadly, weren’t quite met on our visit. A warm pastry tartlet with chorizo and poached egg was sublime, but deep-fried tuna spring rolls were leaden, saved only by a carrot and celeriac salad with punchy wasabi dressing. Sea bass in tarragon velouté with spinach and saffron mash was enormous, yet overcooked and bland. Plain chargrilled seafood (tender squid, juicy scallops, meaty prawns and mussels) tasted fresher and brighter, but didn’t make the earth move. Tempting afters included lemon curd and blueberry mess, and English cheeses.
Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009
Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.
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Details
- 69 High Road, Finchley, N2 8AB
- Area: Finchley
- Tel: 020 8442 1201
- www.realpubs.co.uk
- Category: Gastropubs
- Travel: East Finchley tube
- Times: Open noon-11.30pm Mon-Wed; noon-midnight Thur; noon-12.30am Fri; 11am-12.30am Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun. Lunch served noon-3.30pm Mon-Fri; 11am-4.30 Sat. Dinner served 6-10.30pm Mon-Sat. Meals served noon-9.30pm Sun
- Price: Main courses £7.50-£13.50
- Credit cards: MC, V
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Great food, it seemed like a recent change in menu and chefs as there were many choices. My husband and I had three courses and each course was wonderfully cooked and presented.
The service was also very impressive, i thnk our waiter was Martyn.
We will not be surprised if this place gets some great wite ups!
CT
I used to love going to the bald faced stag until I was about to eat there and saw they had Foie Gras on the menu - so will definitely not be eating there until it comes off. In case you are not aware, foie gras is banned in most major supermarkets in the UK and banned from being made at all in some euopean countries and from restauants in the US because of the inhumane way it is produced. I am really surprised that a pub like the Bald faced stag has it on the menu.
Having eaten here a few times now I have to say the food and atmosphere have never disappointed. I recommend trying out the sticky toffee pudding as well. I've had a few in my time and this is definitely the best. A good wine list and nice decor to boot. The service could be a bit quicker on occasion but has always been friendly and informative. Definitely worth a visit, evening or weekends.
Every bit as good as the Gastropubs closer in to the City. The Bald-Faced Stag brings gastro cuisine North. Honest and true, the menu features traditional fare done with finesse. Portions are generous and the wait staff are friendly and down-to-earth. Definitely worth making the trip out of the City for!