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What is 'following'?Gastropub: Modern European
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Time Out says 5 Users say Rate it
With Kinks memorabilia neatly displayed in the front room (the band's first gig was here) and tightly packed tables full of middle-aged Muswell Hill-types in carefully pressed linen matching the crisp white tablecloths, the Clissold Arms is more restaurant than pub these days - with matching prices. A large party room twinkling with fairy lights, a buzzing open kitchen and smart outdoor terrace create a glam, contemporary vibe. Smooth, friendly service on our visit was slightly rushed, but staff helped us navigate the impressive wine list.
The menu seems less complicated of late, but lacks seasonality (containing plentiful slow-cooked meat in midsummer), though fat chips cooked in dripping are irresistible whatever the weather. A meagre salt and pepper squid starter with roasted red peppers and balsamic dressing was bland. Tempting hunks of bread never came our way; they cost extra. So we welcomed the generous portion of grilled cod in light tomatoey broth, flecked with smoky paprika and served with spinach and new potatoes. Seafood linguine in a robust tomato and basil sauce was stingy on the clams; a rich, gooey brownie with ice-cream and chocolate sauce showed more generosity. Locals love it (it's often fully booked at weekends).
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Clissold Arms details
Follow Clissold Arms to receive updates on special offers here.
What is 'following'?020 8444 4224
Open noon-11pm Mon-Thur; noon-midnight Fri, Sat; noon-11pm Sun. Lunch served noon-3pm Mon-Fri; noon-4pm Sat. Dinner served 6-10pm Mon-Fri; 6.30-10.30pm Sat. Meals served noon-9pm Sun
Main courses £10.25-£22.95
Credit cards AmEx, MC, V
Facilities
Tables outdoors ( 30, terrace ), Babies and children admitted, Babies and children welcome ( children's menu; high chairs; nappy-changing facilities ), Booking advisable, Available for hire, Function room ( 70 capacity ), Disabled ( toilet )Clissold Arms map
Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 5 ratings)
Overpriced and not as good as it thinks it is. Rather mean portion sizes make you wonder if there's a cost cutting drive on in the kitchen - it may be the accountant rather than the chef has the most influence, which is bad news.
Had the steak which was OK, no more. But with Hawksmoor (and others) on the scene, charging this much for pretty average meat doesn't cut it.
Overall, it just seems a bit complacent, lazy and greedy. Probably because it has got a captive local market it doesn't feel it needs to raise its game. The Eagle and the Peasant are just two examples of places which do it much, much better and are only a 15 minute cab away.
To improve it needs a lot more generosity, and a bit more adventure.
The Clissold Arms managed by MIchael Collins did our late Irish Mother proud!! Providing a first class Buffet style meal for the Wake following her funeral in June 2011. The Venu - tent style extension with a courtyard garden, the service, and most importantly the food was tip top and we will be back for more.....
I had my son 5st birthday party .the room was really well decorated
they kids and parent had one amazing time, the food was perfect and all kids enjoy it eating and after games and playing,great time they had.......
the staff were very helpfull and friendly.
will be returning soon for another wonderfull meal.thank you once again all the staff involved and Mr George..
Had a most marvelous meal here last Monday(8/11/2010). The chicken parfait is the most smooth and silky example which I have ever tasted. Nice rustic tables and the staff were attentive and highly knowledgable of the menu. Will be returning on my next visit to London
This should have 5 stars... Compared to the Villiers Terrace in Crouch End which has also been given 4 stars it is miles ahead on the food stakes! I have never had a bad meal here - every course has always been fantastic. It's pricey for a gastropub but to be honest it's becoming less of a pub and more of a restaurant as they fight to provide for the number of people who want to eat here.
In a way that's the main drawback - it was lovely when the front room was still devoted to being a normal pub for drinking in!
They just opened a lovely garden area (about time - it was previously like sitting in a car park but it's much smarter now and will no doubt be very popular next summer)
Nearest tube in East Finchley - 5 min walk
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