2 Heritage Avenue,
Colindale,
London,
NW9 5TW
(020) 8205 6198
The ViewLondon Review
Built as the centrepiece for a modern flat complex, The Beaufort has been conceived for a new suburban community.
The Venue
A few minutes’ walk from Colindale tube lies The Beaufort, a pub for drinking and fine dining as part of a modern housing complex. It’s spacious and open plan with three sections; a sofa lounge, high tables for drinking and a restaurant at the end.
It feels inviting and is gorgeously decorated with warm greens and browns, there’s even a burning fire feature above the tables. Everywhere you notice nice little touches, such as the comic book print over the toilet walls. The staff are lovely - smartly dressed and obviously taking pride in their work and the setting. The large outside terrace is also faultless, the clean wood and blue cushions make sitting outside feel special, and under the massive canopies the seats twist and turn to create a luxurious space.
The Atmosphere
The layout means there is a space for lounging on a leather sofa, or chatting on high tables and chairs. The restaurant feels private but keeps the pub atmosphere. The luxury flat complex is provides the majority of The Beaufort’s clientele, with the pub being the central hub of the community. The flats house all types of Londoners so there is a mix of couples, young professionals, and older residents. The Beaufort retains the worthy status of a proper pub with details like a fruit machine and wide screen TVs. Overall, there is a very warm and relaxed feel.
The Food
The food here is a big hit, the overall high quality of the menu overriding a couple of small disappointments. Starters include a lovely venison terrine, which is smooth and wholesome, well complimented by a brown chutney. A smoked salmon and prawn parcel is not quite delicate enough, which isn’t helped by too much bearnaise sauce.
The mains seem more typical of full blown gastropub fare, with fancier presentation and side dishes of potatoes and vegetables. The steak comes perfectly cooked to specification with two moreish and full sauces. The scallops are light and tender and go down a real treat, garnished with subtle pesto and lemon. All the portions are very generous and yet you will manage to clear your plate.
The puddings are great – you will be spoilt for choice. The Chocolate Indulgence comes out piping hot and blends perfectly with the ice cream, whilst the apple flan is light and deliciously sweet. What all the food has in common are hearty, strong flavours with a real attention to detail. Breakfast is also a main event on the menu.
The Drink
The Beaufort has an impressive wine list with affordable and more expensive wines from France, Spain and Italy as well as a good selection from the new world. Prices range from £3.45 a glass to £25.50 a bottle. The white Rioja El Coto Blanco 2007 from Spain is light and crisp with hints of berries and vanilla. A real treat at £17.45 a bottle. There’s a big selection of draught beer staying true to the pub roots and traditional spirits as well. Champagne, dessert wine and port are also available.
The Last Word
This is a new fine dining pub concept and the clever design means that traditional drinkers and people wanting to experience lovely English food can do so on their doorstep.
Beaufort Pub and Dining has been reviewed by 2 users