Entertaining the public is a question of putting them at their ease, at least if you wish to be successful in the catering trade. Keston Lodge in Islington scores well in this respect and it seems to have filled a niche in the market as a regular haunt for the trendies of N1.

The Venue
Keston Lodge lies between the King’s Head and Almeida Street, along that stretch of Upper Street, Islington which is almost all restaurants and nothing but. The decor is, in its own retro way, rather chic. It’s a good place to stop off and read the papers over one of the best cuppas in London, and probably the cheapest too, as all teas and coffees are just 79p each for a huge cup.

The Atmosphere
With its couches, easy chairs and bar stools, this is a place in which to lounge around. It’s not really a pub, although it has a bar, but it is also a restaurant (gastrobar?) serving meals and snacks on the ground and mezzanine levels. It appeals to all ages, from bright young things to senior citz via young families with kids, toddlers, babies and buggies in tow. It has a relaxed air about it with a youthful, friendly staff, so it’s no wonder it has become a habit with all and sundry.

The Food
You can order anything here from a bar snack to accompany your drink to a full three course meal. All meat is locally sourced from Frank Godfrey, the Islington butcher. There is also a range of the famous Square pies (steak and Guinness, lamb and rosemary, spinach and feta) served with peas, mash and gravy or handcut chips or salad.

The best value here - in the whole of Islington and the rest of London for that matter - are the magnificent gourmet sandwiches on griddled ciabatta bread with salsa verde, a choice of fillings plus those exquisite hand-cut chips which are the best ever. They may look rough and ready but they do actually have the flavour of potato about them. All this and tomato salsa for just £4, and they really make a complete meal in themselves. Considering the price you pay for even a mediocre sandwich these days, these are a terrific bargain and so lusciously tasty. The crispy bacon with mixed leaves and the char-grilled chicken with herb salad, pesto and mayonnaise are highly recommended. The bacon is crispness personified and done to a beautiful turn, while the chicken with its nicely spicy marinade is tender and juicy in the extreme. What a treat! Desserts offer up a choice of more comfort food, including sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream, Belgian waffles with ice cream and maple syrup and baked lemon cheesecake with berry compote.

The Drink
Keston Lodge is a great place for cocktails (£6.50 - £8) including such classics as Mojitos, Caipirinhas, Cosmopolitans, Bellinis, berry vodka Collins, French Martinis, Mai Tais and various Sours. The Dark and Strong involves rum, lime and ginger beer, while the Apple Crumble has Italian Tuaca liqueur with crushed lemon and apple juice. Shooters are £3.50 each and include the B52 of Kahlua, Baileys and Grand Marnier. There is also a wine list and the usual spirits and some smoothies for your further delectation.

The Last Word
If you are going to any of Islington’s fringe theatres, it’s worth stopping by at Keston Lodge either before or after the show or, if you have nothing better to do, pop in for lunch or dinner.

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