375 Kilburn High Road,
Kilburn,
London,
NW6 7QB
(020) 7625 6634
The ViewLondon Review
With the refurb of the North London Tavern, it's now entered gastro pub territory, but it’s still managed to hold onto much of its old character and charm.
The Venue
A large island bar is the focal point of the North London Tavern and panelled windows separate it from the dining room at the back. It’s big but welcoming thanks to low lighting and original features, including massive windows, dark wood panelled walls, a high red ceiling and vintage mirrors. The dining room has a old fashioned feel, with a grand antique chandelier, lampshades that wouldn’t be amiss in your grandma’s living room and framed black and white pictures of old Kilburn. One thing letting it down a little is the grotty toilets, which could do with some attention.
The Atmosphere
The clientele is what you’d expect from a pub in the heart of one of London’s most ethnically diverse neighbourhoods, refreshingly mixed and comfortable with it. Both areas are very relaxed and casual despite always being busy, and the dining room manages to create a lovely feeling of occasion. An eclectic mix of music adds to the chilled out vibe, with soul, Motown and indie tunes providing a backdrop to the bustling chatter.
The Food
A big blackboard on the wall of the North London Tavern dining room shows what’s on offer in the way of tucker, and again it’s an interesting fusion of ingredients and flavours. The good sized, well thought out menu includes a fish stew which is rich and comforting with fresh juicy prawns, mussels and chunks of white fish – worth it’s price tag.
Other options include a hearty and tender saddle of rabbit with a creamy sweet apple and parsnip puree, and a velvety yet light spinach risotto with butternut squash and goat’s cheese. Equally comforting deserts include strawberry fool served with hazelnut praline and shortbread, and deliciously creamy butterscotch ice cream – huge portions though so consider sharing.
The Drink
The well-stocked bar has a good variety of beers with Amstell, Hoegarden, Heineken and Red Stripe on tap, and Sol, Bud and Peroni by the bottle. A good sized wine list includes 10 options of white and red from around £12.50 for the house, one rose and two champagnes.
The Last Word
A top quality boozer. With so many soulless establishments around these days it’s always a joy to find somewhere that’s moved into the current day without losing its roots – the North London Tavern seems to have achieved this without even trying.
North London Tavern has been reviewed by 10 users