Transforming a tired, traditional pub into a chic dining and drinking destination; Villiers Terrace is fast becoming the place to be in leafy Crouch End.

The Venue
From the moment you step into the opening alcove of Villiers Terrace, with its midnight-blue walls, intricate lantern and giant gilded art deco mirror, you’ll be enchanted by the sultry glamour of this gorgeous venue. Contrasting with its traditional stone cottage exterior, the decor inside is an ornate creation by interior designer Paul Daly (the vision behind other unique venues like Bison and Bird in Clapham and Roadtrip in Shoreditch). Deep scarlet sections of the wall set off the colour of blood-red tealights sitting on rustic wooden tables in one room, whilst plush vintage sofas sit daintily beside a chunky wooden fireplace and modern log-studded bar in another.

Heavy gold-tassle curtains and glowing fringed lamps give a welcoming, living room feel that is sexed up with glittering chandeliers, modish wallpaper, shimmering candlesticks and a giant bouquet of alluring magenta lilies sitting atop the fireplace. A small elegant terrace and enclosed beer garden, overseen by a glittering lady statue, are sure to become summer hubs when the British sunshine kicks into gear.

The Atmosphere
Its location, straddled a little inconveniently between tube stations (the closest are Highgate and Finsbury Park), means that Villiers Terrace is mostly frequented by locals and those in the know. A licence till 1am from Thursday to Saturday, live jazz and DJ gigs pack in the crowds, especially on weekends, while earlier in the week you’ll find a relaxed dining crowd. The friendly sophistication of the venue attracts media and TV-types from trendy North London enclaves and you might rub shoulders with the odd celebrity. It has a chilled-out yet refined vibe.

The Food
Flying the flag for modern British food and seasonal produce, the gastropub menu has an excellent range of tempting fare from £5 for a starter to £9.50-£13.50 for mains. Breaking the yolk of a lightly breaded poached egg over flawlessly steamed English asparagus and hollandaise (£6.75) is a rich, buttery and altogether perfect starter whilst the Cornish crab linguine at £7 (with shallots, tomato and tarragon) is delicately creamy and delicious.

Gastropub mainstays of slow roast belly pork, Aberdeen Angus steak and fish pie feature alongside less commonplace fare such as braised rabbit with papardelle, tomato and herbs (£12.50) and pan-fried skate (£13), which is served crispy if a little dry, but is accompanied by juicy, tender sprouting broccoli. Look out for specials and a weekday set menu (from 12pm-6pm) offering a great-value two courses for £10. For dessert, don’t miss the decadent chocolate fondant (£6.50), a perfectly formed pudding served warm that oozes with a devilishly tempting, rich and gooey centre. Other sweet treats are available from £5.

The Drink
There are plentiful drops on the mostly European wine list, ranging from £3.70–£5.70 a glass. There is more choice by the bottle, priced from £14.50 up to £75 for a Bourgogne red, whilst an excellent mid-priced tipple is the Italian Tre Fili Pinot Grigio (£18) which is crisp, dry and slightly minerally. There are also a few rose, sweet, sparkling and Champagne options.

If cocktails are your elixir, Villiers Terrace has a wide choice of classics for £6.50 or, for a more individual concoction, try the deliciously tangy pomegranate martini (made with fresh fruit) or the entirely drinkable King of Hearts, a refreshing mix of sweet lychee and elderflower liqueur, gin and crushed fresh strawberries.

Lager-lovers will find Kronenbourg, Fosters and Hoegaarden on tap starting from £3.40 a pint while the bottled selection includes Leffe, Becks, Peroni and the not often seen Meantime, all for £3.50. Ale wise, there’s Old Speckled Hen and Newcastle Brown Ale for £3.50.

The Last Word
Villiers Terrace delivers a touch of class in amiable, comfortable surroundings. The upmarket refurbishment has retained character and a stylish charm that makes it a standout venue on the north London scene.

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