please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub is brilliant! We went for my birthday drinks a few weeks ago, and the staff made us feel so welcome, especially the land lady! (what an awesome lady she is!). The food was ace, all beautifully made and accommodating a big group, it was great atmosphere in the back room. We got some song choices played and we had a little rave up! The drinks were quick with a great selection of shots, and beers on tap. This is my favourite pub round Newington Green far better than Alma, leconsfield (what is that place!?) and beats Dissenting hands down for atmosphere. Great job Cellars keep it up and no doubt il bring the crew back for another knees up!! Yeeeaahhh!
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OMG!! This place is amazing outside space with deck chairs, stunning interior. What's about this place, so much space, busy for a Tuesday compared to other pubs visited last night defo over 25 age group which suits us, Great Ales and well kept, staff friendly and had knowledge what they were serving. Rather then stating it's an ale???
Music was a stable volume for Tuesday although after speaking with the landlord he did not mind 3 people having a relationship on a lovely sofa in the dining room. I have to say, I found it inappropriate whilst having a meal with my mum.. I will advice him again on my next visit as he was approachable that 2 women and 1 male converting is rather off putting.. I gathered he was a gay man which does not bother me but he should not allow this behaviour in a eating area. The lovely gay man serving us stated he disapproved but it was managements decision to allow such behaviour!!
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Entirely agree with Clarence_Beeks on all four points.
But to update, Saturday night a couple of weeks ago, the music is still terrible. I expect to hear that kind of banging chart stuff at the Slug and Lettuce on Croydon High Street.
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I have 4 things to say about the Cellars.
1. Food is very nice, excellent portions, but despite this it's still rather over priced
2. The music is terrible, but has been getting better. As someone else says, I'm sure some of the younger bar staff have better taste. If not stick to classics in the musical canon. But James Blunt and chart house? Please.
3. They should take down the garish, sign in the window informing passers by that the Kitchen is now open. It looks terrible.
4. The beers are good - especially in terms of what I need - and the decor is beautiful and tastefully refurbed. Still something missing in the back room I think. Does the real fire work?
5. Finally, a very small point, they shouldn't have changed the name from Edinburgh Cellars to The Cellars. Asking to be called by your nickname is a bit cringeworthy.
Looks like the Nobody Inn across the green is being done up. Hopefully keep them on their toes.
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i disagree with the last persons comments........ The only place i know that does not have a microwave or a walk in fridge i have spoken to the old sous chef before he left and he sounded so proud that they DO make food fresh every day, as he said they only have 1 big fridge and 3 service fridges, so before people make rash comments about the freshness of the food they should get there facts right! If you really dont like the food well you should not eat it should you? Also i see you dont comment about other peoples pubs or food so i think maybe you have a vendetta against the cellars islingtongrubmonkey, perhaps islingtongrubmonkey is a local publican trying to bring down the cellars. Well me and my group of friends are locals and regulars. We enjoy the ever changing menu's the kitchen team produces on friday night i had a excellent beef and guinness stew, while my girlfriend had the rabbit pie and we both enjoyed it very much and would recomend the new deserts i have said before that the deserts needed a bit or work but the new menu's deserts are amazing i had the treacle tart with dorset clotted cream was yummy, and my gf had the chocolate torte , and that looked fantatstic, we was really impressed and every one i have spoken to who is visiting the cellars says the same sort of things to me so i think its funny that islingtongrubmonkey slates the place but each to their own but i tell you i would love to have sunday roast with you sometime and debate the food with you.
I would just like to add one further thing, my brother jamie had sunday roast on sunday with his little boy, and they said it was fantastic one had honey roast ham and my nephew had roast turkey.
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Ive been here many times but to be honest I find the food dull now. Some of the food looks and tastes good, but generally its all so so overpriced I would rather spend the same amount of money in a good restaurant, getting better service too.
Some of the language used by the bar staff is foul beyond belief.
Food wise its nice, but as for the comment on everything is prepared from scratch. No - its not. Hardly anywhere does that. All good restaurants do as much preparation as possible before the shifts begin. Normally for a day or two in advance. The cellars will be no different.
As for the roasts I have had better. The potatoes that other people seem to enjoy are typically not nice. Thats why, if you look at other customers plates they often have leftovers. Normally a roast potato and you only get 3 normally and the potatoes are meant to be the best bit behind the meat.
The meat is normally nice. Well sourced by the taste of it. Could do with more flavour sometimes but always well cooked.
Yorkshire puddings are normally too dry
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Been using Cellars since it reopened ref rude aggresive landlady you reveiwed pub on wrong side of Green.Staff at Cellars couldnt do more to serve you as soon as possible.Good selection of ales all served with a smile and a laugh.
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Would just like to say that I have always found the cellars to be a very good public house with excellent dining options. I am always found inside on a Sunday enjoying the food. The Sunday just gone by I went with a small group of friends and we all liked it very much. The Lamb is the best roast lamb in the area, the beef was so cooked to perfection and the gravy and trimmings was all up there with the best I have had in London. The roast potatoes are something special that if you�re a roastie fan will keep you coming back each and every week like me. I have been told by other neighbours that regularly visit the cellars in the week that they change the menu at the start of each month. So I will visit hopefully sometime this week and let you all know about their new menu.
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Ive been to the cellars many times since it re-opened and have always found the staff and landlady to be top drawer.
The refurb is spot on. so many steps up from what it was.
Great to see a lovely old pub given a new lease of life when so many in London are going to the wall.
Food is overpriced compared to others but you get what your paying for - everything is fresh and cooked from scratch.
Im looking forward to trying the sunday roast after reading the reviews here,
Concour with previous review the swordfish is amazing was there with some friends had a taste from a mates plate and was kicking myself that i hadn't ordered it.
Im a member of the camera club and quiet sure they dont sell Doombar here (?) !
Overall i think its a great addition to a nice area of london
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Echo the review who commented on the "Astonishingly aggressive and rude landlady". Placed an order for a round at the bar and she walked off mid sentence before ranting at me that she "wasn't working". Entirely unnecessary. Drank our pints of Doombar (yawn) and left.
Backroom refurb is nice, felt very empty though.
Would never go back. Too many other proper pubs in the area to bother with young bar staff who've gotten ratty because they're tired.
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refering to the last comment about the sunday roast, i have eaten the roast since your date posted and i do say the roast is amazing, and my friend who is vegetarian absolutely loved the vegi haggis they do, we really enjoy the food at the cellars, and recomend it to everyone.
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I have eaten at this pub three times now and will be going back for more.
Yesterday evening I had a tomato and avocado 'tian', which was made wonderfully. The avocado had been finely sliced and made the base. And stacked very neatly on top was mozzarella and then tomato. Then some more mozzarella, tomato, a small bit of avocado puree and decorated with dry tomatoes - it looked great. I would recommend this dish, just over a fiver. Makes a good side/starter.
A friend of mine had the sunday roast last weekend (17th July), which he has had there before quite a few times. He said it wasn't the best he had there - didnt like the potatoes nor the gravy which tasted not as good as usual. Im not really a roast person so ill take his word on this. He said normally its great, massive yorkie puds and generous helpings of veg and meat.
As someone else has said already. The swordfish is lovely. I had a it a few weeks ago, around the start of the month. D-Lish!!!!!!
Great decor. Nice staff. Prices are more than some but everything is cooked in house from scratch...... oh i almost forgot. The garlic mayo (aoili???) that comes with the chips is so so so so nice. Its creamy, fresh and moreish. perfect.
In fact, I think ill eat here again this week having just proof read my own review.
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I would like to say that i had the best ever sunday roast at this place on sunday just gone. I had the Lamb, and if your a fan of lamb you would be a fan of their lamb. The taste the texture was outstanding, the flavour of the marinated mint was something else. The roast potatoes were immense i cant stress enough. The gravy well that was the icing on the cake so to speak, someone here as worked really hard to produce a roast as good as that, i could see the chefs working through there window and they looked into what they are doing. The staff was so friendly, the real ales were in my opinion well chosen and i will definitely be telling all my friends about the Cellars, i came here once before when it was the Edinburgh cellars and i dont understand why the beer in the evening team have not changed this.
all in all 9 out of 10, why not 5 because i think the deserts need a bit of work but i am sure they will get there.
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i went for a meal at the cellars on friday night i had the swordfish, was a beautifully cooked meal. With Chorizo Sauteed Poatatoes, and this incredable sauce made out of tomatoes and peppers with a hint of fresh basil. The services was excellent the atmosphere was great the menu is well designed and one of the barman looks like some guy who used to be in corrie. This is deffo our new local and i recomend that all you people who like your food check it out.
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Astonishingly aggressive and rude landlady. I booked a table for 15 people for an entire night to celebrate my birthday (all of which was agreed and fine when booking), but shortly after we took our seats, half the table was demanded back for some walk-in customers as the pub gotten very busy. The impolite and confrontational way in which this was handled was extraordinarily unprofessional and entirely uncalled-for. This understandably soured the rest of the evening for myself and my guests. On top of this, the food was fairly bog-standard pub fare and very overpriced � something which ordinarily would have been just about acceptable but, in the context of what had happened, didn't really improve matters. Additionally, like a lot of other gastro-pubs in London, The Cellars suffers from an inability to judge an acceptable volume for playing music, killing the atmosphere further and making it extremely hard to have a proper conversation with my friends. The one star is for the other staff who were friendly and attentive. Avoid if you know what's good for you!
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Bright and clear refurb in what one could call 'pub nouveau' style. The only vestiges of it's former Victorian opulence being the tiled entrance at the side. It is pleasant enough though and they had a few unusual brews on. The Hophead brew was good as was the pint of London Stone. Would say they were the best pints of the day and far better than nearby GBG listed places.
anonymous - 27 May 2011 22:59 |
Been back twice since last post and food still very good. As Imp says a little dearer than you might expect but having eaten there three times I can say really fresh, quality ingredients. The reason I have been back is simply had out of town mates staying and they wanted somewhere for nice relaxed lunch. Can't comment on beers as have stuck to wine and vodka so far but getting busier and deserves to do well.
celt7 - 20 May 2011 17:22 |
It's a nice pub with a great back room and the beer range is good. Found the staff pleasant and helpful.
However, the cost of the food in there is ridiculous, a steak for �24 and �12 for a burger and small portion of chips! They are losing food custom as there are good food alternatives in the area for a lot less and six of us decided against eating there for exactly that reason.
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Ignore last post - I am always very dubious about people who have only one post to their name and it's slagging off a bar and praising the nearest rivals!
Anyway they have just started serving food, it was fantastic if anyone can remember the late lamented Centuria on the Balls Pond Road in it's heyday it's like that. Staff couldn't have been nicer and friendlier.
The refurb looks great and this pub deserves to be a success, it's clean, welcoming and it will definitely do well.
celt7 - 26 Apr 2011 16:15 |
I just had to post as this place is a poor reflection on all the other pubs in the area. Staff are not happy and the manager lacks the necessary skills to run a decent business. The result is poor service and no ambiance. This is a shame.
orb99 - 10 Feb 2011 00:24 |
I nice pub now it's been refurbished and starting to get busier.
Ales are very well kept. Just needs to start serving some food.
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agree with alex_w, service not great but ales up to standard, nice to see well renovated and not turned into gastro pub!
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Went in last Friday, much improved and so much busier than ever before. Struggling a bit with lack of staff right now but they are at least advertising for more so they recognise the problem. Three ales on tap - Landlord, Tribute and Black Sheep - had a decent pint of the Tribute. No food available as yet, not sure if they're planning some for the future. The back room looks great now, hope they're planning on lighting the fire now it's getting colder. The one major negative, besides the slow service, was the music - pretty awful very loud 80s pop. Either turn it down or improve the choice. Besides that this is definitely one of the better pubs in the area now.
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re-opened as the Cellars
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Pub now closed-Future uncertain.
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We now have a live jazz music night every wednesday, with a jam for instrumentalists on the first Wed in each month. The programme comes mainly from The Great American Songbooks with additional lesser known jazz gems too. The Trio, The Jazzaholics set up a mellow groove that sets the tone for the night.
There is a food deal of two courses for �10, so a very economical night out. Usual draught beers, wines etc with specially created cocktails with a jazzy theme.
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Went in for first time last night and had a great time. They have a trained cocktail maker who made the best French Martinis and really muddled the Mojitos. Great staff who made us feel welcome and for the women; the toilets were spotless! We had to leave to go to a restaurant before the music really started around 9pm but from the looks of the food I saw in the pub, will definately try it out next time.
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In response to rennie18, sorry for the points where you felt you were let down on. We have made some changes to the pub, we have got rid of the rude bouncer we had as he possessed the people skills and personality of Hannibal Lector (or is that Letcher), stopped the house DJs on Thursday night and replaced them with laid back tunes and much quieter so you can actually have a conversation without shouting. We completely looked at our music policy and we now run an indie, rock & alternative night every Friday and a soul, funk & vocal house night every Saturday and we have kept our Wednesday night acoustic evening.
We are also going to replace the carpet in the front bar very soon when we have finished painting the walls.
Please feel free to swing by for a beer on us when you're next around (just mention beerintheevening)
Cheers,
Simon.
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This is my local, and it could be a great pub and one which I would frequent far more often if the points below were addressed. It's been nicely redecorated, at least externally. It's nowhere near as scary as the Weavers down the road. The manager/head barman is friendly and accommodating, there are ample pool tables and a quirky if questionable montage of famous people in the back room. There is also a piano! They don't serve food but have an extensive selection of local takeaway menus which they are more than happy for customers to use.
However. The insistence on playing ear bleeding banging techno in the front room at 9pm on a Thursday night is grating and intrusive. Perhaps consider some music more in keeping with the ambience. If you don't want people to play the piano, then remove it from the room (and replace it with a jukebox). The heavy-handed bouncers are surely unnecessary. And sort out the (filthy) carpets.
In addition, if they served chips that would also be a bonus.
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Popped in here last Friday for their rock/alternative night,
had a really great night, cocktails were flowing and the vibe was spot on with a friendly mix of students and workers,
will check out the acoustic night they have on a poster on wednesday
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I have been to this pub a few times in the past year and it has transformed! The decor and atmosphere is fantastic, the staff are friendly & helpful and the music varies from day to day so there is something for everyone.
They have put on various different nights. All of which are quality entertainment. Good promotions and fantastic Cocktails.
I decided to go there for New Years and I had a fantastic time! The night was very well organized and service was tremendous for NewYears Eve. I would definatly go there again for New Years Eve and many other events they offer.
Thanks to all the staff at Edinburgh Cellars!
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I hosted a charity comedy night at The Cellars. The landlords exceeded my expectations of service, helpfulness, generosity, and advice. They were totally wonderful to work with. The atmosphere and the crowd they pulled in were warm, friendly and generous. A really friendly pub, fabulous back room for gigs, parties, functions.
If you want to host an event, then I couldn't fault this place or the boys who own it. They know how to entertain and to manage a night.
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Things are starting to look up @ The Edinburgh. Nice redec job, ales on tap (yet to sample), some groovy tunes, bitching cocktails (tho I don't really agree with locals and cocktails) and it seems the locals are returning. Will be roadtesting their Monday quiz next week, as the Shakespeare has decided to stop theirs while the Quizmaster is on the road with his band. I don't understand why Islington Council have such an issue with them...the pub has obviously improved since the bad old days, yet they have to pull the punters inside at ten pm!
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Owner djing, old man forgetting the smoking ban, young men in the back playing pool,old lathario trying his luck old regulars,couples, young women on Rose, old men on their first and last pint.
A bit of this a bit of that
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....And some decent ales please. Guests if possible!
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Pub imminently changing hands. Rumour has it an Alma-esque refurb is in the wings. If the new landlord's out there, try a mix between the Alma (back bar-food, big screen) and The Shakespeare just down the road in Allen Road N16 (front bar, locals with decent jukebox and small screen). This could potentially be a great local boozer - Please don't over-Islington the place!!!!!
anonymous - 13 Feb 2007 11:57 |
I spent a day (ahem) here last week and had a wonderful time. I wish it was my local.
The back room may be be dingy but it's a lovely high-ceilinged space with a huge selection of comfy sofas, a servicable jukebox and pool tables. The bar staff were nice & smiley too.
I agree with the previous comment on the food.
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North London pub. Loads of potential, but currently quite dodgy. Boxing gym on top floor. Back room dark and dingy, couple of pool tables. Sometimes there's Deuchar's behind the bar. The Thai food is excellent. Kitchen hours can be quite erratic though.
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Just south of recently revamped Newinton Green (new park and footpaths have drawn attention away from the fact that this is big roundabout south of Stokey), the Edinburgh cellars is NOT a gentrified gastro pub. However it's cleintel represent the diverse local populous well and the back room art work is worth a look at the very least. Also fab mosaic floor in the side entrance hall. Worth a look as it's better that the place across the road.
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