Madden's, East Finchley

This place used to be fantastic up until about 3 years ago.

It had a great mixed bunch of people, old boys smoking their ready-rubbed at the corner of the bar opposite young women just off the tube for a quick glass of wine.

It's now an awful place & I can't think of a good word to say about it, so I won't!

31 Jul 2008 18:44

The Gun, Coldharbour

Had waited quite some time to try this beautiful looking place & the experience was a bit disappointing. Good selection of drinks, although Adnams broadside was way, way too cold to be fully appreciated (why do so many pubs do this?).

The food was nice rather than great. Clams & chorizo were good, but the braised pork belly was 80% fat! It all felt a little too expensive which is fine if the food meets &/or exceeds expectations.

The service was also haphazard on a mid week evening which couldn't be described as busy (less than half full) they didn't seem to cope. Dishes came to the wrong sittings & we were twice offered someone else's drinks, whilst waiting over 20 minutes to get ours & order some food.

So many great reviews have been written about this place, I would definitely try it again if I was in the area, but having been to so many other great gastro's including the Lock & the Pumphouse, the old quality & service vs wallet, really didn't add up on this visit.

31 Jul 2008 18:18