The Star, Highgate

I've been raving about this place since I went in the other week! I'm always wary when pubs get the gastro treatment, as normally it means if you're not young, wealthy and ordering food, the staff are going to intimidate you until you take your pikey self out the door and back to Wetherspoons where you belong. The Star couldn't be more different! The barstaff were genuinely pleased to see us as new customers- even though the pub was full to bursting point and they must have been rushed off their feet. The beers (ale and lager) were in absolutely top condition, and although a bit on the expensive side, were well worth paying for. The food also seemed reasonably priced, as they seem to serve decent portions and use quality ingredients.

I just can't see a bad side to this place- live music, real ale, independently run- and it replaces an unloved, unpleasant pub in a bit of town that badly needed a boozer. I'm just looking forward to spending a proper afternoon session in there some time...

9 Mar 2007 14:21

The Royal Sovereign, Clapton

Popped into the Sovereign after hearing that it was under new ownership, and was pleased with what I saw. The area's needed a nice relaxed local for a while, and this should fit the bill. Already drawing punters in (and on a mid week night when I went) once it's had a lick of paint I can see it being very popular. There's a big beer garden on the way too apparently, which'll be good in the summer. One real ale on when I was in (Bass)- if this transformed into Deuchars IPA or T Taylor's Landlord it'd be a 10 from me. But I'm a snobby drinker, so I'm bound to say that...

9 Mar 2007 13:44