The Hillgate

Liam C. ( 20s, Male, United Kingdom )

My girlfriend and I went for lunch after a wander around Notting Hil / Portobello Road. The gastropub is off the high street which I considered a positive as the people who were there seemed to be regulars. The decoration is simple and welcoming with large wooden tables – long, some round – and the bar is a darker wood. There are even antlers!

We both drank Aspell cider, draught. We shared:

Starters (around £7 each)
Portobello mushroom stuffed with garlic, spinach, goat's cheese and parmesan and roasted tomatoes with dressed rocket; Pumpkin gnocchi (made of, not mixed with) tomatoes, garlic and cheese topping.

Both of these were very enjoyable. I think they are large starters. I would probably eat two starters the next time that I go in order to enjoy more than one dish.

Mains (around £12 each
Steak with garlic butter, chips and salad;
Roasted corn fed chicken with puy lentils and lardons.

Both of these were excellent. If I had to find a fault, again, I think the chicken was slightly overcooked but not unenjoyable. The skin was very crisp which was great and there was masses of lentils in veg and bacon.

The main portions were generous which was welcome given that mains in a gastropub around £12 can sometime be disappointing. The quality was also there. My girlfriend had the steak (medium-well) and it was very tasty.

Given that there was an order for 6 people just before us, the food came out very quickly, hot and enjoyable.

I heartily recommend this place especially for large groups. I would happily come back here again. Given that I live in East London, it is a shame that I am not closer.