Rhythm

The food is Caribbean & the rhythm relaxed at this funky little bar & restaurant that’s found its groove among the bakeries & boutiques of Crouch End. Choosing what to eat shouldn’t require much effort, as the menu keeps things simple, with six starters at £4.95 & five mains at £9.95. Alternatively, the ‘reggae tapas’ option means you can try smaller portions of anything for £3.50. Home-style cooking produces hearty platefuls of curry goat, creole hotpot, & ackee & salt-fish, all accompanied by piles of delicately spiced rice & peas; you can also order fried plantain & callaloo on the side. Imbibers take note: though there’s a decent wine list, it’s the rum punch that sings. Soulful sounds, good-looking design & a winning welcome from the owner (a former music producer) all add to the experience.