Bald Faced Stag

Nowadays a gastropub is a prerequisite for every self-respecting neighbourhood, & although East Finchley has been lucky enough to have an indie cinema, there’s been an aching void. Now the long-overdue Bald Faced Stag has filled it & is winning round the locals as a stylish venue in which to enjoy good beer & good food. The spacious dining room is done out in shades of milky coffee, while food from the open kitchen focuses more on comfort than finesse. There are huge bowls of lentil & bacon soup, goats’ cheese & shallot tart, grilled plaice with roast red pepper & new potatoes, & the likes of sticky toffee pudding to round things up. The only downer is nonchalant staff who can give the impression they’d rather slump on the couches in the eclectically furnished bar than serve you.