The Sun at Northaw

Sunday lunch on a beautiful spring day. We had a drink in the sunny garden surrounded by mounds of dog mess, perhaps deposited by the pub's obese spaniel, who joined us and other diners at lunch begging for scraps. It took us the best part of 1/2 hour to be served a drink with a dining room less that half-full, no wine list or bread was proffered. I was served a moule marinieres without a spoon or any bread to mop up the good creamy sauce. Our main course of good quality beef was meant to be served with horsearadish “cream” as part of the holy trinity along with Yorkshire pudding – we had to ask twice for this. Dijon mustard to add some much needed flavour to my sons almost tasteless portion of sausage and mash did not arrive. On to desert, apple crumble was accompanied by custard with lumps in, our miserable, verging on rude waitress, asked us what the sauce should have been? Is smooth custard too much to ask for when you are being charged in excess of £25 for a 2 course and in excess of £30 for a 3 course Sunday lunch in a pub dining room? Don't believe the hype and avoid this place at all costs; poor service, overpriced food and drinks. The kitchen has skill and the efforts to source local ingredients are laudable, but its all served up with little empathy, let alone a smile. Alternatives for Sunday lunch? Try the nearby Brookmans or the Cock of the North, cheaper food with lower ideals, but at least you will be served in a friendly atmosphere at both venues.

After years of bad meals, crap service and a desire to find what I regard as perfect restaurant we found The Sun. The pub itself is beautiful, comfortable and friendly.

Now to the best bit ! Not only does this chef know how to cook but his presentation is outstanding. The menu is cooked with great flair, mega seasonal ingredients, and well sourced produce. I had the rabbit terrine to start which was excellent, salted cod croquettes again excellent and then the venison , and guess what that was excellent .

Our bill was just over 80£ and considering I had two starters I found it very Reasonable. I will definitely be returning to this place and am sure it will be as good as our first visit.

Thank god the really is a fantastic restaurant in my local area.

Cheers Richard and Jan

absolutely a fantastic place to visit.only wish we had this pub in scotland well done all.

Really good country pub with excellent seasonal produce cooked with simple British flair. Definatately a pub that leans more to being a restaurant than a local boozer however it's a good balance that's relaxed, comfortable, freindly yet the food is excellent. Well worth the trip just beyond the M25 near Potters Bar.

I opted for the most expensive items on the menu,
Appettiser was deep fried cods cheeks with tartare sauce, these were delivered swiftly and only a pedant would fault the dish on the slightly soggy batter. An honest 9/10
Next, again delivered swiftly, was pigeon breast slices, shot locally i was assured, on a bed of rocket salad with a crisp bacon top. Here the horror story starts,
The breast was very overcooked, the only pink was in my cheeks when after ‘ correctly ’ sending it back, the manager brought it back out to me to argue with me, as my cutlery had been removed i had to use my hands to show him the meat was brown throughout, I had pre cut it else I wouldnt have been able to display its burnt heart,.
I received the dish i sent back with the bacon now under the pigeon and all the original items cold, ho hum
Next was an amazing Angus steak, £18 worth , and worth every penny, even their pet dog agreed as it haunted me as I ate, Black curly hair and big eyes, and teeth and a growl after the staff removed it at my behest. It was back inside sixty seconds and it enjoyed the remainder of my steak, I gave up on the meal, paid my £40 and left, never to return.
I am glad I was paid to visit this establishment as I would not let my dog stay there, as the black dog would no doubt eat its food and the manager would argue this was only fair. Go here to be ripped off, not for a good dining experience.

good food and nice pub atmosphere. Haphazard service,especially at ordering time ( with one poerson takimg all orders). Lovely location – good find in an otherwise barron area.