Bald Faced Stag

We used to come here often, at least twice a month and at one stage every weekend. The staff changed sometime early 2015 and the whole place went downhill fast. Slow service (drinks 15 minute wait, despite the fact I could've walked to the bar from the restaurant in 1 minute). Slow kitchen (45 minute wait for main course) and over cooked food. Sadly we haven't been back to see if they've redeemed themselves.

Following a refurbishment, the Bald Faced Stag took on new chef, Tom Stephens, six weeks ago and we were blown away by the food when we dropped in yesterday evening. Formerly of Pied a Terre, Tom is breathing new life into East Finchley in terms of quality cuisine. Superb ingredients and wonderfully interesting flavours don’t come better than this. Pea & mint hummus, Smoked mozzarella, peas, broad bean, lemon & basil dressing, Truffle custard, roasted cauliflower and mushroom crumble are three of just some of the fare on offer. Extraordinary and wonderful. This is a young man who needs to be kept a close eye on. The menu is very varied and does cater for all tastes so there is still the traditional fare on offer just don’t get us started on the Coconut parfait, whipped raspberry jelly, lime curd – ridiculously good! Come on everyone who lives in North London – get down there!!

The Bald Faced Stag is a million miles away from the dingy pub that it used to be and serves good quality food that is reasonably priced and for the East Finchley area brings some much needed quality in the Gastro Market. Certainly better than the White Lion doen the road and comparable to the Clissard Arms towards Muswell Hill it is a good place for Sunday lunch or midweek meal rather than a Saturday night out.

I don't know what the person below me is talking about, frankly. The Bald Faced Stag consistently delivers great dishes, and this is a comment by someone who is not easily impressed, or satisfied for that matter. I have eaten there several times in the past few years and not once have I had a bad meal. The atmosphere is great, the service is attentive and friendly and the quality of food is very good. In one of my most recent visits I had some of the greatest chips I have ever eaten, together with a divine pigs cheeks salad. I have also had gorgeous veal there (British veal, for the ethically conscious – me being one of them I will not eat it unless it's British and complies with UK regulations). It is not cheap for a pub, but it's food I do not mind paying for…again and again and again. It's one of my two favourite pubs for food, and I have had more enjoyable meals there than I've had in some of the country's most prestigious restaurants. It doesn't take a genius to realise that this is good quality, beautiful executed, unpretentious food. And the fact that the restaurant is never empty proves this. Only negative comment, bring the goat's cheese tart back!

I really want to like this place, but I dosen't quite hit the mark. Its a gastro pub in walking distance from where I live, but I've been twice now and have been disappointed on both occasions. The place looks lovely, but because its not busy, it lacks slightly in atmosphere. Service was attentive and friendly but relaxed. Food is not very god. I had a veggie dish that was recommended by our waitress; brie wrapped in a pastry, but it was boring after about 3 mouthfuls and quite large. My husband was not that impressed with his lamb either. I think it is definetly too expensive, both for the caliber food and also for the location. If they reduced the prices and got a better chef, it could be very good, but at the moment, the food and value for money are poor.

I love the Bald. As you rightly say in your review, us East Finchelyites have been crying out for a place like this – where did we all go before, I wonder? The food never disappoints, the atmosphere is buzzy, with a good mixture of ages, and the portions are a very decent size. Great chips, too. If you are a party of four or more, the booths are the best places to sit, or try a table at the back. The open kitchen is a nice touch, and it gives you the opportunity to say thanks to the chefs on your way out. I go at least once a month and the standard is consistently good. Top marks!