Grenouille's Reviews

It is telling that despite the pretty average ratings I gave it, I keep coming back to the Clissold Arms.
It is just the only pub option in Muswell Hill if you want a nice pub lunch with a baby especially if it is a nice day and you want to seat outside.

Food wise, the food is pretty good but overpriced for a pub and this area. Also it seems to me that the menu of specials never changes and we always end up with the fish and chip, the fish cakes or sometimes the bavette steack which are all very good but what about some new stuff from time to time some game or nice pork belly or whatever else you can find in a good gastro pub.

My main gripe would be with the service which I think is not great. There is one older guy always there looking unhappy with a tie (not sure if he is the owner but if he is he should make more of an effort) and some East European waitresses who do not give you a strong sense of warmth. I would not say it is terrible but does not make you feel very welcome. On the back of other review they can be slow with the bill but I have no pb going to the bar to pay straightaway and leave quickly which you sometimes want to do with a bored 15 month old.

However the garden is a very nice place to have lunch on a nice day (with new synthetic grass which baby loved walking on) and the dining room at the front is very comfy and cozy. Beer selection is good and I never tried the wine list as I usually stick to beers in pub so can't comment.

In conclusion this place has the potential to be THE place in Muswell Hill if they just could try a bit harder. You could even overlook the fact it is overpriced if the service was better and the menu a bit more varied and in season (or at least changing during the year). I would still recommend it though

Speaking of chips which seems to be a theme on the link of reviews, we always order a bowl of chips on the side for the baby and they are very good but I do remember one occasion a while ago when we were told we could not… More

I have been eating at the Comptoir Gascon for many years now and used to go there up to 3 times a week.

It is for me the best value for money restaurant in London if you like a relaxed atmosphere and excellent French earthy food. Prices used to be lower and it was a real steal (used to have a 3 course meal with a bit of wine for 25£ but now more like £35) but it is still great value.

Food wise, the menu is changing regularly but it is always worth looking at the specials on the board which are excellent. I would mention a few items which are always there: the rillettes d'oie are amazing as starters and a pot is good enough for 2 as starter (ask for additional toast and gerkins). It is much better value than the fois gras which is excellent but overpriced in my opinion. For the mains I would recommend the cassoulet which is the best in England, the confit (I ask to have it without the garbure which I don't like I think it is a cabbage mash or sthg), or the pork belly or the pollock if you like fish. To be honest I can't remember one dish I did not like there (actually once a very mature rib of beef which had been aged for very long and tasted too strongly for me). Almost forgot the chips which have been voted best in London (twice deep fried in goose fat to get them amazingly crisp). I always order one to share for 2. Desserts if you are stll hungry, have a look at the patisserie counter which is cheaper than the dessert board and gives you great option if you are not very hungry (a financier with coffee is my dessert of choice). If you have space the board has usually some great stuff like Gascon Mess and so on

From a decor point of view I think it is very simple in a bistro kind of way which I like. You should always book and arrive early to get the best tables. Some of them are not great next to a door or the toilet. If it is fully booked which happens often ask to be seated at the bar (if you are 2) or to share the big table if possible. Both are great option and I… More