Nestled on the edge of Highgate Village, on a glorious sunny day, I visited a charming pub that has just been named the best in the whole of London. The Red Lion and Sun was given the crown at the National Pub and Bar Awards on Tuesday (June 24), and on my trip it did not disappoint at all.
Although not your typical spot to split the ‘G’ on a Guinness, or grab a quick pint and go, the sitdown style is very in keeping with the high expectations of a modern gastro pub.
From the outside, it is tucked behind a blanket of tall green bushes just off North Road in Highgate. With glorious green signs inviting you in, I was warmly welcomed into the front terrace by a wagon offering frozen margaritas.
The venue’s charming nature continued as I walked through the pub’s bar and headed to the back garden to find a seat. With another award on their door, showing them being ranked number 16 in the Top 50 Gastropubs, they are no stranger to recognition.
The inside had an element of no-frills, but practical wooden tables with glasses each laid out for food. With a homely nature, it has piles of books, candles and a large wooden fire for the winter.
In the back was a smaller selection of wooden picnic benches, placed among the potted and vine plants, half the garden bathed in the sun. It has a secret garden feel, and with the impressive menu available, the food was definitely the star of the show.
The food choices have a more sophisticated feel than your traditional village pub. The locally sourced ingredients help determine the menu, as it changes daily. You are able to view that day’s menu each morning from 11am on the website.
On my Wednesday menu was an array of fresh fish, oysters and then steaks, there was even vegan lasagne catering to all dietary needs. I went for the summer salad as a vegetarian option.
When it arrived, I was presented with a colourful plate of asparagus, courgette, beetroot and pumpkin seeds. It was a refreshing salad, perfect for the heat, with a strong crunch and a balance of a slightly bitter taste complemented by a generous helping of feta.
With the sun shining and temperatures in the high 20s, there was a magical glisten in the garden. With a tranquil feel, it makes you forget its position just off the main road.
It felt like the perfect excuse to have a frozen cocktail, but on this occasion, I opted for a ginger beer and an ice cream with a shot of espresso, ready to start the afternoon.
The team running the pub were very chatty and warm as they welcomed me in. I arrived for an early lunch, just after the kitchen opens at noon, where it remains open until 9pm.
There was a nice relaxed energy, with smooth upbeat songs playing in the background. The pub with a more restaurant feel began to fill up, and the table behind me ordered a half dozen of Jersey rock oysters, and I must say they did look delicious.
The price point is definitely for a gastro pub rather than a local, but knowing that my ice cream was sourced from a local maker, Jai’s Ice, in North London, added a nice touch. I’m no sommelier, but the wine list and drink options available were of a good range, even with some cocktail mixes available.
The pub is dog-friendly, and they were proudly advertising a new addition to their family, The Angel, located in Highgate Village, with breakfast, brunch, and Sunday roast options advertised.
Other nominees for London’s best Pub and Bar award were split into the City of London and Greater London. With Leadenhall Market’s Lamb Tavern, Goldwood off Cheap Street and The Wren Tavern in the City.
Then outside of the city, Notting Hill’s The Walmer Castle, Islington’s The Baring, and Soho’s Dean Street The French House. Each with their unique style and food proudly on show, this time it was Highgate’s charmer that won the title. Soho’s The Devonshire was also a nominee and managed to gain the Industry’s choice award.
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