The Crown, Cloudesley Road, N1

Crikey, I have let this slide, haven’t I? Well, back into the mix without further hesitation. Today took us back to sunny Islington, to the Crown.

Tucked away in the chi-chi backstreets of N1, the Crown is a beautifully preserved example of a Victorian pub interior. Lots of etched glass and wood – very pleasant surroundings for some jolly competent pub food. Extensive menu which I’d like to revisit, but today’s choices were the roast pork loin, poached trout with almonds and our resident vegan opted for the home-made gnocchi with butternut squash and roasted curly kale.

Verdict? Well-executed all round. The gnocchi was originally a veggie dish, advertised with parmesan and fennel butter, but it was no trouble for the kitchen to provide it without.
The pork was extremely good – moist and very succulent. Big chunk of very crispy crackling earns them an extra point. I’m told the trout was slightly overdone, which is a shame. Presentation was great; the veggies came separately and were bang on – al dente and delicious. Carrots were stickily honey-glazed, and the potatoes just perfect.

The thing which let our experience down a little here was the service – the staff were all very young and service was sloppy and disorganised. A shame, really.
Overall? 7/10 – good food, but on the pricey side at £13 for the roast.

~ by sundayroasts on September 6, 2009.