Rose & Crown
86 Highgate High Street Highgate Village London N6 5HX
This is the place for a bit of Highgate posh. A village pub frequented by daytripping royals in the 17th and 18th centuries, then in recent years a gastro-pub, the listed building has recently undergone a refurbishment and emerged as a restaurant in its own right. Its subtle refined style – think streamlined leather chairs, wood floors and art on the walls – suits the elegant cooking of owner and head chef Gareth Thomas. Having trained under that doyen of smart British cuisine, Gary Rhodes, Thomas’ menu blends modern British and classic French tastes. Expect dishes like Barbary duck breast with smoked pancetta bubble and squeak and pea & truffle puree, or Gloucester Old Spot pork belly with Calvados jus, as well as beer-battered haddock and chips. It gets the nod from Michelin critics and locals alike, so best book for weekends and Sunday lunch.
