The Old Dairy

Crouch Hill
Traditional British

Head off the beaten track between Hornsey and Crouch Hill to discover one of North London's hidden gems, claiming an authority on the traditional Sunday Roast.

The Old Dairy is exactly was it says on the tin. Built in 1890, the spacious interior has been stripped back to its bare brick walls and striking steel girders, decorated with expansive ornate gold mirrors and glistening crystal chandeliers, which catch the light from the large glass roof above the main bar area. Sit back and relax in the deep leather sofas or take a seat at their antique style dining tables and take your time to work through The Old Dairy's superb choice of Sunday Lunch dishes. Choose from Spanish charcuterie boards, deep fried calamari and chilli jam, smoked pigeon or 28 day aged Long-horn rib eye steak, or opt for a full blown Sunday Roast with all the trimmings, including that all important Yorkshire Pudding.

We started with an indulgent sharing plate of baked camembert, balsamic onion chutney, cornichons, new potatoes and toast. Delightfully presented and perfectly baked, the Camembert spread deliciously onto the whole grain toast and was perfectly complemented by the chutney and bitterness of the cornichons. We shared the plate between two people; perfectly sized for an afternoon lunch snack for one, or share between more people for a modest introduction to your main meal. Our expectations had been set high, and the arrival of our main courses did not disappoint. We ate a roast dinner of Suffolk farm chicken with chorizo and red pepper stuffing; an exciting Mediterranean twist to a traditional meal, and roast rare breed Dexter beef; perfectly cooked with a succulent pink middle. Plenty of gravy, buttery seasonal vegetables, fluffy roast potatoes, and a juicy Yorkshire Pudding with each dish, made up a perfect plate of accompaniments.


The test of the perfect Sunday lunch menu is often in the dessert and, at the final hurdle, The Old Dairy did not let us down. Ice-cream sundaes, rhubarb and apple crumble and chocolate brownies with chantilly cream: we were stuck for choice. In the end, we opted for out old favourites; sticky toffee pudding with traditional vanilla ice cream and the crumble with rum and raisin ice cream. Wonderfully made, perfectly cooked, seventh heaven.

Friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and excellent food all set amongst spacious and beautiful interiors make this a must visit if you are ever in the Finsbury Park/Crouch End area. Plus, if your a sports fan, there are big screens discreetly placed to watch the football or rugby. Enjoy with a pint and a handmade Scotch Egg from behind the bar.

1-3 Crouch Hill, N4 4AP

Average price for main meal: £13
Average price for a glass of wine: £7
Food and drink: 5/5
Service: 4/5
Value: 4/5

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