Public House

Modern European
Islington

Last week, we dropped in at Public House in Islington to try their new spring menu. Though more of a taster session than a full meal, we experienced some delicious food and can recommend that this is a place definitely worth popping in to.

The evening we were there, guests were sat around large tables at the back of the restaurant and were brought a selection of the dishes from the new menu. We tried small tasters of three starters, three mains and a dessert which was more than enough to satisfy us.

From the starters, the trout fillet was excellent, supported with lemon and crayfish sauce, not too light or heavy and cooked to perfection. Moreover, the lamb shoulder with pea puree was a great big boy's starter; not light by any means but great for someone who wants something a bit bigger before the main meal. The spring salad with beetroot and goat's cheese was another impressive dish, although slightly over-complicated.

As for the mains, the first out of the kitchen was a chicken and courgette combo. Although well-cooked, we would have liked the chicken to be served with a larger serving of the accompanying pepper and orange sauce. Next up was the pork fillet with gravy, mash potato and vegetables; a solid and tasty roast dish with an apple jelly on the side. The mash was particularly excellent and went exceptionally well with the meat, however, the jelly did not work for one us (a personal taste), but others at the table loved it. Last of the mains, and easily the best, was the pan fried bream; perfectly cooked with a lovely aubergine puree and a tangy salsa.

Finally, we ate a lemon and lime posset, which the server described a crème brûlée which hadn't been cooked; nice, tangy and creamy, and a fine way to round off the evening.

But, what is the Public House like? It is a casual pub-cum-restaurant with a cool atmosphere. As it got dark, the light of the candles took over and it became rather romantic. We were very impressed with the establishment overall and would definitely go back, even just to just to hang out. Wholly recommended.

54 Islington Park Street, N1 1PX

WEBSITE / MAP / MENU