The Barnsbury Reviews

Restaurant of the Month - Silverback

Situated in north’s London’s eclectic Highbury & Islington; a mere hop n skip from the infamous Upper street. This is a brilliant place to eat out and grab a drink any day of the week. This Gastro restaurant has recently undergone refurbishment and new management but definitely packs a punch with its creative and dare I say imaginative menu.

I wanted to awaken my taste buds with something I’d never tried before so when I saw ‘pig cheeks’ on the menu I went straight for it. Definitely a big winner, as was the lamb which is beautifully cooked in a red wine reduction sauce to die for. Or if you’re feeling gutsy why not go for the leg of rabbit with pancetta, parsley & radicchio risotto, and truffle jus. Sounds good don’t it!

The décor is creative in style with wine glass chandeliers and rustic features combined with a subtle contempory feel. The atmosphere is cool & calm, but then if you like a bit of after dinner gossip and banter then make your way down the stairs out back to the garden terrace and indulge in a glass or 3 of your favourite bevy.

Did I mention that they offer the most delicious malbec full-bodied red, which went down a treat I must say….oh yes it did! Now if all that doesn’t do it for you, wait until you meet the owner ‘Cocky’. I could probably go into an array of puns here but we’ll keep it clean……! A larger than life charming character who will make your evening just that more interesting. He welcomes you to his abode as if you were a fully-fledged family member. The staff and service were both pleasant attentive all night long. Believe me when I say you will leave with a belly full of food, drinks and laughter after your dinning experience here. Overall a fantastic production.

The Barnsbury, Silverback Mag salutes you! - King’s verdict ‘The Barnsbury’ 5/5

 
Fancyapint.com

The Barnsbury's recent makeover has brought a breath of fresh air to the place. The redecoration has given the pub a subtle facelift and is now jolly comfortable, informal and, dare we say, refined. There's been a welcome improvement on the ale front too, with six hand pumps offering a variety of beers, some quite esoteric - our favourite of the evening being Ilkley. There's an even greater choice of bottled beers and a few continentals on tap and if that doesn't suit there's plenty of good wine to be had. There's a decent range offered by the bottle, glass and more unusually, but refreshingly by the half-litre carafe. The food looks good (although we weren't hungry) and it seemed most of the people in the pub were here for it. There were a few reserved tables around the pub, but most of the eating happens towards the rear and, for a change, the tables were genuinely reserved, rather than just some feeble ploy to drum up a bit of trade - like other pubs do. We're told that a portion of the Barnsbury's profits go to a prostate cancer charity. So, we'd suggest you pop along here, have a few good ales and do your bit for a worthwhile charity.