We’ve eaten a couple of times at The Vine again recently, and are happy to report that, after the odd hiccup last year, it seems to have found its stride, and is road-blocked now at weekends with buggies, wine-gulping parents, and ankle-biters of various sizes and volumes.
Above is our favourite seasonal dish: beautifully slow-cooked ox tail, buttered gnocchi, crispy sage and kale (£14). Get it before it slips off-menu. And don’t forget to order a couple of ciccetti too: salsify, filo and tallegio (£4) was melt-in-the-mouth, whilst chargrilled squid with green peppercorns (£4.50) proved itself a fiery companion.
Just a couple of caveats. The bill adds up – so watch out. We also think the kitchen copes better if you eat early; a late lunch last weekend during a busy service just didn’t quite cut it in the taste department. But early doors, Wednesday night…now you’re talking.
86 Highgate Road. 2 courses with wine around £65.