Two of NW5’s most famous pubs have had a reboot
First up? Previously multi award-winning Kentish Town boozer The Grafton relaunches tonight (16th Nov) with a refreshed look. We haven’t been privy to a preview alas, but expect it will have a slightly more ‘plush’ gastropub feel in keeping with the ethos of new owners Hippo Inns. There’s also a new menu with the likes of flat iron steak, salmon with jerusalem artichokes and truffled mac ‘n’ cheese.
Meanwhile, a mile or so up the hill, the spruced-up Lord Palmerston – now back in the Young’s fold – has also just flung open its doors, a few weeks after closing suddenly.
Why not check ’em both out on a leisurely weekend crawl? That’s our plan, anyway. And don’t forget to pop by the lovely new Dartmouth Arms, too. 20 Prince of Wales Rd and 33 Dartmouth Rise NW5
Mr JI Taiwanese pop-up
This take on Taiwanese fried chicken is roosting for five weeks only on Parkway, on the site of posh fish shop Hook, while it’s closed for a refurb. Inspired by “the bustling night markets of Taipei”, you’ll find what they’re calling the ‘Big Ji’, a free range chicken breast marinated in a chilli, garlic, ginger and five spice mix fried in a crisp coating. Plus dipping ‘powders’, sweet potato fries, cold herbal tea (really) and cocktails. Until 10th Dec, 63-65 Parkway NW1