Despite the harsh economic climate, it’s been a strong twelve months for new food & drink arrivals in the area, crowned by the total and award-winning reinvention of the historic Oxford pub by the station. Without further ado, here are five newcomers we especially rated:
1. The Parakeet, Kentish Town Road NW5 – sure, everyone’s been raving about it all year, but this is an instant pub classic, and well-deserved new entry into the UK’s 2024 Top 50 gastropubs. On each of our visits, food, drinks and service has been spot-on. Our full review here.
2. London Shell Co, Swain’s Lane N6 – fishy heaven in an elegant space on the rebuilt Highgate parade just off Hampstead Heath. Full review.
3. Half Cut’s Jack Newton residency, York Way N7 – while this natural wine bar and store opened a year or two back, it finally launched its progressive small plates menu under chef Jack Newton in June: you’ll find it hard to leave. Full review.
4. Colonel Fawcett’s Pass Time residency, Randolph Street NW1 – the area’s original gastropub is back on form with its distinctively foodie new offer, which matches superior takes on classic dishes with some innovative additions. Full review.
5. GrassFed, Hawley Wharf NW1 – Michelin-starred Paul Foster’s stylish Hawley Wharf steakhouse. Sit at the counter and enjoy well-priced bavette (at around £18) – but the fish and plant-based dishes are equally strong (see above). Service is friendly and the place feels like a welcome discovery. Full review.
If you’ve enjoyed reading this, perhaps you could help us out, too? Kentishtowner is now in its 14th year, but with the demise of our free independent monthly print titles due to advertising revenues, we need your support more than ever to continue delivering cultural stories that celebrate our neighbourhood. Every contribution is invaluable in helping the costs of running the website and the time invested in the research and writing of the articles published. Support Kentishtowner here for less than the price of a coffee – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
