North Star, The

Of all the terms found in the culinary lexicon, gastropub remains largely mystifying, and chances are that your opinion about them could range from tough acceptance to downright abhorrence; but as Fay Maschler of the Evening Standard puts it 'gastropubs are a part of the social fabric now', and dressed-up places like The North Star demonstrate this beyond any doubt.. Inside it's spacious with plenty of nooks, crannies and a garden area, and on weekend nights it's not uncommon to see this New North Road gastropub heaving with young Londoners.

The food adds much zing to the proceedings and the menu, which is printed daily, may include choices like wood pigeon and pheasant terrine with cornichons, fig chutney and toasted sour dough; chateaubriand with sauté spinach, fondant potato and red wine sauce, and chocolate brownie served with vanilla ice cream.

The event calendar at The North Star throws together a whopping dose of entertainment that includes summer parties, quiz nights and jazz evenings.