It was all a bit last-minute. Elsa and I were planning to meet up between Christmas and New Year and since neither of us had plans for New Year’s Eve, we decided to see the New Year in together. Making plans last minute at New Year isn’t always easy – what’s open? What still has space? Elsa suggested the panto showing at the King’s Head Theatre (above) in Islington’s Upper Street, put on by the Charles Court Opera and offering an ‘adult-only’ version. I wasn’t quite sure what I was letting myself in for! However, it was a 5.00pm start and a quick check online showed me that it had had brilliant reviews, so it looked like a fun way to see out one year and welcome in the next.
Try the Sunday Carvery - currently on a 50% off promotion. This means that the Chicken and Lamb are £3.98, and the Beef is £4.98 - far cheaper than lots of other local alternatives, and possibly the best value Sunday roast in London!
Very full on a Friday night, I wandered in expecting to be told that come back in an hour. Fortunately I managed to nab the last table for two.
The place was buzzing but the service did not suffer as a result. Aside from the free Turkish stuffed bread at the start, we shared a plate of fried squid and also some "tavuk kofte" (seasoned chicken koftes). Both were good. For the main I had the poultry of the day which was quail. It was tasty but honesty a bit difficult to eat (too many bones) and the skin was too crispy. In hindsight I should have ordered a simpler grilled chicken dish. At the end we were given a free dessert - not sure what it was but it was delicious so I devoured the whole thing.
Corkage is only £7 so head to the Sampler right next door, try a few wines from their 8 enomatic machines and take one to Gem.
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