Frederick’s review

This tiny fronted restaurant reminds me of Doctor Who’s Tardis as it opens out into a huge building with two private rooms, a conservatory and a garden as well as the main restaurant area and bar. Family run since 1969, it’s stylish without being fashionable and has got a familiar homely feel to it, which instantly puts guests at ease. Very picturesque, this venue is often hired out exclusively for weddings or special events.

The conservatory can be hired for between 45 – 80 guests (seated), while the whole venue hired exclusively can cater for up to 120 seated or 200 for a cocktail reception. Bright artwork in primary colours adds to the casual atmosphere, as do the lime green, stone and beige coloured leather chairs. The feature bamboo tree in the centre of the room also serves to make it feel like a seamless extension of the lush green garden outside. The Sussex Room is a smaller room just off from the main bar which can seat 8 on a round or 14 on a long table. Decked out with black and white pictures of rock stars, aged mirrors and cream walls, there’s a slight art deco influence but its over-riding feel is that of cosiness. It’s also often used for receptions or pre-event drinks before guests dine in the Clarence Room upstairs.

Up the winding staircase, this Georgian style dining room goes back to the building’s roots as a private residence. Decorated in neutral colours, it’s light and airy, having stunning windows overlooking Camden Passage and is a blank canvas for up to 32 guests on round tables or 20 in a boardroom style. The Clarence Room is also equipped with Ipod docking system for guests to bring their own music as well as a 50 inch flat screen TV which can be linked up to show presentations. Whichever room the event is being held in, up to ten guests can order from the a la carte, between ten and twenty guests are offered a limited choice set menu, while over twenty guests are provided a pre-chosen set menu. The minimum spend and room hire are dependent on time and date of event.