By Anastasiia Shovkoplias and Nicholas Detain
In the recent Estrella Damm awards, The Red Lion and Sun was crowned the title of Best Gastropub in London for the second year running.
The Highgate pub was praised by Estrella Damm for being a “purveyor of not only the finest food in the area but also some of the greatest wines, spirits and beers”.
Estrella Damm Award excels in various aspects of the dining experience, including exceptional cuisine, innovative menus, exemplary service, and an inviting atmosphere. The winner of the award is usually renowned for their commitment to culinary excellence, using fresh, high-quality ingredients and showcasing creativity in their dishes.
Heath Ball, the owner of The Red Lion and Sun, commented on the accolade: “It’s busy… More people come into the pub, more people come into the area,” he told Holloway Express.
“We won the best pub in the country in 2018. And then a different award, for best Gastropub in 2023 and this year 2024… I was surprised.”
The award not only recognizes the pub’s culinary excellence but also underscores the thriving gastropub culture in London, where casual dining meets culinary innovation. Locals and visitors alike eagerly anticipate experiencing the award-winning cuisine that has cemented The Red Lion and Sun’s status as a culinary gem in north London.
“Superb experience…our first time at The Red Lion & Sun. Absolutely fabulous food, service, atmosphere and value for money,” wrote Johnny and Jayne Fowkes on Trip Advisor. “Heath and the team were amazing. Voted Best Gastro Pub in the UK – 100% deservedly. Can’t wait to go back.”
But not everyone is as impressed. Claire Jebson visited recently and gave a scathing review. “It was hard to book here after they were voted 6th in the Estrella best gastro pubs in the uk! Shocked – the food was at best average – I had sea bass fillets which were crusty and served on a bed of brown tasteless rice,” wshe3 wrote on Trip Advisor.
“The whole had been pre cooked and assembled – with a quick microwave before serving . The staff could advise on sides as they had no idea what went with halibut? The portions were ok and the saving grace was the wine was cheap . So many better places in Highgate – the gatehouse or even cote!”
Ball was quick to respond. “I want to assure you that everything we serve is cooked fresh to order. I am confused and somewhat offended by your comments about the food being “assembled” and “microwaved.” Nothing could be further from the truth,” he wrote.
“But if your preference and experience are solely based on the other establishments you mentioned, then I understand that you may have limited ability to appreciate something different.”
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