The Lion and Unicorn
The scene: Concealed in a quiet residential street, this pub exudes friendliness and cheer. Part of the Geronimo group, it’s decorated in that fresh, feminine style which characterises other venues of that stable.
The wooden floorboards, calming colours and mismatched chairs bring to mind a Scandinavian beach hut.
Clientele-wise, it’s packed with groups of friends as well as solitary types engrossed in books or laptops. The service is solicitous and genuine, and the music is of the background variety. Other features include a walled garden and a theatre.
The grub: High-standard gastro-pub fare with a strong British influence. There is only one minor quibble with our mains: both the roast poussin with creamed ?leeks and lambs liver with mash are a tad over-seasoned. But I have no trouble ?enjoying a decadent dessert of milk chocolate mousse with hazelnut ice-cream.
Behind the bar: Real ales on offer include Cornish Coaster, Redemption Hotspur, Waggle Dance and Meantime Pale Ale and the wine list offers decent choices.
Bill please: A two-course meal including wine will set you back around £35pp. ?Wine by the glass from £3.70; pints start at £3.40.
Verdict: A lively pub this isn’t, and that’s why we liked it. We could have happily hung out until the wee hours if it hadn’t been a school night.
4/5
-Alison Grinter
42-44 Gaisford St, NW5 2ED
geronimo-inns.co.uk
Tube: Kentish Town
