Pub review - The Flask

A short bus ride on the 274 takes you from Camden town to Highgate village, via a lovely, windy uphill road that the bus often struggles with. Highgate is a top spot, not just because of its village picturesqueness, not just because it makes a great starting point for a Heath adventure, but because Minty from Eastenders can often be spotted - hoorah! And aside from that, there are a number of top drinking and dining spots.

The first I shall start with is the Flask, which is a charming, hobbit-like pub with low ceilings, dark wooden beams, real fires and nooks and crannies. The only downside to this place is its popularity, which makes an impromptu visit difficult, and a telephone reservation worthwhile. This is especially the case in the summer, when the awesome beer garden gets flooded with north London nobility and Heath hikers alike.

The food is both excellent and very fairly priced - a rare combination, especially in this part of town. I've been twice recently and was pleased both times. For the first meal, I had a steak, which was massive and yummy. My only problem with it was that I ordered rare, and rare indeed it was. This was no error on the side of the establishment, in fact, it simply reflected that they cook properly whereas the majority of venues don't, and hence I tend to order one cooking level of beef lower than I actually desire. On the second trip, I had some perfectly cooked seabass on a bed of root vegetables and potatoes. Yum. Both meals were less than £15. Steal.

So there you go, the Flask, it's great. The problem is everyone knows this. Oh, and I should have mentioned, the selection of beers, guest ales and ciders is truly impressive. Undoubtedly one of the best reviews you'll read on the Pondspot.