North Star in Islington

I’m too hungry to write well. But this is only the second time EVER that I have been to a restaurant that served our table NO FOOD. We arrived before 6pm and were shown to the basement - often not a good sign. We placed our order just after 6 and had to leave to get to the match by 7.20. There was no food by then. The poor waitress kept saying “five minutes” but was clearly getting nowhere. Of course it was down to really terrible management. And aggressive with it. Apparently we should have understood that it was a bit of a lottery whether any food would be served: the manager pointed proudly to two other tables where people had had to leave without getting any food at all. Clearly Gem was trying to profiteer off hungry fans and accepted every booking, even when the management must have known they were completely unable to serve everyone. I suppose it was a risk worth taking for the restaurant - just not for the customers. Gem by name but not by performance or attitude. Will buy some halloumi on the way home…

Marvellous food and service. 2nd time here in just over a month (visiting friends, I'm from Liverpool) and will be going again next time I'm in Islington. Food immaculately cooked and well presented,. You will not be disappointed

Lovely little cafe doing good tasty brunches

Este es probablemente mi 6 ª o 7 ª visita en los últimos 12 meses, incluso ahora, después de haber movido lejos de la zona.