Queens Tavern — Restaurant in Highgate

I've been to the Queens more times than I can count, even spent NYE there once. It's always been a pretty good pub, unpretentious but not trashy. I'll get back to this later. Went there last night with my girlfriend for dinner before a fringe show. The service was good, even though the kitchen forgot an item we ordered, the bar manager got it sorted immediately and even gave us a round of drinks on the house for the inconvenience, which I thought was professional and courteous. The main problem I had is the menu, and not just the options but why is it all in Italian? Do they think that they're in Italy and the majority of their clientelle know how to read and speak Italian? We had to google most of the stuff on the menu, and when I went to order, it was frustrating for both me and the person taking my order because I had to end up pointing to everything instead of just telling them what I want. When I got a bit frustrated and asked "why is everything in Italian?', she responded "I know right!". Going back to the pub not being pretentious in the past, I think this is a step in the wrong direction. Even the staff are frustrated with it so you can imagine what the customers must think. I know they're trying to be fancy and all, but its not an Italian restaurant and I wouldn't rate the food as great pub food, let alone top tier italian food, so I don't get why it would be advertised that way. That's really my only gripe, and if the bar manager and the service wasn't as good as they were, I would give it a lower score. But other than that...

This is a great place for a Sunday bevy or two. The atmosphere is cheerful and vibrant and busy. If you have a big group I'd suggest booking a table otherwise you'd be lucky to find a seat outdoors. There is seating inside which is limited unless you want to sit in the restaurant. The drinks are many, so is likely to have your fave or at least something close to it. The bar snacks are absolutely beautiful. It might pay you to look at the menu rather than trust the QR Code Menu cos most times I've found they're different and your not offered what is on the actual menu...this includes drinks as well. That's a bit inconvenient but if you're happy with what you're presented online, Order from the QR Code. Service is great and good doesn't take long despite how busy it gets. If you're gay, there are many gay men that frequent the place. From about 3pm they have a live DJ that plays some good music. Overall I recommend going here it is a great place for a Sunday vibe.

The pic are of some dishes we've ordered over the many Sunday afternoons...

What has happen the Queens Hotel !!! Today for a friends birthday we booked a table, after arriving we were directed to a dirty table by Izobel(the not so friendly) restaurant manage and then left! The table beside us left and the pigeons swept in !! We then went a spoke to the manager - Jess - who then dismiss me with ‘we are doing the best we can Madam” this was after she made me wait while she poured a few drafts. My point to her was - if they cleared the tables immediately after the patrons left then the pigeons wouldn’t be such a problem. After my own 15 years in hospitality - I think I had a valid point. We moved inside to the fire - Will ( the grumpy barman) told my husband “get out of the way” as he restocked the fire - after we had asked him to as it as dwindled down to a few coal. Such a disappointing day !! We went to The Queens on Christmas Day and the service and food was first rate - this was why today’s experience was such a shock- I don’t think I saw one happy staff member!! Poor...