The Flask, Highgate — Restaurant in London

Lovely atmosphere and nice food completely ruined by the service. Half the mains were not available, which we we were only told after ordering them. Waitress spilt a drink over one of us, didn't apologise, and then got stroppy when we asked for it to be taken off the bill. Wine took so long to come after ordering I thought they must have been waiting for it to ferment. This was the case for each bottle we ordered. Plates not cleared for ages between courses, and then another long wait between the next course coming out and fresh cutlery being brought. We had to go and get our own spoons for dessert because all the ice cream was melting and even after waiting 10 minutes we were only brought forks. Again plates were not cleared and we were not offered the bill, but had to wait until the lights were turned up and someone slammed the bill on the table and said we had to go. The bill, of course, was not correct. They did take service off the bill (after stroppy waitress argued some more) and comped one bottle of prosecco, but then an excruciating wait to actually have the card machine brought ended with the manager asking us to leave because their licence was running out. When we explained we had asked for the card machine twice only to be brought another copy of the bill, someone finally returned with the machine, couldn't work it, offered to do £84 on contactless, and then had to get another colleague to come and take the payment. I still can't believe we waited through all that and actually paid for this shambolic experience, but I suggest you go elsewhere unless you're just looking for a quick pint and a bowl of chips. Truly one of the worst service experiences I've ever...

Updated September 2023:

The atmosphere has improved for the better in the last year. The staff have been pleasant and friendly which is a welcome return to form. I hope it continues.

Old review: What has happened to my beloved pub! It feels as though an imposter has come in with the intention of ruining it.

We just went to the bar and ordered a pint, as I have done 50 times previously (prior to covid). The barman told us to 'get out'. literally. Aggressively! Those are the words he used.

I note another reviewer had an almost identical experience and a plethora of reports of rudeness from many others.

The pub also insists on staying half full.

Other Highgate pubs manage to keep a full venue.

The food here is reportedly awful, as previous commentators have also pointed out. But you'd accept that for the lovely cosy interior or the vibrant beer garden.

It used to be so nice here in the summer in the garden. I've been coming for 10 years.

I assume this us a new owner trading on the reputation and location. Or the old one has lost their mind.

Bad food, bad service. Abusive staff. Expensive. And a manager who doesn't give a monkies clearly, as this has been going on for over a year now. If you don't believe me, check all the recent negative reviews (mainly from disgruntled locals lile me) and note the same auto reply on all of them.

Why would you bother? So many lovely pubs in Highgate.

I hope this owner runs out of money and clears off so somebody else can save this beautiful old Highgate...

AMAZING. Adorable cozy little pub with insane food. My husband and I came here on a recent trip to London and both ordered the special, which was a braised short rib served with broccoli and garlic mashed potatoes that were so creamy and garlic-y and insanely delicious. After our meal, Chef Alex came out to see how we liked everything, and we ended up chatting with him for about 20 minutes about his food, his ideas for new specials, and how we, as fellow "North Americans" (we're from the states, he's from Canada) enjoyed his cooking and The Flask, and a bunch of other stuff that had nothing to do with food. He's really funny and a super cool guy. He couldn't have been nicer, and he sent out 2 of the most amazing desserts I have ever eaten. Seriously. I'm not just saying that because they were free. In fact, I'm getting depressed right now just thinking about the fact that they are a 6 hour plane ride away. I can only describe them as a variation on a chocolate pot de creme with some kind of cookie and toffee pieces sprinkled on top, and a toffee flavored... I want to say frosting, but it wasn't. It was thicker, and richer. Anyway, that was on top. And I ate the whole thing. My husband said he didn't think he could finish his at which point I scoffed at him and pretty much shamed him into stuffing himself because it was THAT good and it would have been a god damned shame to let it go to waste.

So yeah. I really liked this place. And you...