The Gate — Restaurant in London

Having believed the spot of the Gate pub had been a tollgate, Mummy had always assumed this would be a very small pub, not much more than what you see from the road that almost passes through the roadside façade! Paranoid, for decades of busses crashing into said roadside wall, Mummy had avoided this pub until now!

So, with trepidation, we ventured onto the corner of Barnet Road and Hendon Wood Lane.

We found that in fact, the pub is rather large. And most of it safely distanced from the road!

The gate that once stood on this point was simply to keep the animals under control. Though, this didn’t appear to work with human animals! Sat on the table next to us, were a rather raucous group of humanoids. And a very quiet dog.

We (mummy, myself and a friend of Mummy), were just about to order as the wildebeests approached the neighbouring table. We almost chose not to order, but persevered. The group were friendly and, for this, I feel bad for my initial illthoughts.

Opting for garlic bread and the Halloumi and avocado wrap, we were satisfied by the size, and amount of Halloumi and salad filling. However, we were all a little miffed to find a miserly teaspoon (low-heaped) amount of avocado. If the had been a shortage of avocado then perhaps better to mention that there would only be a tiny amount of the titled ingredient so to give customers the choice to order something else. If this is the usual amount the shame of the Gate!

Staff is welcoming a friendly. With its fire place and homely decor, I would happily come here again, but would likely not order anything with avocado in it.

UPDATE

2nd visit

The only male in the group, I felt comfortable in the busy pub.

We were here celebrating a friend's birthday (belated).

Silky soft inside, the Halloumi sticks coating was a little greasy, but tasted fine.

The Chablis, crisp on opening lost its va va boom and degraded to a flat stale cream that puts me off Chardonnay based wines, despite life ving Chablis Chardonnay.

The Shiraz, mellowed on the same timespan but still hit a reasonable note though didn't have the spiciness one expects with Shiras

I was so hungry that I will forgive the instant custard served with the small crumble.

The staff is friendly and our Portuguese server was wonderful and even knew of me from...

Visited last night again. Service still really bad but food very good. I would advise to order everything at the bar and don't bother with the waiting staff. Annoying when you see three standing around and chasing each other around the back of the bar. There needs to be a Manager there as the staff don't seem to be able to organise or motivate themselves.

Cannot fault this pub for its food, yet again our meals were cooked to perfection but I always say I wish the portions were smaller and prices cheaper as I love the experience of three smaller courses. However today the service was atrocious and I felt uncomfortable. We received our starters without any problem but our mains were brought out by another server who clearly only had the remit of take those dishes to table 5, she presented them, didn't ask if we needed any sauces or any extra drinks but strangely didn't remove our starter plates and promptly disappeared. They were our companions for the rest of the meal. I managed to catch the eye of our original server and asked for another drink that never actually arrived but thankfully didn't get put on our bill. I shared my drink with my daughter. After our meal I caught the eye of our original server once more and asked for the bill which she brought to me. She asked if our meals were ok and I had to report that my daughter's partially eaten chicken pasta dish was very bland. The response was 'oh'. She then wandered off and proceeded to clear other tables of plates as I watched on and then she came over and cleared our table and then vanished leaving me with the bill on a silver plate somewhat bemused. I waited and waited and then decided life was too short to wait for someone who was clearly never going to return so I took my bill and paid at the bar. I gave the bar lady a potted history of my experience and she apologised saying they were short of staff?? I think maybe short of staff with a tad of warmth and common sense as to how to treat customers as it was all...

The Gate Pub Review - Arkley, Barnet

Having been a frequent visitor to The Gate Pub since I was 17, I can confidently say that this establishment holds a special place in my heart. The consistency of their dishes is remarkable; they have managed to maintain the same flavors that first drew me in all those years ago. One standout dish that I always recommend is their mushroom special, which never disappoints.

The atmosphere here is another highlight. It’s a welcoming and lively space that feels like home, making it a perfect spot for both casual outings and gatherings with friends. Despite its popularity, The Gate operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which adds to its charm but also means you may need to arrive early to secure a table.

Parking is available at the pub, though it can get quite busy. Fortunately, there is free parking on the side streets, which is a bonus if the lot is full. I often enjoy a leisurely stroll after my meal to aid digestion, soaking in the local surroundings.

Customer service is excellent, with staff who are attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant experience from start to finish. The selection of beers, wines, and spirits is impressive, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Overall, The Gate Pub is a gem in North London. With its unwavering quality, vibrant atmosphere, and attentive service, it’s a place I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for great food and a fantastic pub experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make...