It was a Monday, the 9th day of December. There'd been a bitter storm blowing through the sickly metropolis of ol' Llundain; the populus was exhausted, beaten down - morale was low. With so much further to hold fast through the winter, the gentle warmth of spring felt a lifetime away. But hark! I heard the crack and the creak of the front door being opened. A feeling of disquiet stirred deep within me, for (although I didn't know it then) destiny herself had entered my hearth.
My flatmate stepped into the kitchen, weary from their confrontation with the wind, rain, and cold. Hanging from their frostbitten mitt was a plastic bag: white, with red smiley faces and the words 'thank you' patterned over its plastic poly-something skin. "What's in the bag?" I asked. My voice quivering as the words fell gracelessly from my mouth. Saying nothing, they curled the corner of their mouth into a half-smile and drew from the bag a white ramekin, adorned solemnly in cling-film. "I've been to the Londesborough..." They proudly announced. "I brought home some white-wine sauce I had with my whitefish". I wasn't sure whitefish was really a type of fish, but I said nothing and stepped closer with intrigue.
"Let's eat"
I ate the sauce cold from the white ceramic pot it came in, using my favourite stainless steel teaspoon. A lesser man might be tempted to use the sauce as a condiment or garnish over a hot meal, but I know star power when i see it, and this sauce was not to be clouded over with the stodgy flavours of the British winter pantry. I watched my hand lift the first spoonful to my mouth. At once it was over in a moment, yet time stood still... Perhaps time waits there even now, frozen at the moment The Londesborough's white wine sauce graced my pallette. The sauce's mouthfeel was pure ambrosia. Saccharine, like the warm benevolent embrace of a cherubim. Smooth, gentle, like silk sheets on skin. The touch of a lover. The buttery texture coated the reaches of my mouth and brought me near to tears. The flavours carried on this glorious vessel were superlative beyond what words can express. The unmistakable white wine flavour of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Burgundy. The grapes must have been blessed by none other than the holy spirit itself. The fragrant wine flavour meeting with the rich, buttery sauce base coming together in what can only be described as a holy union. These flavours transported me to memories and places I'd long since forgotten. Stirred a longing for a place I'd never yet seen. These flavours gave me purpose, they taught me what it means to be alive.
And so, brothers, sisters, I leave you with my most heartfelt recommendation. The Londesborough can deliver. Deliver delicious food. Deliver a meaningful experience. Maybe even deliver...
Read moreA WARM HUG
There are few places that embody the spirit of a true Public House better than The Londesborough in Stoke Newington. On a Sunday afternoon, as the golden hour bathes the mismatched furniture in light, it’s a microcosm of the neighborhood. A rainbow coalition of families, friends, dates, and couples—diverse in every sense—gather under the same roof, basking in that peculiar British ritual: the Sunday roast.
The tables, small and snug, compel you into familial intimacy. Ideal, perhaps, for nostalgic group photos but less so when it feels like you’re whispering secrets to your aunt while competing against the decibel level of a stag do two tables over. The acoustic design—or lack thereof—gives every conversation a soundtrack of pounding shouts and boozy laughter. A little soundproofing wouldn’t hurt.
The service, though, is faultless. Charming waiters flit from table to table with the grace of seasoned pros, soothing crying babies with an easy smile and fixing minor grievances before they boil over. A tear-streaked toddler may have been the only customer more demanding than my cousin, who lamented dry roast potatoes within earshot of the server. Their response? Extra gravy and a fresh batch of spuds, as if summoning kindness itself from the kitchen.
And the food? Well, it certainly knows how to make an entrance. A picture-perfect roast arrives with beef sliced so thin it could double as a charming farmhouse perched atop a vivid patchwork of green, orange, and gold. The potatoes are perfectly crisp and sound like an applause with each bite, and the vegetables carry a crunch that suggests they haven’t been boiled to death—a rarity in British pub dining.
But for all the Instagrammable glory, there were hiccups. The potatoes lacked that fluffy, buttery interior you dream about, and the gravy, though rich, wasn’t quite bold enough to command respect. It’s good, honest food—but not the kind of roast that’ll have me writing poetry to its memory.
What elevates the experience is the warmth of the staff, who inject charm and care into every interaction. They don’t just serve you a meal; they make you feel at home, even as the pub threatens to burst at its seams with raucous camaraderie.
In short, The Londesborough was a Sunday well spent. A cosy and comforting roast that feels like a warm hug and a volume loud enough to remind you...
Read moreWe had our wedding at the Londesborough last month, and we cannot express enough what an absolutely magical and unforgettable experience it was. From the moment we chose the Londesborough as our wedding venue, the team went above and beyond, we were amazed at the expertise, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication the team had throughout. We can honestly say the planning of the event was stress free and enjoyable, and a huge part of that credit goes to Amber and Greg!
On the day itself, from the moment we walked in we were greeted with a friendly and attentive team who went out of their way to ensure every guest felt welcomed and comfortable. The food was outstanding, by far the best food we’ve had at a wedding and our guests are still raving about it, it’s clear that the chefs take pride in their work! The bar service was top-notch, with a wide selection of drinks ranging from beers on draft to delicious margaritas. After our meals and speeches, we had a live band followed by 3 hours of none stop dancing thanks to DJ Catfight. His music selection was spot on and kept the energy high throughout the night. Everyone from the youngest to the oldest had a blast on the dance floor thanks to him!
The pub’s cozy atmosphere and beautiful garden created the perfect backdrop for an elegant, relaxed, and beautiful celebration. The day was meticulously orchestrated, and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. We highly recommend the Londesborough to anyone considering them for their special day.
We will forever cherish the memories we created and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our wedding day so magnificent....
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