Mrs Kentishtowner is frequenting The Abbey more and more at the moment.
Why? Well, she maintains that its unflashy interior – the exposed brick walls and giant windows – gives her a sense of karma, a third space from which she can gaze out onto the bleep and rumble of the Kentish Town Road beyond.
(Mind you, if Spring ever sodding makes it to NW5, you’ll find her in the shady garden, with its hidden treehouse and private heaters.)
But she does have one reservation. ‘They have gastroenteritis,’ she likes to joke, meaning a little TLC would be most welcome in the culinary department. And it was true: the sloppy Caribbean-meets-burger thing was a tad 2003.
However, in the interests of research, we thought we’d try the newish menu. And we’re delighted to report that it was well-priced (especially with a 2-4-1 Taste card) and pretty good. Being midweek we went for just the one course, beer-battered pollack and chips with mushy peas (£8.50).
The verdict? Moist flesh, crisp batter, decent tats. ‘Seven and a half out of ten,’ declared Mrs KT, wiping her lips with a napkin. ‘In fact, make that an eight.’
The place was full at 6pm on too, which is surely a good sign in these dismal Cameronian times. Bellies full, we made a note to return with our drinking hats on for one of the open mic/acoustic nights, or even tomorrow’s intriguing-sounding Ugandance.
The Abbey, 124 Kentish Town Road. It’s quite nice.