The Winchester (Bar, Restaurant, Club)

2 Essex Road, Angel & Islington, London, N1 8LN
Cuisine: British
Tel: 020 7704 8789
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| Transport: Angel
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The Winchester Review
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After battling my way through the harsher elements of a chilly and sleet filled February evening to get to north side of town, I was relieved to step into this cosy and relaxed restaurant-cum-pub, and being only a comfortable 7-minute walk from Angel station (hoorah for the Northern Line) the venue earned a few extra brownie points.
With tiny, sparkly lights and candles amongst a backdrop of brick walls and leather sofas, the warm, romantic atmosphere that descended upon me as I arrived definitely hit all the right notes. The Winchester was surprisingly busy for a Monday night – local regulars, chilled out 20 to 30-somethings, plus an occasional tourist popping their head around the door – and it made me wonder if it really was a Monday night. And what was it like during the rest of the week?
I’m sure this little venue creates a building vibe as it plays host to various DJs in the latter part of the week in the adjoining basement club. According to the other diners, their favourite night is actually the regular Sunday event when a number of soul singers and a live jazz band strum up a bit of a buzz downstairs.
OK, for the foodies amongst us, the pan-fried scallop and prawn starter, alongside the grilled halibut steak with cream of balsamic and veggies, are absolutely scrummy (that’s my word for yummy!). In the dessert section, there’s a comfortable choice featured on the menu. My personal recommendation would be the toffee sticky pudding with vanilla ice cream if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
The resident chef is Italian and this reveals itself through the menu, which changes every week for the lunchtime customers, and every 3 months for the evening and weekend diners. Auralio Vignere explains: “We really just try to keep it casual here, with a friendly vibe. We change the menu regularly to keep the customers taste buds entertained. I would say that all this is a kind of British gastropub blended with Mediterranean influences. I like to extract both Italian and Spanish elements, and implement them into the cooking,” he continues, in an expressive manner. “You know, cooking and eating are two of my main passions, apart from making love, so through the menu I just really want the people here to experience that passion and fire when they dine.” Well, well…very interesting, a chef that expresses his passions through his cooking, and I must say, it’s certainly evident throughout the flavoursome dishes.
The Winchester has a reasonably large wine, champagne and drinks menu, however I noticed that the waiter recommended the same bottle to a few different guests in a row - the Alameda Sauvignon - which is fine if you like a dry white wine but doesn’t really show off the extent of the selection. Having said this, the customer service was good on the whole and the atmosphere was kicking (in a good way), so I’d definitely pay this joint another visit.
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Customer Reviews for The Winchester
Average (based on 9 votes): 9
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The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of The Winchester.
“Had a really decent roast here tonight (lamb much better than the beef) and what was really amazing was that it was buy one get one free. And the service was outstanding. Everyone there is so bloody cheery. Always nice to see a few smiles and get a few jokes from the people who work in a pub. Angel's hidden gem maybe?”
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The Restaurant Hunter, London (9 years 9 months 26 days ago)
“Friendly staff, Great location, Amazing decoration, feels extremely homely and comfortable, big open windows by the sofas, great breakfast and brunch!! Amazing place!”
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Sonja Holly, London (10 years 9 months 2 days ago)
“What a fantastic night! Great atmosphere, and amazing staff! Will definately be back soon!!”
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Ben Wilson, London (10 years 9 months 10 days ago)
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“Warm & cosy, great local joint!”
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Marie, London (11 years 1 months 26 days ago)
“Living 20 yards from the Winchester and having been a regular since moving to Angel in Jan 09, we were looking forward to the completion of the last stage of renovations. We have just arrived home having walked out without even gettin a drink. On entering we were warmly greeted and got a v nice table, which was cleaned down for us. The problem was with getting a drink, I waited 15 mins at the bar which had 4 staff and 1 other customer, having to listen to staff discussing their footware and which coffee they drink while being ignored is not my idea of a Sunday drink, having called for attention on a number of occasions and been ignored each time, still no other customers and 4 staff, I gave up and myself and my wife walked out. The pub looks good but if you can't get a drink when there is no other customers and 4 staff then it all means nothing. Most if the staff we recognized from pre work times so there is no excuse. Not good enough when there is so many great options within throwing distance. Shame, but won't be back.”
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Chris O'Shea, Angel (11 years 7 months 9 days ago)
“Beautiful drinks and beautiful people! What more do want on a night out?!?”
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Bob, London (14 years 4 months 17 days ago)
“I love it now it has been refurbished, the staff are very friendly and the food is amazing for the price! They have some of the best dj's around playing at weekends and a funtime is had by all.The cocktails are definatly something to shout about especially on a thursday or sunday when they are super cheap! £6.50 for two! Bargain!”
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Kirsten, London (14 years 11 months 8 days ago)
“Brilliant: great cocktails, great atmosphere and great food all at a good price. ”
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jo, london (16 years 2 months 18 days ago)
“Sundays used to be good when they had chilled out DJs...”
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Sarah, [ Unknown ] (16 years 9 months 26 days ago)
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Additional Information
- Cuisine Type: British
- Dress Code: Not Specified
- Group: Scottish & Newcastle
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