The Starting Gate (Bar)

Top 10 things you need to know about The Starting Gate pub:

1) You might find yourself at The Starting Gate after a day at Alexandra Park, which boasts glorious city views to rival Hampstead Heath.

2) The British weather, being an unpredictable mistress, means that The Starting Gate would make for good shelter when her stormy tears begin to rain down on you. A soggy five-minute walk and respite you shall find.

3) But The Starting Gate doesn't only call for a rainy occasion. In fact, there is a small decked terrace where you can enjoy a bevvy or two without fear of park-induced ant bites.

4) And what of the beverages? A good range of ales, lagers, ciders and wines hug the square bar – it's all very 'Cheers' only this is London so nobody knows your name.

5) That includes the bar and restaurant staff. Hip to the point of being intimidating (I might just be showing my age here), they and their service is haphazard but friendly. Slapdash done with a grin.

6) But don't take it personal. It's not just you they don't know much about, the menu faces a similarly disinterested attitude. But with dishes like sausage and mash, fish and chips and pan-fried salmon fillet on the menu, you won't need much help deciphering it anyway.

7) While the menu might not get the creative juices flowing, the pub’s interior has been designed to Sarah Beeny's spec – paint it cream and everyone will like it. Or at least not dislike it.

8) And to be fair, credit where it's due: the burger is pretty spectacular. With the choice to 'build your own' by adding wonders such as pig's cheek, BBQ pulled pork and caramelised onion jam, it's pub fare at its best.

9) While Alexandra Park is a good place to view some of London's best-known landmarks, The Starting Gate pub is a good place to experience another sight the capital city is famous for: a melting pot of people.

10) So go for the park, go for the anonymity and go for what you'd expect from a solid pub: good beer, hearty grub and an affair which is far from ceremonious. ...read more