We have been saving this one for a special occasion. In fact we had said that we would go the following week for Jons birthday. However on an arrival back from France we noticed a very sad farewell sign.

The service – super friendly. People coming in for their final roasts and welcomed as part of the family. We asked why they were closing and advised that they were taking a break and thinking about what to do next.

The atmosphere – calm and homely. Felt like we could have been sat in a family kitchen.

The food – wow. What can we say. Mouth is watering just looking back at the photos! The bread was fresh and moorish. The pigeon breast and polenta small was exquisite – perfectly cooked, melt in the mouth, delicious. The roast dinner was phenomenal. And the custard and rhubarb donuts were out of this world.

The custard and rhubarb donuts would not be out of place at a Michelin stared restaurant.

Value for money – more expensive then most. Because we had already had dinner – at Burger King at the airport – I know such a waste. We essentially shared a three course meal for £50 including two glasses of wine.

The atmosphere – late Saturday night (can tell by fact it is dark in the photo at this time of year!) Us and a couple of other couples. Calm and relaxed feeling.

The service – Efficient and friendly. As it was late, it was nice that we felt valued as the staff weren’t tidying excessively and ready to go home.

The food – Lovely and light siu mai starter, favourite type of dumplings that Jo has eaten all around the world. Great to find them on the door step. As this is an Asian fusion restaurant we had a main of roast duck and pork Rahman along with a prawn Thai green curry. Both were excellent.

Value for money – £25 for two mains and a starter. Good quality and plenty of food

The atmosphere – here for a Friday wfh lunch. A wide range of customers from the guy reading the S*n ‘fake newspaper’, to the girls birthday meet up, to the hipsters enjoying vegan food. More diversity than the other cafes along Stroud Green Road

The service – great. Very helpful in explaining wide range of options available. Also met the owner on a previous occasion, who was excited to feature in the blog and talk about the future of the Labour Party! Unfortunately she was not around on the day to say hello.

The food – We went for the “small” salad and Veggie breakfast. All the salad elements were delicious. Lots of aubergine which is a personal favourite. The veggie breakfast was cheesy like a Spice Girls reunion – loads of halloumi. Plus a couple of custard tarts to take away for an afternoon snack.

Value for money – £17 for two meals, an ace coffee and three custard tarts felt like great value!

This is one that has intrigued me for years, but never made it into. But finally have and it proved a very tasty meal too.

The service – efficient and helpful.

The atmosphere – we were the only ones in there. Though we were early on a wet Tuesday night. Plenty of people coming in for take out. And a group arrived as we left. Music was great – #DJPrivateRyan

The food – Jerk chicken was plentiful and tasty. The veg curry looked a bit sad but was delicious. Better then any of the curry’s we had last week. Very warming Caribbean flavours. The plaintain were delicious. Though we could have done with a few more!

Value for money – £30 for food. With no alcoholic drinks is on the more expensive end of Stroud Green Road. Well worth it for quality and quantity of food.

Not sure which I prefer from here and Jerkmaica – unfortunately I don’t think we will need to choose as I think Jerkmaica has closed down 😦 Hopefully it will reincarnate again.

A long trip to the second Indian restaurant of our quest. We had high hopes of our local veggie Indian as it is always Sergio Ramos (really busy). Not sure if the restaurant is named after Jai Krishna an architect and technical author of earthquake standards for the Indian Standards Institution?!?

The service – We didn’t book a table, but fortunately the waitress found the final table. Uniquely on SGR we were given a pen and paper to write our order down from the extensive menu. Unfortunately they either couldn’t read our writing or forgot one of our drinks. Despite it being super busy, the service was efficient.

The atmosphere – buzzing! Lots of regulars and byo alcohol meant that it was very noisy!

The food – we were right to be concerned by the huge menu, the food wasn’t cooked fresh. For starters we had a chickpea chaat, which was excellent.

Three mains between two meant that we had an aubergine, potato and a chilli paneer. The Paneer was somewhat lacking in cheese, the aubergine and potato dishes had a good level of spice and were nice but along with our side of Poori extremely greasy.

Value for money – £30 for two for the amount of food ordered was definitely good value.

Doesn’t live up to the hype of other reviews, but a great atmosphere!

A rare double wfh day. Gave us the opportunity to brunch at Blossom White. A lesson in not judging a book by it’s cover, we were expecting a twee tea room, but got a terrific Turkish cafe!

The service – very helpful. Massive choice both on the board and menu. Did Jo an eggs Benedict one bacon and one ham.

The atmosphere – we were quite late in the day – 2pm and we were the only people there. Comfy chairs and a good position to people watch.

The food – surprisingly very tasty. The eggs benedict was cooked perfectly lovely runny eggs. The veggie breakfast was very nice with great halloumi to bean ratio. The bread with veggie was an anomaly for quality. Good but different from everything else. The banana milkshake and flat white definitely the best drinks so far!

Value for money – best value coffee shop so far. £20 for breakfast and juice/coffee.

Love that this place is actually called “the chippy”. We went for a classic Friday night fish and chips.

The atmosphere – we decided to eat in as we didn’t want the flat to smell of fish and chips all weekend. Was a lovely atmosphere – chilled and relaxed. Most of the tables were full, including a large group from Canada experiencing the joys of battered fish for the first time.

The Service – friendly (I think we think everyone is friendly!) Jo ordered mash with her fish – chips arrived and even though they did realise this. Jo then wouldn’t give up the chips!

The Food – delicious. One of the best fish and chips that I have had – better then some you get at the seaside! Although fake news that fish & chips are always better by the sea! The fish was beautifully cooked, chips perfect and mushy peas yummy. The only item we disagree on was the tartar sauce – Jo felt it could have been more tart, Jon says perfect.

Value for money – not cheap at £30 with no alcohol. But definitely worth it for the quality of food.

Now need to go to Grimsby Town away to compare their fish and chips again!

So we lasted until a third of the way through – but we have given in and gone to Pappagones. The reason behind starting the whole blog.

The service – we went with friends (Martin and Chloe). Martin is known as 1 in 10. As one in every 10 jokes are funny. I say this because the waitress had a good sense of humour – as well as having the world of patience.

The atmosphere – was packed as always. We remembered to book. We were on one of tables next to the cooking area which is great. Because not as noisy as other tables. Unfortunately there were no birthdays. So there was no singing.

The food – delicious. We did the full works so I will start at the beginning. Started with bruschetta and burrata to share. Yummy combination of peppers, cheese and tomato.

Next up pizza and pasta. I always forget how massive they are! Tasty too! The pizzas were “fantastic, ace, brilliant – loved it” and certainly been missed.

Finally pudding – three ice creams. Extra large scoops for Martin. And pancakes. All super tasty.

Value for money – excellent £110 for three course for four people. With plenty of wine and beer. Plus a couple of pizza slices left for tomorrow’s breakfast/lunch

Excellent. Remember why this is one of our faves. Problem is we will be tempted to go back now…

Having returned from holiday in South America, we were in the need for some different flavours. Que Me certainly provides that.

The service – very quick to take order and bring the food. Super fast to clear plates away. Jon is a Super slow eater and wasn’t feeling great so we were left with just Jon eating on the table.

The atmosphere – the restaurant wasn’t busy but we were squeezed in next to a big group. While chatting about holiday did feel we were a bit chatty. Especially during the leaving speech…. didn’t know whether to stop talking or not!! We decided to go home for pudding…

The food – delicious as always. This is one of our firm favourites. New menu – as obviously we haven’t been for a few months. The flavours and quality were excellent. Though Jon still hasn’t found the chicken coconut curry he ordered a year or so ago…

Value for money – £15 a head for starter to share, main and soft drinks. Good value for quality and flavour of food.

Costa what is there to say about Costa other than questionable tax avoidance practices…

The Service – Unremarkable, it was fine.

The atmosphere – very quiet, a few people coming in for a takeaway coffee. Though on the plus – with not many tables and with so many independent coffee shops this is somewhere you can escape the yummy mummy groups

The food – Learning from experience that Costa can not make a proper flat white a very milky latte was ordered. The toasted sandwiches had good flavour and plenty of melted cheese!

Value for money – poor over £12 for a below average coffee, orange juice and sandwiches.