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Frederick’s is renowned for its friendly atmosphere |
A great place for relaxation
GREAT– simply great. I had not been in this restaurant for years – and I was happily surprised to see that it has remained as I remembered it: busy, lovely atmosphere, friendly service and excellent food.
Mark is charming and makes you feel at home the minute you arrive. The doors from the bar fold and open onto the pavement. Customers were having drinks seated at these outdoor tables – so nice on a warm day or evening. Thank Goodness they were not ‘advertising blackboards’ — otherwise they may have been removed by the council! The bar was busy with every table taken – some having drinks before going to their table for dinner, others just having a cocktail and meeting friends. Relaxation seems to be the norm – people looked genuinely happy to be there with conversation flowing and everyone at ease.
Two large trees in the middle of the two restaurant rooms create the ambience — an indoor garden atmosphere but nothing prepares you to the lovely surprise of seeing the manicured patio garden, violets in bloom, with outside round tables and umbrellas, adjacent to the room at the back. Sliding tinted doors separate the garden from the main building. Weather permitting these doors are kept open but even when they are closed the garden can still be seen and enjoyed from this part of the restaurant.
Frederick’s have a set lunch and Pre-theatre menu (two courses £13 and three £17). Excellent value. The latter is served from 5.45pm last orders 7pm and tables must be vacated by 8pm. Understandably so, as many people with reservations were waiting to occupy them.
I chose from the menu: English asparagus with hollandaise sauce; poached sea trout, warm potato salad and minted peas; and for dessert, figs with ricotta and honey cream. The poached sea trout was a delight but I was surprised when I realised the trout was served cold. For some reason I had expected it to be hot. Peter chose from the a la carte. His pan-fried scallops, baby chorizo with red onion and balsamic dressing (£8) was delicious. The T-bone steak served with chips and decorated with a huge bunch of watercress was excellent. As it came with béarnaise sauce they had difficulty finding the mustard we requested. However both English and French were found from the kitchen and offered to us. The Trio of Desserts (£5.50) were warm chocolate brownies, pineapple mousse and berry compote.
Frederick’s have a large selection of ‘house’ wines ranging from £16 to £30. We chose their ‘house’ rose Pampeloni (£19) — very good indeed. 12.5 per cent service charge was added to our bill and the credit card receipt had been closed.
Camden Passage is renowned for its antique shops and market. It is a great place to visit. Combine window shopping or real shopping with lunch or dinner at Frederick’s and you can be assured of a superb time out .
Frederick’s
Camden Passage, Islington, N1
020 7359 2888 |
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