The Old Dairy

 

Located in an area popular with actors and musicians ? David Gray bought Dave Stewart's nearby recording studio - The Old Dairy stands on the site of a genuine dairy that was owned by Friern Manor Dairy Co Ltd. Designed in 1890 by John Young, a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the building still retains the original red-rubbed brick paneling on its fa?ade. On entering The Old Dairy through its glass-roofed and chandelier filled hall, the sheer size of the establishment becomes immediately apparent. Through a short passage to the right is the front room, lit up by surrounding windows and filled with deep leather chairs and sofas for lounging in. Immediately in front is an imposing but spacious bar serving quality lagers and real ales, such as Grand Union, Deuchars, Timmy Taylor and IPA. In addition to a large standing area and a flank of woodern tables and chairs, opposite the bar is a large alcove providing a more relaxed and intimate space. Across the solid oak floors to the back of the bar is a large stone-floored space, also surrounded by exposed-brick walls, for casual drinking and dining. This then leads through to another area for dedicated dining, which is surrounded by old prints of local landmarks. Chef Simon Finn, previously head chef at The North London Tavern and Ealing Park Tavern and sous chef at nearby St Johns, provides a Modern British menu featuring old favourites such as cottage pie or steak, kidney and ale pie with mash as well as more contemporary dishes such as rock oysters with shallot vinigarette for lunch. The dinner menu features comforting starters such as rabbit, leek and bacon tourte with mustard jus or smoked haddock hash cake with poached egg and hollandaise, and mains feature dishes with Hereford rib eye, steamed mutton, pan fried hake and guinea fowl.