The Willow is a pub turned lounged restaurant at Winchmore hill. Easiest way to get there is by car or cab as it is in the heart of the residential area. It is easy to spot by the massive live Willow tree outside. The design reminds me of a toned down version of Gaucho. The service was great, the food price was great too - in between a pub and a restaurant. I wouldn't award them Michelin stars just yet but you can see that they try and aspire. To break it down in the best traditions of professional master chef - the presentation was quite refined, the food - almost so - it would have been great but a bit on the heavy side - something that the right wine easily solves. The peppered beef steak was divinely tender -one of the best I've had. The wild mushroom jus that accompanied it could have met with improvement but worked very well when combined with the dauphinois potatoes. The onion bread was delicious - crunchy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. Stuffed mushrooms for starter looked extremely pretty and were combined well with baked cherry tomatoes but could have used a hint more flavour. The lamb could have used a bit of an extra trim and the aubergines and potatoes on the side did not require that extra ingredient of green been paste which was lovely on its own accord but tipped the dish towards the heavy side. The light poached pears, were an excellent end to the repas.Culinary pretentiousness aside - the Willow's a great place for any event that requires a good, long hearty talk and a satisfied, happy gut. The only thing you would weep from is overeating.
