An easy-going hangover haven
01 Feb 08, 09:20
Beyond expectations
If your hangover will let you leave the house, and you find yourself in Archway, then I would let your feet lead you to this little cafe.
My friends and I, a little worse for wear from the previous night's quaffing and kebabing (I know, I know), were not up for much more than a strong coffee and a cranberry juice.
The Toll Gate changed our minds for us. I ended up going for their big fried breakfast. Which was a far cry from the greasy pools of egg and beans of many London caffs. The eggs were poached perfectly, the toast was not left in the bean juice (I hate that), the banger was substantial enough to not be disappointed with just one, the bacon was cripsy yet bendy, and there were skin-on fat wedgey chips.
My friends had the blueberry pancakes (she liked them too much to share) and the veggie breakfast (thumbs up on meatless sausages from a meat-lover).
The coffee and juice was good, and the chilled out sunday-morning atmophere (on a saturday, no less) made you want to stick around for an extra cup of peppermint tea and do yesterday's Metro sodoku (which we did).
Peace, detox, and excellent eggs for just over a tenner.
I want to retire there.
Best English breakfast in North London
16 Jan 08, 23:18
Beyond expectations
These guys use nice sausages, bacon and tomatoes (which they fry properly) and create the most genuinely home cooked fry up with a little parsley garnish that I have ever tasted.
It is in an unprepossessing location a short stumble from the doors of the Archway Tavern but it is worth finding if you are in the area and fancy one of the best breakfasts the area has to offer. It will cost you a fiver. If you want the normal pale imitation of an English breakfast there are a large number of baked bean baiters along the Junction Road but the Tollgate is the real deal. Long may it prosper!
Archway's best kept secret
28 Jul 07, 14:30
Above expectations
Situated on the Archway roundabout, you're unlikely to stumble upon it, but this place is great. Lovely service, tastefully decorated and they don't hassle you if you sit for a while with a coffee and the Sunday papers (which they provide).
