A journalist from Devon recently visited London and enjoyed a family meal at The Queens, a captivating pub in Crouch End known for its striking Art Nouveau stained glass windows. The pub, located on Broadway Parade in the trendy area often described as an urban village, offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and generous portions at reasonable prices.
A Taste of Crouch End
The Queens is a Grade II listed public house dating back to around 1898. Its Art Nouveau stained glass was crafted by Cakebread Robey, a London-based builders and manufacturing firm of the era. The pub was described in Pevsner, an architectural guide magazine, as "one of suburban London's outstanding grand pubs" decades ago. It once stood opposite the Queen's Opera House, which was demolished after severe damage in the Second World War.
Food and Atmosphere
During a Sunday visit, the journalist opted for fish, choosing a monkfish starter and cod main, both exceptionally flavoursome. The starter was nearly the size of a main course, and prices were reasonable—no more costly than comparable pubs in Devon, and even slightly cheaper than some dining establishments in Plymouth. Other diners praised the roast and pork belly dishes for taste, serving size, and quality. The dessert menu was tempting, but everyone was too full to indulge.
Architectural Beauty
The stunning stained glass windows make an excellent backdrop for photographs. The pub was originally built as The Queen's Hotel by architect John Hill. Today, the surrounding streets are tree-lined with numerous green spaces, making Crouch End one of London's verdant thriving suburbs.
Property Values
Crouch End commands higher property values than some parts of the capital, with Foxtons reporting an average house price of £733,889. However, it is not in the top ten most costly boroughs, surpassed by Hampstead, where the typical house price reaches £1,254,801 and a flat costs £894,429.
