The Gate

Been back here another 5 or 6 times since my last review. Every time it’s been really good food and service. The last time was for lunch with work colleague/​friend and two others. The staff were friendly and smiley, as they always are. We ordered lunch and it didn’t take long to come out at all.
Every dish was cooked perfectly and was spot on and delicious.
The team they have working here really provide great customer service.
So, it is now my number one gastro pub in the area and have beaten the other four by a consistent and fair mile!
I’m going back next week with other friends :). Just because it is a solid reliable place with darn decent food and totally above average team.

I stopped off in here 1 weekend several months back and I have to say I was quite unimpressed. Considering the general chaos that usually ensues at the entrance to the carpark as people clamour for a parking space I was expecting something great. I was however sadly disappointed, my rare steak was massively over done and had to be sent back. This obviously annoyed the chef (please not the sarcasm implied by inverted comma’s around the word chef) because the replacement he sent out had barely touched a hot pan. I had to give up and ask for my money back at that point. In short I dont know what all the fuss is about, I havent and wont be going back.

A local old pub in Herts with a loyal customer base. Often full of kids and families enjoying a good roast dinner at the weekend. It offers a variety of pub staples; steak, risootto, salads etc. Limited choices for Coeliacs. Yet when we visited regularly staff were friendly and helpful. During week nights when it’s less busy you’re more likely to get a few gluten free versions of things rustled up for you. Their chips are often off limits as when busy they do use fryers for gluten foods like onion rings as well. Although the manager says it is their policy not to do this. So maybe if we all visit more they’ll dedicate a fryer to gluten free oil and food? Do speak to the mgr when you order as they’re keen to help where they can. Parking is limited yet free so get their early. Thurs eves are nice and they often have real fires on the go which is great in the winter when you are cold and frazzled after work. Don’t expect to find any Gluten Free desserts on the list though. Do be prepared for your friend or partner to order the garlic bread and the smell to drive you crazy! Good selection of drinks especially wine and a lovely pub garden to while away the time in during the summer.

This definitely is the place to go for your traditional pub lunch, but beware at wkends you may have to wait for a table as u get the feeling people gravitate from all around for it (even though I’ve been a good 4 times at wkends and never had to wait. guess I’m just lucky. don’t know).
The food is delicious, all your usual gluten satisfying roasts etc, plus a few others like a gorgeous lamb shank. there’s also a specials board which they change frequently.
Deserts rock n all, but you prob won’t be able to handle them after the main anyway. and yeah you do have to order from the bar as well. but who cares.

The Gate is the best food pub I have ever been to. The Menu is extensive and serves everything from Duck to Steak and Ale Pie. The portions are very generous for starters, mains and puddings. The pub is very clean and the staff are excellant with a very professional manner. All food is fresh and it really sets the benchmark as to what good pub food is. This place leaves many a restaurant trailing in it’s path. Sunday is a road block and it can be difficult to get a table. The atmpsphere is great and this pub has a large loyal following.

The Gate is a rather upmarket pub in Arkley. They serve a range of hearty traditional pub food, and unlike many of these foody pubs, the food is actually really good. The roast dinners have plenty of meat, there are enough vegetarian options to keep me happy and staff are friendly and attentive (though you do have to go to the bar to make orders, they won’t come to the table to offer you drinks/​food).
The décor is in a traditional pub style, with dark wooden furnishings and bar, and is well maintained by the relatively large team of staff employed there. The main downside of the place is it’s tendency to be so incredibly busy at weekend lunchtimes, so that it is a bit of a risk to drop by as you may not get a table, or somewhere to park, or may have to wait a long time for them. There are no other places in the vicinity to fall back on, you will have to head back into Barnet.
Having said all that, it’s definitely a great pub, but maybe too many people know of it’s greatness!

This is an old pub with character and a homely feel. Sunday dinner is the best thing on the menu but arrive early as the pub fills up very quickly for food and then the waiting time will increase. If you can avoid taking your car, you might find it easier as there is limited parking.
It is worth the wait though and is good for families.