Harden's survey result
Summary
“It’s busy, it’s buzzy, but the focus is on the high standard of cooking” at this brilliant collab between the Tom Dixon studio and famous Israeli chef Assaf Grannit, by hip Granary Square. “The good vibe and great decor are down to the design and accessories” (Dixon’s London studio is in the adjacent building) but it’s Assaf’s “unique combinations of wonderful flavours” in the Tel Aviv-inspired small plates that have built its reputation: “enough to tickle the most jaded palate: lots of herbs, pomegranate, chilli, with brilliant bread and dips”. That said, the food is “rather simple for the prices charged”: “a bit overpriced if very delicious”. Top Tip – the outdoor terrace comes into its own in summer.
Summary
“Loud… buzzy… delicious” – this “original, exciting and cool” venue designed by the neighbouring Tom Dixon studio, by Granary Square, “is a full-on, in-your-face Tel Aviv sort of place”. The “superb Israeli small plates, which you are invited to share” are overseen by executive chef, Assaf Granit: “very flavoursome food with some unusual combinations”. “Tables are very close” inside, which is “noisy”, with “drum and bass in the background” and lots of chatter; “so, it’s best to go for lunch on a sunny day on the terrace and take in the views over the renovated King’s Cross area”. Top Menu Tips – “their signature polenta starter remains strong… a must. Octopus is amazing, tender and tasty. Desserts are also a high point… as is the powerful coffee!”
Summary
“Amazing, and amazing fun… one of my best meals of the year and I wasn’t expecting it at all!” – this “tightly packed” space from chef Assaf Granit and the Tom Dixon studio has a “wonderful location” next to the latter’s HQ: which is adjacent to Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard. Deceptively simple in style, “it’s great to take guests here and watch their faces as they realise this isn’t just another noisy cocktail joint but a seriously good restaurant”. The menu of “Middle Eastern food with a modern twist” delivers “dish after dish of mind-blowing flavours” – “original and fabulous… if in tiny portions”. “It’s tight on space, so get ready to snuggle up”, or “sit outside on a sunny day, which is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours”. “Only problem? Getting a booking!”
Summary
“Every morsel is delicious” at this well-pitched three-year-old, on the edge of the new King’s Cross dining quarter – the work of Israeli celeb chef Assaf Granit (founder of London’s Palomar and Barbary, plus equally hot venues in Israel and Paris). Fitted out by Tom Dixon (whose offices are adjacent), its “wonderful Middle Eastern flavours and lively Tel Aviv vibe” draw an appreciative crowd: “boy was it worth it – such interesting flavours and perfectly executed”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Coal Office?
2 Bagley Walk, London, N1C 4PQ
Restaurant details
Coal Office Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Fantastic food although reduced menu for weekday lunches - but very noisy. "
"Wonderful return - food as good as ever. Seasonal polenta was asparagus. Just the noise to spoil it as tables close and people shout."
"The restaurant felt smaller than I was expecting and a touch cramped where we were. The food was of a high standard on the whole, the breads and dips were perhaps the stars, lots of good fresh flavours in the aubergine and salad, but cabbage and gurnard were not so good. Service was prompt but we felt rushed and were discouraged from ordering dessert as we had almost used our allotted time - we went elsewhere to end the evening."
"It just gets better and better! You start with a daily menu clearly typed with the date and "brunch" heading. Another one in the evening. The old standard of Polenta is re-worked again this time with mushrooms and asparagus ( in December?) . Creamer than I remember but wonderful Blue Fin tuna carpaccio was an unusual treat as was the main course Octopus which came with its own sauce and some fried bread , but not as you would expect. Add to this Pasta with clams and shrimps, an ordinary dish normally , here improved with clever flavours even in the pasta itself. Wine pricy now for the glass size but good range. Service is attentive and friendly offering to take pictures (of other tables); plenty of staff to keep up standards. Only negative is that it is a long narrow space and noise can be a problem if you are near a party of in our case American laddettes. "
"£14 for bread, yogurt and tomato starter. Underwhelming. Chewy and mostly uneatable onglet with limp lettuce main course. Dalton white wine overpriced at £52"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 13.50% |
2 Bagley Walk, London, N1C 4PQ
Opening hours
| Monday | 6 pm‑8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑8:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑8 pm |
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