Harden's survey result
Summary
“Fantastic food and a great countertop dining experience” are twin highlights of Layo and Zoe Paskin’s casual younger sibling to The Palomar in Neil’s Yard, where inspired North African-inspired tapas are served at the bar in a vibey, intimate space. In autumn 2021, it will expand into the adjacent site that was formerly their posh coffee and light bite stop, Jacob the Angel (which they are relocating). ‘The Barbary Next Door’ will, we gather, be a place ‘you can pop by for a coffee, chilled beer or glass of wine’ as much as a meal.
Summary
“If fantastic food is your priority rather than comfort”, make a bee-line for The Palomar’s “fun” and “intimate” younger sibling in Neal’s Yard, which majors in “the most tasty and exciting” North African-inspired tapas, all served at the bar. “In theory this is everything I dislike in a restaurant: countertop seating only, loud music, and sharing-plates. But it blew every prejudice out of the water. The food was exquisite – lots of flavours I hadn’t had before – and the ones I had, perfectly produced. Fantastic wine, wonderful atmosphere; and despite being alongside fellow diners at the counter, it felt private and relaxed. A really special evening”. “I’d go all the time if only you could book!”
Summary
“If fantastic food is your priority rather than comfort”, make a bee-line for The Palomar’s “fun” and “intimate” younger sibling in Neal’s Yard, which majors in “the most tasty and exciting” North African-inspired tapas, all served at the bar. “In theory this is everything I dislike in a restaurant: countertop seating only, loud music, and sharing-plates. But it blew every prejudice out of the water. The food was exquisite – lots of flavours I hadn’t had before – and the ones I had, perfectly produced. Fantastic wine, wonderful atmosphere; and despite being alongside fellow diners at the counter, it felt private and relaxed. A really special evening”. “I’d go all the time if only you could book!”
Summary
“Believe the hype!” – Palomar’s younger sibling in Neal’s Yard rocks, from its “exceptional, tasty and distinctive Eastern Mediterranean small plates” to its “exciting atmosphere”. Eating is “buzzy, counter-style only” – “get there early if you cannot bear to queue!”
For 31 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 The Barbary?
Restaurant details
The Barbary Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Rt"
"The Jerusalem bagels and squid were stand out items. Everything was delicious beyond words. Excellent bar food dishes at a counter. The bill was a bit of a shock!"
"Superb venue, just what it says on the tin! No airs no graces, simply delicious food rapidly prepared and nicely presented. The flavours are superb! Served by a new waiter being supervised, he did brilliantly. All the staff are chatty and interested, chef is deeply passionate about his art, not a huge menu but more than enough choices. Great place to try out the dishes, potentially the best octopus I have ever eaten! Dessert was sensational! Well worth the road and rail trip!"
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
16 Neal's Yard, London, WC2H 9DP
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9 pm |
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