Every time you walk past the North London Tavern you can’t help but wish you were on the inside of this cosy pub catching up with friends.

Look through the windows in the winter and you’ll see a packed bar full of people chatting over flickering candles, while in summer punters will be sprawling out onto the street soaking up the vibe.

But while this is a place extremely popular with locals and those from further afield, it also offers an upmarket culinary experience – while remaining distinctly down to earth.

Although there’s a pub menu available, I dined in the separate restaurant area on the evening of my visit.

Like the pub itself, the restaurant boasts shabby chic charm with traditional wood panelling, fireplaces and artwork, as well as a scattering of vintage lampshades – and the menu manages to combine the traditional with a modern flair.

For starters I opted for the chilli and garlic prawns served with sourdough bread. The juicy prawns oozed flavour – with the garlic not at all overcooked or bitter, and the chilli giving the dish a welcome punch.

Meanwhile, my friend went for the chestnut mushroom on toasted soda bread with poached duck egg. The mushrooms were bursting with delicious earthy taste, complimented a dream by the smothering of runny yolk from the perfectly poached egg.

Onto the main event, and I opted for the roasted plaice which was fresh and light, and flaked to the touch – mouth-wateringly enhanced by a drizzling of sharp, zesty caper and butter sauce. Buttered new potatoes and wilted spinach rounded the dish off superbly.

But a decent gastro pub is always judged on the steak, and my friend was keen to be the guinea pig – opting for the sirloin. Served medium rare, her knife glided through the tender, succulent meat which was full of flavour, and the side dish of truffle-infused mash was a real treat.

A deliciously rich and decadent chocolate brownie with ice cream rounded off what was a lovely evening.