Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 4 and Version 3 of Noble, N4 4AP

A pub opposite Crouch Hill Station, which has gone through a number of name changes in recent years (The Flag, and then Big Fat Sofa). It seems to have settled down (with a far more sensible name) to quite an attractive little drinking place.

It's not a huge place, but it has a number of large tables near the windows, and benches outside. There are some comfortable sofas by an open fire (which hasn't been in use on my visits), and some booths towards the rear, opposite the bar. On a Wednesday evening visit, the place was empty until around 6pm, and even later in the evening there was no problem accommodating our group of 15-20 over various tables.

On a visit in March 2008, London Pride and Deuchars IPA (£3/pint) were on tap, with Leffe, Staropramen and the other usual lagers. The wine list is good, and is sold at £4.5-6 a glass (and £12.50-30 for bottles), and the tempranillo was excellent, preferable to the basic house red.

They serve food in the evenings, with a intriguing pseudo-gastro menu (mains are £10-15, with a range of "tapas" starters designed to share for around £5 each). Food is artfully designed on the large plates in a nouvelle cuisine style. My goat's cheese and polenta cake (£10) was tasty, and had some rocket salad piled on top. A companion's pork main (£14) was highly praised and similarly nicely presented.

The highlight, however, were the excellent thick-cut chips (£2.50), which for the price were a bargain. Really crispy and piled high in the bowl.

In general, I prefer the Noble to its nearby super-sized neighbour the Old Dairy. It also doesn't show sports (or even apparently have a television or screen).

See also:

• Beer In The Evening comments (listed under its old name, The Flag)
• Fancyapint review

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