Barnet Rd, Barnet EN5 3LA

About This Pub

Ah, The Gate – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local gem in Barnet, you know? From what I've gathered from the reviews and their own site, they've been family-run since 1999, focusing on hearty, flavoursome dishes that folks rave about, like those massive, tender ribs or a gourmet burger that's spot on. The vibe is spot-on too; it's welcoming and great for groups, whether you're popping in for a Sunday roast or a midweek catch-up. The staff come across as genuinely friendly, which really makes the place shine. But, let's be honest, it's not all perfect – no bookings means you could be in for a wait on busier nights, and service might drag a bit when they're stretched thin, especially with the younger crew handling things. Parking's another little niggle if you're driving over. Overall, though, with a solid 4.4 rating from heaps of happy visitors, I'd say it's well worth a visit if you're after good food and a relaxed pub experience, just maybe aim for off-peak times to avoid any hassles.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The food here is absolutely spot on – think tender ribs, juicy burgers, and hearty meals that leave you feeling satisfied and coming back for more.
  • The atmosphere is lovely and welcoming, perfect for a catch-up with friends or a group outing; it's got that cosy pub vibe that makes you feel right at home.
  • Staff are friendly and personable, always up for a chat, which adds a nice touch to the overall experience.
  • It's a family-run spot with a solid reputation, boasting a high rating of 4.4 out of 5, so you know it's generally a reliable choice for good grub and good times.
Cons
  • They don't take bookings, which means you might end up waiting for a table during peak evenings or weekends, so it's worth planning ahead.
  • Service can be a bit hit-and-miss; it's quick when it's quiet, but gets slower when things get busy, especially if the team is on the younger side and a tad less attentive.
  • Parking can be tricky on busier days, so you might need to keep an eye out or give yourself extra time to sort that out.

Contact Information

Barnet Rd, Barnet EN5 3LA
+442084497292
Pub
Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 - 22:30
Tuesday (Today)12:00 - 22:30
Wednesday12:00 - 22:30
Thursday12:00 - 22:30
Friday12:00 - 22:30
Saturday12:00 - 22:30
Sunday12:00 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

Very good food quality. Quick service but we went on a Thursday at 4.30 pm so not many people there. Coming out at 6 pm many people were coming in so booking recommended in the evenings & weekends.
DB
David Brown
The atmosphere was lovely, and we had an enjoyable evening as a group of 11. While the service was generally pleasant, thanks to the friendly and personable staff, it was occasionally a bit slow, likely due to the younger team members being less attentive at times. Eight out of the eleven of us thoroughly enjoyed the food, although we did feel the prices were on the higher side. Unfortunately, those of us who ordered the chicken shish kebab were left disappointed. While the portion was generous, the chicken itself was dry, overcooked, and burnt in places, lacking any real flavor. The accompanying vegetables were similarly over-charred. It was surprising that the dish didn't include any sauces—typically, shish kebabs come with options like chili, garlic, tzatziki, or hummus, which would have added much-needed moisture and flavor. We also had to ask for salad dressing, as the salad was served completely plain. That may be standard for the restaurant, but in the context of an already dry dish, it felt like a missed opportunity. At £18.95, the chicken shish did not feel like good value. With a few adjustments, though, the dish has real potential. Despite this, we still had a pleasant evening overall and would consider returning—just not for the shish kebab.
EG
Elissa Gold
The Gate. We've visited this gastro pub after crossing it many times and it did not disappoint. Keep an eye on the parking as you might fall short on a busy day. Give yourself plenty of time. We fortunately found 2 spots on a Friday evening. There were 6 of us and all 6 of us had drinks and starters. The service was top-notch, even on the busiest of nights or weekends. The staff were friendly and efficient, and they went out of their way to make sure we had a great experience. They were kind enough to let us change tables to accommodate more food plates and were sweet enough to wait for us to leave at 11 PM. Each dish is good, from the classic Garlic Bread, French Fries to the Chicken wings and Kabobs, they were all spot on. The dishes are as expensive or cheaper than the bars around. Overall, the Gate is a fantastic gastro pub that we will keep returning.
S
Sid
Proper pub! Had the best red wine I’ve had in a while, and the ribs were massive tender, juicy, and packed with flavour, the buttery corns on the side made the whole thing just spot on. Great vibes, definitely coming back!
DG
Donya Gholami
We came here for dinner with friends, the food we ordered especially the Gourmet Beef Burger I had was truly delicious, and the staff was quite nice. The atmosphere was lovely, so I would say this is an excellent spot for a gathering with friends.
GK
Gürhan Kökcü

Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl

Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.

The Rising Sun
The Rising Sun

137 Marsh Ln, Highwood Hill, London NW7 4EY

90/100 1.0mi
The Three Hammers
The Three Hammers

The Ridgeway, London NW7 4EA

82/100 1.5mi
The Arkley
The Arkley

Barnet Rd, Arkley, Barnet EN5 3EP

86/100 1.7mi
Mops & Brooms
Mops & Brooms

Nelson Cottage, 52 Rowley Ln, Well End Rd, Borehamwood WD6 5PD

88/100 1.9mi
Toby Carvery Oaklands
Toby Carvery Oaklands

Studio Way, Borehamwood WD6 5JY

80/100 2.0mi