The Three Crowns

Last Updated on September 20, 2022

Stoke Newington’s Gastropub – The Three Crowns.

A historic gastropub in Stoke Newington, The Three Crowns has recently reopened following a five-month renovation after becoming a part of the group behind award-winning The Lexington on Pentonville Road. Dating back to the 1600s at the end of Church Street, the pub was originally known as the Cock and Harp and was then renamed under James I as The Three Crowns to represent England, Scotland and Ireland. Now in 2022, its new modern British menu emphasises locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. In charge is Head Chef Ousmane Gaye who has previously worked at the Hilton, East-West, Roast in Borough Market as well as Holborn Dining Room, Asia de Cuba and Plaquemine Lock. In addition to the varied offering of food and drink, The Three Crowns also provides live music with feature DJs in the main bar on Friday and Saturday nights until late. The gastropub’s The Waiting Room also acts as a cultural space for grassroots artists, DJs and promotors to launch their careers.

Upon our arrival at the Three Crowns, we were impressed by the large size of the venue. Large windows facing Stoke Newington High Street let in plenty of light and provide and make the gastropub excellently suited for people-watching along the busy north-east London street. Along with a well-selected playlist and friendly and attentive staff, the Three Crowns made an excellent first impression. Our drinks, a negroni, served with Brokers gin, Antica formula vermouth and Campari, as well as a whiskey sour made with Evan Williams bourbon, lemon juice and sugar, were both delicious and smartly presented.

To start, the pulled pork croquettes were served piping hot, and the accompanying blue cheese dip was tangy and rich. Each order comes with three sizeable croquettes, making this selection a tasty and hearty portion to begin our meal. Next, we tried the chorizo scotch egg, recommended by our waiter as an excellent hangover cure. The salty and oily richness of the scotch egg certainly fit this description and was very moreish. The addition of chorizo offered an exciting spicy twist on a British pub classic. The scotch egg was also given an acidic boost accompanied by a tomato and red pepper chutney.

For the main course, we enjoyed the Barnsley chop served with crushed new potato, minted rubber beans, and smoked aubergine with tahini. The chop was tender and easy to slice the juicy fat off the bone. The tahini aubergine was also an excellent accompaniment and well matched to the tasty sauce. The crushed new potatoes were buttery and soft.

 We also tried one of the menu’s vegan options, globe artichokes stuffed with spinach, mint and pea purée, and heritage tomatoes. Excellently presented, the pastry crust was crispy, and the delicious multicoloured heritage tomatoes provided a burst of colour on the plate and made this an excellent option for both vegans and omnivores alike. 

Other options from the mains section of the menu include haddock and shrimp fishcake with tomato and samphire salad with tartare sauce, as well as baby chicken with griddled courgettes, confit tomato, watercress salad and red wine jus.

For dessert, we greatly enjoyed the homemade pecan pie and Madagascan vanilla ice cream. In addition, the homemade sticky date pudding with toffee sauce and gingerbread ice cream was balanced by the sweetness of the dates with the saltiness of the toffee to act as a befittingly tasty end to our meal.

Well-located and with a varied and rich menu, the newly re-opened The Three Crowns is a great addition to the local area.

Three Crowns, Stoke Newington
175 Stoke Newington High St
London
N16 0LH

02072415511