Dissenting Academy - Islington

We visited The Dissenting Academy to try out Head Chef Jim Thomlinson's new London Mess venture. Jim is known for adding his own unique twists to traditional dishes. Upon entering the venue, you can feel the historical charm of the original dissenting academy that once stood there. The bright layout and captivating art pieces added to the welcoming vibe. In the main dining room, we were treated to an amuse bouche of bourbon-brined, hay-smoked scallop with orange ketchup. We were impressed by the sweet and salty freshness of the scallop, enhanced by the bourbon and smoking technique. Overall, we enjoyed our experience at The Dissenting Academy and its innovative dishes.

What makes a restaurant worth revisiting? Is it the food, the ambiance, the service, the value, the convenient location, or the attractive staff? It could be a combination of all of these factors. There are certain restaurants that I find myself returning to time and time again. Recently, The Dissenting Academy has been one of those places that I have been frequenting over the past few months. The 'Cornwall Project', a supplier of high-quality Cornish produce to renowned establishments like The Ledbury, Pollen St. Social, and Pitt Cue, has taken over the kitchen. With ingredients sourced from Philip Warren, the beef they use is exceptional. One of the standout dishes I have enjoyed this year is the roast forerib at Clove Club.

A few simple things can turn a small pub into a great pub that serves good food: 1. Local craft beers - check! (Delicious Truman Runner and the double tasty London Fields 'Love Not War' both on tap) 2. Great music and decor - check! (They played The Smiths, Oasis, and The National) 3. The burgers were decent (good bread and beef) but the buns were dry and tasted a bit cheap. They have 2 for 1 burgers on Tuesdays but my friend had the veggie option and said it was bland and dry. It's a shame because the atmosphere is great and it's a beautiful place, but the food doesn't quite hit the mark.

I've been here a few times without ordering food. the interiors are very pleasant and the sofas even too cozy, the personal is something lost, what you should suggest when you pick up a nice selection that can take time to recognize and so far my friends are always disappointed by what they had while I was not impressed. I'll eat something next time and see if this place can win me or not.

This place is pretty cool. it's hipster enough to be cool, but without intention or elite. the device is good, half a cow hanging on the deck and there were decent music playing. the only problem is that there was no food. apparently it started again the day after our departure. that wasn't good for my roaring booze