The Hideaway

Number 114 Junction Road N19 is a soberly decorated building about half way between Archway and Tufnell Park stations on the Northern Line and quietly announcing itself as “The Hideaway”. Venture inside for a treat, because behind this modest exterior is one of the warmest bars in London, where owners Tom Allerton and Matt Selwyn have created an oasis for the discerning consumer who wants pleasant surroundings with an opportunity to talk and eat without having to shout down a jukebox or canned music. The ground floor of this neighbourhood bar and kitchen consists of a front bar – neat and tidy clean with friendly staff (thanks Roxy and Jim) who just excel at being welcoming whilst mixing cocktails and providing a rapid table service for those who wanted it. Behind this is a narrow passage that leads to the rear garden area furnished with wooden bench tables and extensively covered by vines. On a balmy summers evening this is just so “not London” as to be unbelievable and a perfect place to indulge in pizza prepared by Chef Adi. And what pizzas they are, with a thin light base gently covered by any one of the rich-yet-delicate toppings just waiting to be washed down with a glass of wine, a lager or any one of the excellent range of bottled beers (try the Brooklyn Lager for a real taste of New York). The basement of The Hideaway, accessed by a narrow staircase a bit steep for my liking, provides an altogether different atmosphere decorated as it is with cartoons in the style of Sailor Jerry. On the evening I visited (11th August 2011) there was a bonus by way of entertainment provided under the caption “Gold Dust Acoustic”. So what if the applause was not deafening, the intimate atmosphere and the rapt attention of the audience told its own story of appreciation as some half-dozen turns provided clear and meaningful lyrics and tunes in a chain of performances that were a credit to promoter Tor Ree. Further sessions are planned on a monthly basis and with this high standard they are surely something that will draw in the crowds. And this is why I’ve put The Hideaway on my list of places to revisit and I’ve told my friends about the place.

Great value for money – had delicious pizza and good wine. Took us a little while to find as it was nestled in with a row of shops but fantastic little place once inside. The person we spoke to behind the bar was a real character, made us feel welcome. They have a lot of events going on in the basement so we're going back soon to one of the live music nights.

I went to The Hideaway with my girlfriend after a friend recommended it – their main food is pizza which I have to say was among the best pizza I've ever eaten – my girlfriend agreed as they were very light which is apparently ideal for the healthy eaters among us. We tried a couple of their cocktails (rude not to, there were some very tempting choices) which put us in the mood for heading down to the basement afterwards to listen to some live music. We'll definitely be returning in the summer as there was a great garden out the back which I think will have a real atmosphere of being abroad once the evenings are light, because of the way it's decorated with vines etc. The staff were really friendly which added to the laid back atmosphere – completely unpretentious all round and great value.

The staff are absolutely lovely and very knowledgable about their drinks offering. They go the extra mile too, literally. Last time I went they were chasing pesky kids away for throwing water bombs over the wall into the garden. There's a really relaxed, homely atmosphere and the pizzas are fantastic value for money. O yes – and good cocktails. Will definitely go again.