The Maynard Arms, in Crouch End, has re-opened after spending a couple of weeks sprucing itself up with a fresh lick of paint and a new interior.

Built in 1851 by the Maynard family, the bar and dining room still hold many of the original features, but there is now also a contemporary décor to add a modern, comfortable feel to this local pub.

There are also a series of events to brighten up your evenings, including Jimmy’s Big Quiz Night on Tuesdays, as well as many live sport screenings, such as the Six Nations rugby.

Tucked in between various shops and other bars along Park Road, the pub certainly had a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, even on a busy Saturday evening.

The restaurant area was separated around the corner away from the noisy drinkers at the bar and as we sat down and looked at the menu, we were surprised to see the food was much more unique and inventive than most other pub grub.

I began with the crispy fried squid (£7), which came with roast garlic, curry leaves and a lime coriander chilli dressing. I thought the portion size would be fairly small, but was surprised to be given a plate with a generous size portion. The squid was salty and full of flavour and the curry leaves blended interestingly with the tang of the lime.

My guest ordered the Scottish scallops, with thin slices of crunchy and crispy pork belly, a blob of celeriac vanilla puree and a helping of parsnip crisps (£10.50).

Feeling adventurous, I opted for a medium rare 10oz ribeye steak (£23) for my main course. It arrived with a crispy potato cake and a mushroom tarragon duxelle, which was made up of a mixture of mushrooms, onions, and herbs sautéed in butter, before being reduced to a paste.

There was also a side portion of herb crusted bone marrow and although I tried to embrace this new taste, I was just too squeamish to eat the whole of the soft and mushy part inside of the bone.

For dessert, we tried the rich and creamy malted chocolate fondant (£7), which was balanced with a tart blackberry sorbet and Matcha green tea.

The meals were not overly expensive and the atmosphere was so relaxing that we stayed an extra couple of hours chatting over a seemingly endless supply of wine.

The Maynard Arms, Park Road, Crouch End, N8 8SX, details: 020 8341 6283, maynardarmsn8.co.uk