For local residents, the Torrington pub in North Finchley held a lot of happy memories. Ehile music legends played on that hallowed stage, the audience danced the night away on the dance floor. Now however, the Torrington is long gone, but the new owners have ensured that customers can still enjoy a little bit of history.

Although it has now been beautifully refurbished, customers visitng the brand new 3 Oceans bar and restaurant on the site of The Torrington can still strut their stuff on the original dance floor and even enjoy dinner on the same spot the famous stage once stood.

Named 3 Oceans because it serves food from around the world, the spacious restaurant has two menus: a continental menu which is available between 10am and 4pm, and the fabulous Indian menu which is available throughout the day and evening.

All the food is prepared by its experienced and creative chefs using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients and every dish is great value for money. But even if you don't want to eat a full meal, the bright, modern lounge bar is a great place to relax with friends, listen to music or watch sport on the large screens.

The continental menu covers everything from brunch dishes such as eggs Benedict, and a classic English breakfast to exotic specialities like Thai fish cakes, or the lental galette served with a Greek tzatziki sauce.

One dish that is already becoming a best-seller is the succulent in-house burger available with a selection of toppings, including cheese and bacon. This home made burger is a million miles away from the kind of thing you see in fast-food restaurants, and is served in a rustic roll with crispy fat chips, making it a delicious and filling treat.

The Indian menu is a mixture of traditional favourites, together with some more unusual dishes. If you're eating with friends, why not share a mixed vegetarian platter to start with, which includes samosa, onion and crispy bhajia, paneer, tikka and much more.

Main courses include sarsoka saag, a traditional Punjabi dish, made with frest mustard leaves and spinach, and a wonderfully creamy chicken tikka masala served with fluffy and fragrant saffron rice. For dessert, you can round off your meal with something Indian such as kulfi or mango lassi, or alternatively choose something from the continental menu.

We chose the fabulous orange bread and butter pudding, which was unanimously declared the best we had tasted. Served with a smooth vanilla custard, the slightly-citrus flavoured, and very warming pudding was perfect for the chilly autumn day.

As well as the lounge bar and restaurant, 3 Oceans has rooms that are available to hire for private parties, and as a special opening offer, they are giving away a free Nike watch to group bookings, spending more than £25 per head.

Individuals spending more than £50 will also qualify for this free gift while stocks last. There is also a 250-capacity car park just behind the restaurant, which is free after 6.30pm.

The new owners of 3 Oceans know that The Torrington is a tough act to follow, but they are doing their best to ensure that they become as popular with their customers, and with their relaxed atmosphere and great food, that shouldn't take long.

Open every day from 10am to 11pm.

3 Oceans
3-4 Lodge Lane
Finchley
N12
Tel: 020 8446 4444