Bars & Pubs

There are local pubs, and then there are local pubs. This wee treat of a boozer falls into the latter category, thanks to its pre-gentrification crowd who no doubt can all remember Crouch End before the advent of yummy mummies. The 1950s-era decor helps too. Flimsy tables topped with plastic ashtrays, a stone-rimmed gas fire and wood- panelled walls resplendent with china plates and photos of Irish literary greats form the perfect stamping ground for the throng of old lags and scruffy intellectuals vociferously putting the world to rights. Theyre mainly supping ales (Courage and Bombardier), while the unexceptional lager options includes Fosters and Kronenbourg. And this being an Irish-run pub, they pour a mean Guinness.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008