please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Was heaving with crowds watching the Arsenal Spurs game which they obviously hadn't anticipated judging by the staffing levels. Woefully inadequate for the crowd that was in so I gave up and went elsewhere.
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Large bar near Crouch Hill station and popular with a younger crowd. It was very busy on my Sunday evening visit. The 3 ales were Wadworth Swordfish, Sharps Special & Greene King IPA. I opted for a keg cider I hadn't seen before - Cote Breton Brut Cidre, which was reasonable. A bit too busy for my liking.
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Arrived exactly when it opened at noon last Saturday. Really nice spacious building, with an eclectic range of sofas and different table styles.
It is obviously a very food-oriented pub in the evenings, but we found it to be a great place for a couple of quiet lunchtime beers.
Beer was extremely well-kept.
We sampled the home-made scotch eggs and sausage rolls which were tantalisingly displayed behind the bar, and both were awesome, if a bit pricey.Publish review
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Dropped off the train for a pint here and am still not sure what this place is actually trying to be. It feels more like you are at a minor art exhibition or at a reception area for something else rather than a place in it's own right. Has a very through other feeling. The Old Dairy Up and Udders was a nice pint (and the prices seem to have gone down since my last visit) but I just didn't fancy staying for another.
anonymous - 25 Mar 2012 11:57 |
Gave it another try (as someone mentioned that the ale mssing was a one off). Can't see this being everyone's bag of Bonios but I didn't mind it (even if it is a tad gastro and pretentious) on this visit. They had three ales on Betty Stoggs Ginger Tosser, Sambrooks Wandle and Truman's Runner. The Truman's Runner was excellent - though some may baulk at the �3:65 price tag, would rather pay more for something I enjoy than �3 for an ale I would struggle to drink (besides your average headbang lager costs around that).
anonymous - 29 Mar 2011 22:41 |
Don�t get out as much as I used to these days, however I�m glad that I decided follow up the recommendation of some friends and went to The Old Dairy. Decorated to feel welcoming without feeling faux, good friendly atmosphere, I was pleased with the food I ordered (and there was plenty of stuff on the menu which sounded tempting) and the ales I had were just the thing (can't remember the names but not because I had too many). Hope to get back there in the not too distant future.
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There is only one word to describe the Old Dairy: Shambles�
This is a perfect example of a pub being great when a quarter full but even the slightest hint of being busy sees the place descend into a cataclysmic farce of a boozer. Its got great ales and a range of lagers, good wines and the food is very good�all very typical London not-trying-too-hard-to-be-cool boozer. All the sort of stuff somebody in the owners hq can sort out but for goodness sake the organization of the place is just downright embarrassing.
I�ve lived locally to the OD for four years and have been a frequent visitor, and apart from a brief upturn last year the staff have always treated the customer as though its an honour to be served. For example, I�ve stood at the bar for 5 minutes while another couple was served and 5(!!!!!) staff milled around, which included 4 looking at one piece of paper. And forget about complaining, the most you can expect from is a shrug and a look that says �I couldn�t care less, there�s enough suckers out there that will be come back!�
If you�ve got the time to spare go, have a decent pint in nice surroundings but only on a quiet Tuesday or Wednesday night. If you�re reading this OD management your rivals are catching up, stop taking the p�ss out of your clientele.
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This place benefits from its prominent location, and it's nice enough. However the price of both food and drink is way over the odds so I would encourage people to go over the road - or elsewhere - until they get that in order.
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Pleasant enough on entering with eating and drinking areas seperated to the extent that they have their own toilets. Three hand pumps on the bar but no real ale so no thanks.
anonymous - 29 Aug 2010 10:33 |
if you want a quiet, pretty empty, atmosphere-free pub where you can hear yourselves speak then come to the Old Diary. It's perfect for a serious, relationship making (or braking) chat with your boyfriend/girlfriend as long as you don't mind paying over the odds for a drink.
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Not the greatest pub in the world - but this cavernous pub is well worth a visit if you are in the Finsbury Park area. Plenty of tables and seating areas and a pretty decent food offering. Whilst also offering the dreaded 'big-screen TV' the Old Maids layout makes this easily avoidable and unobtrusive to those preferring a quite drink or meal.
The Old Maid has regularly changing guest ales in addition to a few perrenial favorites (Old Peculiar etc). On a recent pre-Christmas visit the guest ales included a rather nice Mulled Ale from the Morrissey Fox Brewery - served in a proper old-school beer glass.
One point to note is that the licensee definitely seems to have taken some of the previous comments on here (and maybe elsewhere?) to heart and takes almost obsessive care in ensuring that all real ale pints are properly poured and served in full measure. From observation I think they might also have started a policy whereby inexperienced junior staff pass this job off to their colleagues to ensure quality of delivery.
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"The best pub around crouch end and finsbury park by a country mile"
You have got to be joking, what about the 'Railway Tavern', 'Haringey Arms', 'Faltering Fullback'
It's a lovely building, but that is all I can say in it's favour.
And the 'Larrick' threatening!!! you really should venture into the real world
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Good food, but overpriced by 20-25%. Service has picked up a bit recently, this place used to be *shocking* for under-staffing the bar. As previous comments have said, they have a habit of serving a (very) short pint.
Note to Old Dairy management : Stop being so TIGHT.
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My gripe about this otherwise charming boozer is that they often seem to dispense short measure. When you are paying �3.20 a pint you expect a pint. Rarely. This is a common problem these days with untrained bar staff. But on the occasion when I complained and asked for a top-up at the Old Dairy some months ago, the barmaid rudely informed me that this was how the manager had instructed her to serve the beer - far from a full glass. I hope not - if it happens again I'll be off to Trading Standards.
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what or who are 'dorito advert types'?
my wife and i live around the corner and visit the old dairy quite a lot. the food is excellent, especially for a pub; the atmosphere is laid back and the crowd seem to be comprised of 30 something media types - very crouch end. on my last visit simon pegg was in here with his little dog - and i've seen alan carr in here before.
i agree with the last reviewer about the beer (they always have some good bitters on), and the fact the pub is less threatening than the larrik (i'd go as far as to say the place isn't threatening in the slightest!).
i'm not saying its the best pub in london, not by a long way, but in my humble opinion its the best pub around crouch end and finsbury park by a country mile!!
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Not as good as it could be - seems to perhaps have delusions of grandeur associated with the gastro grub. The music is too loud, it's a bit dark and there are a few too many 'Dorito's advert' types for my liking.
That said, the beer's pretty good and the atmos is less threatening than the Larrik over the road.
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Came here for Sunday lunch as I had heard good things about the food. The pub itself is fantastic - lot's of character and different areas to sit. The general vibe was chilled and happy. Contrary to previous comments all the bar staff were very friendly and the service was prompt.
Large choice of draught and bottled beers - though we stuck to the wine. We ate in one of the pub areas, though there is a more formal dining room. The food was first rate, really good - probably the best Sunday roast I've had in a long time. An acoustic band came on around 5pm playing covers of rock and indie songs, which rounded off a Sunday afternoon perfectly.
We'll be back and I'd recommend this place to anyone for a good drink and nosh up - wish it was nearer to where I live!
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Best pub in the area by quite a margin ?
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I'm not from this area, but after meeting with friends for dinner and drinks in The Old Dairy the other night I wish I had a local just like it! It's huge in here, and nice chilled atmos, there's loads of room to either sink into one of the comfy sofas in a quiet corner -or sit at the more lively tables nearer the bar. The food we had was a bit more expensive, but their roasts are really something else! I found the staff helpful and friendly, especially the charming Northern chap in the flatcap. More pubs should be like this. Wish they had sky tho.
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I think this previous reviewer is in more dire need of a BJ than any man in history.
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The Old Dairy is theoretically a great pub but is let down by the attitude problem some of its staff have.
I could live with the fact that they gastrated the old place by taking out the football, turning the lights down and sticking the customary old furniture, dark paint, black and white photo decor in.
Even unecessarily adding three quid to the price of the food to make it just the wrong side of expensive is to be expected.
But the consummate rudeness of the staff, means I really don't want to drink in one of my local pubs anymore.
There's no excuse for being rude to your customers and the snooty off handedness of the bar staff here is becoming the stuff of local legend - especially the female staff for some reason.
This is a great building, in a great locality, with loads of space. It's shame to undermine it. Please sort it out.
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very expensive, staff are friendly, food is quite nice but the pub can look realy empty on a quiet night.
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I love the "new" Old Dairy. Gone is the average weatherspoons style aircraft hanger with a cinema sized TV showing footy all weekend. This is what pubs should be about in 2007. Along with the smokers, gone are the crappy beers, the tv's and chips with everything. We get Amstel and Becks on draught, a decent wine selection and bar snacks that include Wasabi peanuts and homemade pork scratchings (deliocious but no good for the diet!). Its got fat sofa's, bar billards and plenty of seating- the staff have always been great to me- but then we all have off days!
The pub has now got a decent "Gastro Pub" restaraunt attached and we've been 4-5 times in the last few months. This isn't a burger & chips joint- those hoping for that should nip down the road where any number of pubs/ bars in Finsbury Park will cater for them.
If you like food what you do get is bloody great- The menu is constantly changing last time i had a fat hunk of juicy Belly Pork served with Puy lentils- all cooked perfectly (slow cooked meat dropping to bits as you stick your fork and Puy lentils in a lovingly cooked red wine jus) other food has been delicious fresh Hake with Chorizo & Bean stew, massive ribeye served with fat fries and whole roasted shallots... My only disappointment was eating a roast here- great except the spuds had clearly come straight from a microwave (a culinary crime!!!), a small glitch in an otherwise great menu.
As i said at the start of the review I believe this is what a decent new pub should aspire to- a great boozer and an asset to Finsbury Park. However if you want the kind of "english boozer" that serves warm beer and see's a couple of decrepid old geezers blocking the bar while their dog glares at you angrily, this may not be the place for you...
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The bar staff are miserable as sin, the food was appauling even though we had to wait for an age to get it... not going back.
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Went in on my own a few weeks ago, and I love the building. Staff very friendly, got served straight away!
Stopped by for something to eat, and was not disappointed. The food was fantastic and the service was good.
Don't care if the place is filled with nu media oiks (whatever the f*** they are!) as long as I can relax.
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I quite liked the new look, shame alot of the staff looked suicidal.
bee26 - 12 May 2007 11:48 |
Terrible place. Just terrible. I don't mind paying �3.30 for a pint, but I expect it to be worth the money. Once upon a time at the Old Dairy, you could expect a warm, friendly service and COLD BEER. Now all you can expect is COLD BAR STAFF and LUKEWARM SWILL!
anonymous - 29 Mar 2007 13:31 |
Dear God. WHAT has happened to our beloved Old Dairy? After moving to Finsbury Park a year and a half ago, we picked the Dairy as our traditional Sunday hangout - bit pricy, but the food was good, people unpretentious, barstaff rubbish, but a lovely building.
After the recent refurbishment though... It's the Dairy. Painted black. With hyper inflated prices. And suddenly filled with nu-media oiks. Bottle of Magners and a diet coke? �7.20. WTF?! You're at the bottom of a hill in FINSBURY PARK, not Park Lane. The only slightly improved thing was ,much more competant barstaff. We decided to bid this place farewell, and tried to remember the good times. Back down the Fullback...
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My first visit was March 3 to check out the new renovations. What a great building! It is remarkably spacious and it felt great to not be squeezed in in a London pub. Tried a Grand Union bitter which was spot on. The staff was obviously new, but I didn't see any sign of bad attitude. And the crowd was young and trendy rather than "stuck up". Definitely a place to try again- wish it was my local!
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checked out the 'NEW' old dairy and felt that there is no atmosphere like there was before. Its way too dark, the people seem too stuck up and no familiar faces to be seen at all. Some of the old staff blended in like furniture and I will miss them. I do admit it did need a bit of sprucing up. I have been going to the old dairy for years and always enjoyed myself there.. it sometimes had its ups and downs but all in all a fabulous place to hang out. You can take the 'Old' dairy out of Finsbury park but you cant take the Finsbury park out of the old dairy.
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Gets good reviews, and it's a lovely old building, but it feels really empty and impersonal - 'disengaging'. Needs a bit of warmth and atmosphere.
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The Old Dairy is currently being refurbished. It will re-open under new ownership on Thursday 22nd February
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Its such a shame that this pub isnt what it used to be. It was once well run by friendly staff, with a well organised and run kitchen.
Now it barely manages to make it past 2pm without running out of everything on the menu, and the staff need an atitude adjustment.
If you are running a pub that consistently runs out of grub early on a Sunday afternoon, week after week after week, I would imagine that either the management or the *chef* would take steps to do something wildly imaginative.. LIKE ORDER AND COOK SOME MORE BLOODY FOOD! Its not rocket science.
Maybe the staff in the kitchen staff just want to leave early.
This used to be a great pub, but sadly is in such decline that you cant go in on the weekends and expect to get decent service, a meal within an hour of ordering it (if at all.. ) and a well poured guinness.
I'd leave this pub well alone if I were you..
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This place has gone downhill. Real shame. It's got such potential. The food might be cheap but it's awful and staff need to cheer up. I've almost given up on it completely. They always get sunday lunch wrong. It's always either ran out, takes about an hour to come, the chef's taking a break etc etc and when it does turn up it's awful. For such a lovely and unusual building the place has the atmosphere of a morgue. The Old Dairy is in desperate need of a new manager, new bar staff and A NEW CHEF!
racha - 29 Dec 2006 12:53 |
This pub is like a Wetherspoons, but with high prices. Unfriendly staff and nothing going on, with signs on the wall that say 'beware, theieves operate in this pub'. Surely the staff should be keeping an eye on all punters and discouraging the cr*p ones. Its an empty shell now. They really need to lower the prices and get someone young and funky in to run the show. Greed is the downfall of this place...
anonymous - 12 Dec 2006 08:08 |
something has gone truly wrong here with this pub. It really has taken a down turn. If you like to go somewhere full of builders and thieves, then this is your place.
anonymous - 15 Nov 2006 14:28 |
The Dairy has tons of potential and used to be the best pub in the FP by a distance - had many a great night here.
Sadly these days it takes approximately 14 years to get served (even on a quiet night) at which point you are confronted by the most moody and miserable bar staff I have ever had the misfortune to endure. I cant be the only one to notice this as what used to be packed pub with a great atmosphere and eclectic mix of people is now (even on a Friday) an empty shell.
I was really hoping for the good times to come back but after the last visit where the barstaff were more obnoxious than ever (quite an achievement) I vowed never to go back - I still haven't and don't plan to.
Please someone sort this place out and make it good again - employing some staff who know how to smile and speak to people would be a great start.
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This pub seems to wildly divide the views of those that drink in it. I have to say, I am always very suspicious of people who post anonymous reviews, far too often they are posted either by the pub in question or by its competitors.
Anyway, I have to say that while I have drunk in this pub a few times, it has always been on a mid-week evening, so I can't really comment on the fabled indie nights at the weekends. For a quiet evening's drink, it seems a perfectly reasonable place to come - great old building, lots of different rooms, so it does have quite a 'homey' feel to it. The beer is well kept, which is always important. I've never tried the food, but it doesn't look too bad. My complaints are that it is rather expensive (but many places in London are these days) and it does seem to take ages to get served, even when the pub is fairly quiet. But for a quiet mid-week pint, it isn't bad.
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The food's cheap ? Are you numerically dyslexic ?
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the pub food is cheap?!!
its hardly cheap to pay �8.50 for a burger and chips..
get real!
pub is okay, but can get cold in winter and the bar staff can be moody
go to the fullback if you want real value for money
anonymous - 6 Sep 2006 17:24 |
The food here is cheap! That's probably the best thing I can say about the entire pub! What a waste of space!
anonymous - 30 Aug 2006 10:52 |
Love it. Simply love it!
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I dont agree at all! I've always found it to be a really friendly, fun atmosphere. The people and staff there are great.
It's the only bar in the area I go to regularly. Great on the weekends and for events too.
anonymous - 3 Aug 2006 16:30 |
always full of tossers
fullback is the only pub in finsbury park worth bothering with...
anonymous - 2 Aug 2006 15:55 |
A great find in Finsbury Park!
The Old Dairy is a great place to meet friends as the venue has one large bar with lots of smaller lounge areas scattered around which are ideal for groups or parties.
The staff are always very friendly, the food is above average for the area and there is an extensive drinks list. I go there both after work for drinks and at the weekend as the atmosphere is great for both.
Worth a visit.
anonymous - 1 Aug 2006 10:25 |
I've noticed improvements here recently, although the comments about the staff are well founded. Anyone can have a bad day, but the barmaids at the Dairy have become almost local celebrities for their sullen and irritable demeanour. That, however, is only one criticism of a pub that is generally going in the right direction. Good selection of beers, a mouthwatering food menu, the quiz night and the big screens do make watching the football an enjoyable experience. There is a chav element creeping back in, but as long as the management keep an eye on it, it should be OK.
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This place seems to have come in for a lot of stick but from my point of view most of this is unfounded. I've been in the area nearly 2 years, and no, the Old Dairy isn't the best pub in the world, but having said that it's not at all bad either. It's a pleasant place to while away a few hours with some friends, and generally the atmosphere is pretty good and the surroundings are nice enough without being anything too special. Bearing in mind this is Finsbury Park you could do a hell of a lot worse (eg the Larrik), and I've got no real compaints to be honest. Does a decent Sunday roast too. 6.5/10
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Old Dairy music quiz is an institution (although someone should tell the NME staff that it's a bit sad to go every week!), and I think the service has improved - the old staff were really rather miserable. I have enjoyed two very good roasts in here recently and so have no complaints about the food.
Used to prefer the Larrik, but now the Old Cow is a winner.
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there are a load of lies on this board!. The Dairy is definately one of the best pubs around. Obviously there is room for improvement. FP needs a grungy/shabby chic place to chill and this is it. The quiz night is good on thursdays and fridays are good too for indie music. (well done to the dj for playing new stuff + old).
There are loads of big tables for groups of ten or more and the beer and food are reasonable priced.. Get on down.
anonymous - 23 May 2006 16:56 |
Tales from The Old Dairy!!!!
First of all let me just say that The Old Dairy is a buisness, it takes money from people like us and in return we get a place to eat, drink, maybe watch the sport on the not so big screen or even take part in the pub quiz. Within the pub there should be people who work there gladly doing there best in offering you a service that should be at least nice. Unfortunatly the people who are supposed to work there can't do what they are paid to do. If you don't like your job or don't get paid enough get another one, it's not fair on the customers who just want some down time and to have a pint and maybe some food. Whatever excuses are given about why the pub is proper crap it does'nt really matter because I wont be going back in there untill it's sorted out.The manager needs to remember that without customers the pub wont be his to manage for much longer. Have a nice day and remember enjoy your lunch!!!!!!!
anonymous - 27 Apr 2006 12:57 |
comments about staff are jaw-dropping! doesnt any one of you ever have a bad day at work? are you telling me that you never want to hide under the desk? sometimes it takes all the energy in my kitchen cupboard just to get into work, let alone smile at my boss (nevermind a customer) so i really think the poor guys at the dairy deserve a break. i certainly wouldnt want to serve people who kept telling me i was getting it all wrong!
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yeah also a big fan of this place. I have checked out 2 of the nights they do here. indie friday (he plays stuff like XFM used to do when they first went on the airwaves - newly released). The quiz night is pretty good too on thursdays. Didnt eat the food but like the place and the staff were cool
anonymous - 19 Apr 2006 21:11 |
I think the negative posts on here are just competition. Me and my mates (usually a group of ten boys and girls) go to this place all the time and especially on Fridays when they have an indie/eclectic dj playing the most excellent of tunes. The beers good, the staff are lovely (esp the thin blonde girl!), the food is coming on nicely and its got great huige tables to sit on in a nice environment with candles etc. I'd definately advise the cooler 20's - 30's to check this place out. Easter Friday Dj from 7pm-11.30pm - Free Entry.
anonymous - 12 Apr 2006 19:42 |
I agree with the general consensus of comments that this once rather special pub is rapidly going down the swannee......... Once upon a time, this was a great place to while away a lazy afternoon. Now it's somewhere to come if only if you're in the mood for being ignored by barstaff who seem to think you're weird for wanting to actually order a drink or to "enjoy" a place that's clearly resting on its laurels. A shame.
anonymous - 12 Apr 2006 18:33 |
Visited The Old Dairy after work for some food and a pint whilst we watched the football and had some relax time. What a mare it turned out to be, firstly customer service was not a priority of the happy young lady who served our drinks but more importantly the fact that the chef nicked my mates tobacco - and then rolled a ciggie with it at the bar - what a pikey! After I took back the tobacco, lighter and his roll up, we received childish looks from the young lady and some very inventive dancing with gestures. Wont be drinking in here again and will take my custom back across the road!!!
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Totaly agree with the previous comments. To be charged an additional cost because your original order was off just about sums up the narrow minded headlong pursuit of profit that blights this city in most things especially customer service.
I have just returned from a weekend in Hamburg and the difference there in customer service is unbeleivable! In fact a particular bar (Fabrik) in the Altona district of the city did supply 2 rounds on the house. This would never happen in london irrespective of how much was being spent at the bar!
In regards to the Old Dairy I have had several bad experiences in this establishment, but reading recently that the management have changed I was hoping that it would now start to improve.
Unfortuanatly it appears not. I guess it's like the Who lyric. "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss"
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Genuinely one of the weirdest dining experiences I have ever had...ordered the cod from the "dish of the day" menu which for some unknown reason really flummoxed the lady taking my order, although she was happy to advise me of her dislike of shellfish ("too fiddly") in the slightly unnerving manner of a brainwashed cult acolyte. When the meal arrived, it was actually cod fishcakes. Apparently someone had forgotten to write the word "fishcakes" on the board...I think it is safe to say this is a fairly glaring ommission. No apologies were offered, I was just pretty much expected to shut up and eat what had been served. Sadly this is what I ended up doing as I was desperate to eat although I made it clear I felt it was all a bit of a mess. Sadly my girlfriend who had ordered the parsnip and pumpkin pie also had a fairly dismal experience, claiming; "these vegetables taste like they've been boiled for a week". Having tasted it myself, I can confirm this was true.
The staff are completely bizarre....they find the process of ordering food very difficult and confusing and they are unable to apologise, but worst of all, you get the feeling they are completely contemptuous of customers - this is a bit of a problem in a service industry. I had to return a bad pint because it tasted off, probably because it was from the bottom of the barrel. This is fine and I accept these things happen, but they charged me an extra 20p to have Stella instead...couldn't this have been waived considering the initial bad pint?
It is a prime example of a pub which would be better off keeping it simple and sticking to traditional pub fare (of which there is absolutely nothing wrong), rather than branching out into over-complicated cuisene with too many ingredients which they are unable to execute sufficiently (and deliver to the table), just to please Crouch-enders.
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this place has yet another manager and seems to be going well. candles on the tables and a cool feel to the place. will try this place again, especially on a friday as the indie dj is pretty good. also the people are nice.
anonymous - 19 Mar 2006 14:56 |
haha ;o)
All the regulars left. I wonder why.
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Easily the best pub if FP. The music is wicked on Fridays (Cow Club - indierocknroll), the food is good, and its a decent boozer to watch the footy. you guys posting on here and arguing are making me laugh. I think your obviously something to do with the venues in the area! I'll be there on the weekend with a group of mates sitting on one of the many huge tables and eating some lovely tucker haha.
anonymous - 29 Jan 2006 20:17 |
The competition?
Hmmm no. Although it seems a little strange some "anonymous" source could be so passionate about a pub but that other posters cannot in a negative fashion unless they happen to be the competition.
i wonder what the inference is here....
anonymous - 26 Jan 2006 18:15 |
This venue is by far the best in Finsbury Park and thats why it seems that the competition have to post negative things on here. The place is attracting the right sort of people. Its got a really interesting quiz night on Thursday, IndieRocknroll on fridays, more music on Sats, and pretty much the best place because its not claustrophobic like some pubs..
anonymous - 25 Jan 2006 20:32 |
Hmmmmmmm, Oh come on! If i wanted to hang out with a bunch of student "rockers" I'd go to any union bar and drink for a whole lot less than this pretentious dive. In fact the only good thing about this place is the original "milking & grazing" murials, and the are on the outside!!! Save your wallet and your souls and go the Fallback instead
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Hmmm is the competition on this board again?? This pub is the best in FP if not the whole of London. Yeah we also think the Friday night rock set is wicked. Get real people, i go here and its such a good local. Massive pub - go with a group of friends and there is always some nice cubby-hole to sit or big tables to lounge on..
anonymous - 18 Jan 2006 18:19 |
Hmmmmm.
That's how i felt leaving this place. The building's cool, the interior feels nice, they have a decent selection of beer on tap (although for the size of the bar it could be much better) and yet it's still strangely lacking.
The staff seemed disinterested and inexperienced and the music was awful (Sat night) although i am assured it has been better.
Those that know seem to leave after the football has finished and unless your company is great, i'd listen to them.
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Oh come on! Its like people are drinking in a different place to us! I have met the Owner and he is a nice chap and runs the pub well. I have to agree that with some of the other posts that dance music has no place in FP, but the indie Fridays are superb. Just what FP needs. A question - Isnt The Big Fat Sofa aka The Flag, a Gay Bar?
anonymous - 13 Nov 2005 11:34 |
who ever owns this place be nuts to employ management who no interest in customers is just opposite of a nice place it used to be. I completly disagree that the pub was run by locals, it was a fine place until recently, the three times I have been in the manager was getting drunk at the end of the bar loud and behaving like yob. The new big fat sofa is the only place now
anonymous - 7 Nov 2005 13:10 |
went there for my work leaving do the other week and its a cracking looking pub - not as bujsy as i thought it would be but good time was had by all of us. Served pretty quick and the beer was fine - food was ok too.
Should not be compared to the Fullback - too different. Its like comparing Little and Large with Pepsi and Shirlie.
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This is really getting silly now! So lets examine whats goin' on! There has been a change of management and now instead of waiting 5 mins for a drink, we get served straight away. Instead of this pub being 'run' by locals, its now being run as a pub! I think that there is a lot of competition in this area that are worried because its doing so well. I have to say that dance music is not my forte but the indie nights on Fridays are wicked and the mix of people is just right. Keep it up folks - the Old Dairy is definately the best pub in the whole N4 area, and has a coolness of its own...go check it out if you dont believe me.
anonymous - 22 Oct 2005 00:21 |
Oh no whats going on with this pub, very good building,but the artmosphere is real, real bad. What's all this milkshake and dance rubbish going on. weekends used to be a hit but not any more please please someone rescue this nice place, it needs better manegement.
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Dear oh dear, every review that i read about this pub gets worse! It appears that if you want to hang out with the student crowd "Rockin" in a latter day waynes world stylee then this is the place for you.
But if you want to spend your time in more sophisticated surroundings then try the fallback up the road.
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Being a council worker just around the cornner, its been our local with great atmosphere and great food.But I visited recently for lunch as before finding very unfriendly staff, lound MTV childish dance music,sat night was like night club with under age around the place. You have completely distroyed a decent place.
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Prices, Prices, Prices! Can the debate get better than this. The price of a place has nothing to do with quality. I value having the dairy & across the road The Larrik in my area, they provide, on a regular basis, quality establishments, to frequent, should I choose. Both supply value for money in not just beer, but atsmosphere, safety & general fun which is surely what a good pub should offer. Bring on the later openings!!!
anonymous - 3 Oct 2005 16:01 |
Yeah have to agree the Friday nights are absolutely rocking! Its such a good venue to go with a large group of mates - there are loads of alcoves and tables for 10+. Excellent for birthdays and work do's and also for reunions etc! Re: the prices, well i didnt notice, but its what you pay for thats the point! I spent �20 and was lashed, so i suppose thats not that expensive.
anonymous - 23 Sep 2005 16:57 |
Have you seen the prices in this place??????????????
anonymous - 19 Sep 2005 16:47 |
Went to the Old Dairy on Friday and it was superb! Quality night and it was so busy. This is how I remember FP. Buzzing with life and cool music. Keep it up!
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They've done a good job of spamming the Beer In The Evening website. The pub's OK (not amazing) if a little bit spartan, but the obvious self-hyping of the unimpressive indie night is a bit galling.
anonymous - 11 Jun 2005 19:42 |
every time I have been to this pub (especially recently) it has been a lovely atmosphere. I think there is some scandalous behaviour going on here! '3 mobile phones nicked'! haha. dont be a joker! This pub is going to be the busiest pub in the N4 and Crouch End area! Oh anyone been to the Cow Club they hold there on Fridays? Indie Music that is superb! Please to people from other pubs -- post on your own pub only...you will need to...
anonymous - 10 Jun 2005 10:49 |
tis can be a nice pub or a shite one - ive had my mobile stolen 3 times whilst being here and the bar staff said ithappened all the time. Sometimes the bar staff are nice sometimes theyre not - sometimes the clientele are nice sometimes its full of pissed up local scum and ive seen many a drug deal in the mens so its up to you - if only it could be consistently good but it aint
anonymous - 7 Jun 2005 14:56 |
Haha. Flavor Flav created his own hype! I been to The Old Dairy (with my mates - all girls lads!!) and it was wicked music and a great place to hang out! I think this place is living up to the hype. The best place to go on a Friday night. Cow Club RULES...Tell me a better place to go listen to IndieRocknRoll and i might go check it out. But as far as i know...this is the best in London!
anonymous - 24 May 2005 17:04 |
As the legend that is Flavor Flav once said "Dont beleive the hype"!!
anonymous - 21 May 2005 14:39 |
Interesting building and interior, with several rooms and alcoves having a different feel to each other. I think I'd choose it over the Larrick oppsite if I was just in for a few bevvies.
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I been watching the hype on here about the indie dj thing and the whole discussion about Finsbury Park. Well here it is - the honest review:
me and my girlfriend went on Friday. We came from Southgate and its only a few stops to FP. The only problem was it was a 10 min trek to the pub. I have to say that the music the dj played was A1, quality indie rock just as it said in Time-Out Mag. The pub was good, great interior and vibe. It wasnt that busy, but am sure it will be. The area seems to be fine (the posh end of FP), and the cool bar staff and beer/food are good quality - cold and hot. (Lovely burger + chips). Shame it closes at 11! This is going to be brilliant when its packed with indie-heads. We'll spread the word.
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I agree. FP is rough and ready, but not the hell hole 'fatherpierre' suggests. The Old Dairy is a great pub and at the much nicer end of FP ... I mean you are getting on for up-market Crouch End!! Fear not and enjoy!
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I agree, the great thing about The Old Dairy is that there are a variety of seats! There are some sofas, wooden chairs and large wooden tables for groups of 10+ people. The atmosphere is pleasant but not sure if i have ever seen any living rooms as big as this and with as many different areas to chill! Looking forward to the Cow Indie nights on Fridays. We know the Tube Club and they bring any venue the best music and usually the best people. I used to drink in Green Man in Muswell Hill, and they made that venue into the best in the area! I'll be there.
anonymous - 6 May 2005 11:54 |
A decent local pub. I particularly like the furniture; when you're with a few friends it can feel like you're curled up in your front room.
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I think this debate is in danger of getting out of hand. I do not think it is particularly constructive to brand a whole label as a shit hole, especially one such as Stroud Green Road, where you have some really friendly local businessmen and a genuine sense of community. Yes, there are lunatics. There aren't many places in London where you don't have to "avoid the crack-heads" these days, and unless one has the cash to retreat into the more salubrious suburbs, then it is a part of life with which we have to contend.
I imagine it is in these salubrious suburbs that Mr. Anon 5 April now resides, gracing the dark pit of Finsbury Park intermittently, to visit the Faltering FULL Back. Yeah, nice place, but I think many people in the area will agree that it has its own clique and if you're not part of it it is a far less inviting place. Just an opinion.
Anyway, I like the Dairy. It's not the best pub in the world but it is certainly a lot more interesting than anywhere else in the area. And to all the "i once saw a gypsy trying to pick pocket someone ion there, I did" wake up to the reality of modern urban living. If you don't like it, f**k off somewhere more sanitised.
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Oh come on (anon-30 Mar). If you want to use this site as an advert for you're "Shin-dig" then ok, but to defend Finsbury Park by claiming that it's not a shithole is unreal. I used to live in Stroud Green Road a couple of years ago and boy was i glad to move. yes it has a couple of OK pubs but the daily assault course trying to avoid the crack-heads and winos when trying to get home just about killed it for me. The Old Dairy, Ha!! it's crap compared to the Faltering Fallback..
anonymous - 5 Apr 2005 23:52 |
Finsbury Park not a shithole?
My word, it is!
The pub's not too bad, though. The pricing's a bit cheeky, though.
anonymous - 30 Mar 2005 18:34 |
This pub is really good.
anonymous - 12 Mar 2005 20:53 |
Been in here just the once. Absolute pretentious cr*p for the psuedo middle classes that can't afford to live in Crouch End. Should do us all a favour and turn it back into a Dairy..
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Used to be a half decent pub when you could sit at the bar, but now they have removed the bar stools which often forces you to sit in one of the tables in the separate rooms, leaving you thinking you may as well be at home.
Boasts of having one of the area's many mugging black spots - in the ladies toilets at the back. Food is sometimes very good, but at other times is very poor. (not sure why, maybe I've just been unlucky a couple of times and got the replacement chef). Good big screen for watching football, if you don't mind watching it with a load of whinging middle class arsenal fans.
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ignore the previous warblings by bitter individuals who have a misplaced impression of the dairy. I can only speak from my interpretation but this is very much an excellent place. relaxed, somtimes too much on the satff department; the food is sublime, the music quirky and the punters curious. i esp. like the poetry evening with the rather infuriating mr fry. fine beer, no ping ping foods (that is slang for microwave rubbish). yah, it has the seal. not for the mr and mrs conventional though.......stick to all bar one guys!
anonymous - 14 Feb 2005 22:14 |
Up itself a bit. Which is a joke considering the dive of an area it's in. Very average with poor food. I've been in the place twice and both times witnessed people trying to steal other people's bags.
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I dont go there that often, but its definitely more classy than other pubs around finsbury park. In fact I only go there to break up with my boyfriends.
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this is without a doubt one of the most awful pubs i have ever visited in London. having had family down for the evening we popped in for a last drink and asked for a 'long vodka'. after being quizzed by the barmaid on what this was and describing that it was vodka, lemonade, lime and angostura bitters i was told, quite sharply, 'we don't have that'. even after saying, 'well most bars have angostura bitters, even though i know its a bit of a random drink' (ie in an attempt at being friendly) i was told - even more sharply - 'i just said WE DON'T HAVE IT!'. so i gave up. and then i was short-served my order and had to remind the girl i had asked for 2 Leffe... the girl then shouted at me 'NO YOU ASKED FOR ONE!'. at which point i noticed the angostura bitters behind her. awful. awful. awful. a nice building, but if this is the level of service, then it really needs to be sorted out to save what could be a lovely pub.
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It's seedy, damp and smells.
Joe - 15 Nov 2004 15:55 |
I visited the old dairy last weekend and had a brilliant time. The staff are very accommodating and the crack's braw. Hope to be back real soon.
Linda - 29 Oct 2004 15:07 |
As a resident of Stroud Green for some time now I have seen the fortunes of many establishments wax and wane. At present, the Dairy's star is definitely in the ascendant! Service standards have improved immensely and they have a couple of good music nights that are well worth watching. The monthly jazz jam is particularly good
Elaine - 26 Aug 2004 16:47 |
In addition to everyone else's comments I'd like to recommend the Old Dairy on its selection of real ale. It's well kept and there's often as many as three on offer. Had some excellent Cornish stuff there last week.
Ben - 26 Aug 2004 14:45 |
wicked place, something for everyone, enjoy
martin - 20 Aug 2004 12:49 |
A decent pub with a great quiz on Tuesday nights, best in winter. Such a shame they got rid of the golf game
Kate - 9 Aug 2004 14:57 |
LIngered in here for the 2004 euro, great atmos. even when england failed to make the grade. Bar the lower than average male bogs, i well liked gaff......warm staff, cool beer and yeah.....just "got" it.
Johnny - 29 Jul 2004 20:06 |
Not bad place but don't quiz nights & open mike nights belong in the past - boring.
anonymous - 28 Jul 2004 14:16 |
Good beer and great food in a great atmosphere and thanks to the highly imaginative management there's usually something entertaining going on at the Dairy!
Queenie - 21 Jul 2004 21:09 |
If you like a good fight, smelly old men, crap food and waiting half an hour for a pint - the Dairy's your place.
Maggie - 19 Jul 2004 15:16 |
Easily the best local I've had in a long time. Friendly staff good beers at a reasonable price - for London anyway. Good balance of entertainment, food or just a place to chill on a Sunday afternoon.
Far superior to naff wine-bars and the like that are springing up after renovations a la The Woodman (Highgate).
Dan - 27 Jun 2004 20:27 |
Really impressed by this place. Met a friend (who lives in the area) here last Saturday and was really pleased with what I found. Good food from a reasonably priced menu (home made burger was exceptionally tasty) and a fantastic DJ (though he did get a bit carried away with the beats until someone asked him to chill things out a bit!) and good range of beers. Drawbacks? Gents toilets not up to much, and early closing (11pm! is this the Victorian era?). All of this compensated by the great atmosphere and people drinking there.
Josef - 14 May 2004 19:46 |
ha! ignore the previous nagative vibes and check this gem of a place out. Scrummy scran (easily the best sunday roast in finsbury park, delicious cocktails and quirky tunages makes for a super fine place to chill out. Attracts a more varied clientele than the polished peeps acrocc in the Larrick.....clones or whit! Will be a great place to watch Euro 2004....decide for yourself. The demise of the old stoolies has helped.
jelli bean - 14 May 2004 13:50 |
ha! The dairy has improved shed loads of late....scrummy scran, delicious cocktails and a quirky personality coupled with quality tunage makes it a super fine place to chill. Sunday roasts the best in the area.....damn sight better than the larrick. Ignore the usual negative comments and check it oot!
jelli bean - 14 May 2004 13:41 |
Dreary & dismal. Waste of a good location.
mentorman - 14 Apr 2004 14:13 |
For such a great building this is a deeply average pub!
Wendy - 22 Mar 2004 10:41 |
I like this pub a lot. Friendly staff, good beer and really, really comfy chairs. Well worth the ten minute walk up the road from the Bowling Alley. Especially as it means missing out on the dubious charms of 'that' pub near Finsbury Park station. 12 Pins or something
*wanders off to write scathing review of really bad Finsbury Park pub*
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Fantastic pub-great beers and a really unusual old building.
anonymous - 25 Jan 2004 15:55 |
since the rise of jenni and joe this pub has come into its own.....more ladies, better food and cool atmospherics. staff on the up.....
anon - 21 Dec 2003 17:53 |
Huge place, quite quiet on a saturday night though, not a lot of atmosphere.
Pauly - 21 Dec 2003 15:22 |
food is excellent and the staff are all friendly and cheery - they have good music and the building is really unusual and cool
k - 19 Dec 2003 13:12 |
Offensive, piontless or irrelevent comments will be removed? Well what about half the shite written here!? THIS PUB RULES. New big screen, budvar on tap, great sunday roasts, 241 cocktails on saturdays and cool music (handbag house fan? don't come).
anonymous - 18 Dec 2003 15:30 |
It's really worth poppin into the Old Dairy...The staff's friendly and everyone's ready to have a laugh. Food's brilliant, thanks to their Italian cook, and pints are as chilled as we like. But the best about it is live music!And, o' course, the pub's warmness and charm! Do�'t miss it!!!! :)
laia - 24 Oct 2003 18:17 |
In early 2000 it was a really nice pub, then it went downhill for a while. However now it's got good again.
I went there the other night and had a great time. Nice food, good service, decent booze and top quiz nights.
Wish it were still my local.
tom - 3 Oct 2003 12:18 |
What a waste of a beautiful building. What could be a smashing pub is let down by lacklustre service and poor atsmosphere.
anonymous - 19 Sep 2003 13:32 |
I got so hungry waiting for my food the other day, I gave up, tried to get my money back and was told to just sit down and it would be out in a minute. I demanded my money back and it was refused so I've left and will not go back!!!
Harry Knowne - 16 Sep 2003 17:07 |
This is not the best place to watch footy. The screen is huge but really blurry. The clientel there leave a lot to be desired aswell. Avoid!!!
anonymous - 28 Aug 2003 13:57 |
I used to drink here all the time a few years ago, but it's gone shamefully downhill. Service is just plain bad and the quality of beer, as everyone here is saying, is very low. The Larrik across the road is my local now. Should have changed ages ago - the service is impeccable, I feel so much more welcome there.
David Henslow - 19 Aug 2003 10:26 |
Nice nice place. It's very big outside, and not so big inside. Friendly staff, nice big fruity cocktails at the weekend, but the beer on tap leaves something to be desired. Take my advice and get bottled beer instead - the beer just doesn't taste right!
Mark - 12 Aug 2003 14:09 |
Great for football matches in season - they have a big screen over the front door and everyone gathers their chairs round to watch. Also a good music quiz night on (Tuesdays or Thursdays - I can't remember).
Richard Jones - 30 Jul 2003 17:01 |
I'm sorry but this pub is deeply ordinary. The staff don't seem to understand that maybe, just maybe, serving a customer may be more important than sharing a fag with a mate - I won't be returning.
John Miltos - 24 Jul 2003 16:27 |
this pub is brilliant , it is easily the best in the area. Beautiful couches, good beer, loads of room and a totally un pretencious non-carhart atmosphere. Also on mondays they have an open mike night which is wicked
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Better than Larrik for watching football and more atmospheric interior but has sadly declined from its gastronomical heyday and the staff are tortoise slow.
Laura - 20 Jun 2003 16:02 |
Agreed. Pretty good place. BIG screen too!
G - 16 Jun 2003 15:47 |
Great pub. We prefer Pappagone pizza after though!
Matt - 14 Apr 2003 15:11 |
Beautiful building - it is an old dairy!! Large but with plenty of atmosphere due to lots of different rooms to hide in. 3 or 4 different bitters, v. mixed punters, UCL students, young profs and oldies!! Suggest finishing night off with visit to la Porchetta for best pizza in town!
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Great pub, in an old converted dairy. Loads of seating, twice weekly quizes (Tue and Thu), and live music on Wednesdays.
The Larrick pub(opposite the old dairy) is pretty good too.
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