please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I went here last Sunday and as usual, was very disappointed. We ordered a roast only to be told that they had run out of roast potatoes. They said we could have mash instead. I'm not sure why the potatoes were turned into mash rather than roasted in the beginning. When it finally arrived, there were about 3 teaspoons of mash and a small amount of veg. The kale was gritty, it obviously hadn't been washed. We sent the whole lot back. We did get a free bottle of wine but really, its just not worth it. This pub fails to deliver time and time again. Shame really as its a lovely pub with a good atmosphere. Just don't eat there.
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I booked a table for 9 people last Sunday. The place was empty and yet the food took an hour. Sunday Roasts were the only thing on the menu, so why the long wait? It was only after we had paid did anyone tell us of the components that were missing from each dish that day too. After waiting an hour for our food (that came at different times) we were disappointed to find it was all overcooked. Is that what the hour long wait is for, to make sure it's overcooked? The squid was like fishy toenail clippings and the whitebait were like burnt matchsticks. Our mains came halfway through our starters, again at differing times. The manager then turned on the TV that was behind us for the Rugby. Why on earth did they stick us under the TV when they knew a match would be starting an hour later? We were told to move if we didn't like it, with no help from the staff. This is not easy, especially with two kids. Needless to say our meals were cold. Didn't matter anyway, the roast dinner put in front of me was the saddest plate of food I have ever seen. We complained to the Manager and he couldn't care less. We got refunds on our meal but no apology. The other staff were embarrassed to say the least, I don't blame them though, the manager must be a hard person to work for but you could tell that this sort of thing happens all the time. Ok, so some people don't go to pubs for food, I understand but if a pub does both they should do both competently. The ale selection is hit and miss a lot of the time, most of the time I find the ales are off which is always disappointing. This pub used to be great but now it just looks like its waiting to be shut down. I hate to see pubs close but I'll be celebrating when this one does. Avoid at all costs people!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I am appalled with this pub. And as a local disappointed for indulging it too much. Time and again I have waited at a relatively quiet bar while uncommunicative and underqualified bar staff amble through their shift and look straight through you. In fairness it is not their fault. They are overstretched and sick of it. The same goes for the food ordering experience. Slow and painful. I demanded a discount and left when I lost patience trying to order £30 worth of desert. The guy next to me withdrew his order when he was informed of the waiting time. And this is the point. It is expensive. I haven't even mentioned thue standard of the beer or cuisine. This was all lost in the 'experience'. Any management worth their salt would be able to complete a simple time and motion study to understand that investing in just a few more staff would lead to better service, more revenue and profit, happier staff, in fact an altogether more pleasant experience for everyone. As it stands, I won't be going there again and see no future for it without serious change.
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I went in here late on Monday night on the way home from a CAMRA drink up in town and just got off the train and thought Id have a few pints and give this place a try to see if its improved instead of walking up to the Bald Faced Stag. Tried several ales all of which seemed to be in excellent condition including UBU. The pub itself has been wreaked over the years by modernisation loosing its three separate Bars now having just one large rather dark soulless room with just a small Bar in the centre making it feel cold and empty. Pub was very quiet only around 5 other customers in. There were two woman just talking over empty cups one guy non stop gassing on his mobile with his feet on the table and just two customers drinking but staff attitude was absolute terrible no manners or please & thank you and Twice getting short changed once can be a mistake but twice in the same visit.? Overall a good Pub but its still badly let down by untrained staff that don’t seen to have any customer skills or give a monkeys maybe I was just unlucky as it was a late Monday night.
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Waited for the advertised on their website opening time today of 1200hrs,only to be informed at 1205hrs that it would take half an hour for the pub to open due to sickness. Manager only turned up at 1200hrs and another member of staff at 1203hrs. Very poor running of a pub. Didn't hang around for the half hour...
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About three hrs into stage 10 & 11 of the capital ring. Having found hampstead borough gardens to be a dry village, this was like a mirage to a man dying of thirst. Decent pint of sussex bitter in a nice garden. Dont remember the price but there was a lot of real ale choice. Very nice pub.
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This pub has now got worse now that the area to the left as you go in is now a designated restaurant area. Will not be regular there anymore
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As a once long time customer of this pub it breaks my heart to say that because of the continuing decline in the quality of the beer and the ridiculously high prices demanded for it i now go to maddens which is a much better pub with good quality beer and staff.
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As other reviewers have noted it can take some time to be served at a not particularly busy bar here, but at least the rude staff seem to have been replaced.
Aside from slow service, it seems to my eye that they offer a somewhat better than average selection of ales and lagers, the food is good and the atmosphere convivial. Nice to see Brooklyn lager and Meantime pale ale, a shame they've got rid of the Kriek though.
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I Went in here on a Friday evening around 20.00 hrs. As the pub was not that full and there were plenty of empty tables but as usual it was about three deep at the bar I waited around 10 minuets too get served first time as usual.
If the post below is right and its going to be refurbished they need too put the bar back as it used too be its far too small for a pub this size it should have two separate parts again make it two bars again one for the foodies that sit there all night over a glass of coke & one for drinkers would be better as it gives customers more choice and encourages a wider customer base.
I was going to get a second Pint as there were some good Ales on tap but we gave up after waiting well over 15 Minuets and went elsewhere.
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ive heard they are shutting this pub for yet another refurbishment. Dont waste the money. Just shut it
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they have done it again. replacing staropramen with san miguel. although san miguel is nice in maddens i wouldnt drink it in the old white lion cos the price will be higher and combined with the usual slow service and bad quality it looks like goodbye from me
twerp - 26 May 2011 10:26 |
Great pub for real ales. Has around 5 on tap, which are changed regularly. Also, has Brooklyn lager, Fruhli, and some other international lagers on tap. And a large range of lagers. Pub is large and spacious, and has a massive beer garden.
Only issue is the slow service. Even, when it is quiet and there are only a few people waiting, it still takes 5 to 10 mins to get served!!! On a busy night 20 mins is pretty normal! It's not the lack of staff. The staff are just so slow!
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the service here is much better. only 20minutes to wait for a pint of undrinkable lager.WELL DONE
twerp - 30 Apr 2011 11:32 |
i now only go to this pub to see my friend who by the way hates this pub as much as i do but he cant walk properly.the beer and the service is CRAP so maddens has most of my custom now. RIP THE OLD WHITE LION
twerp - 23 Apr 2011 19:55 |
this pub has gone downhill fast. the food and drink prices have risen sharply and quality of even the premium lagers has deteriorated. this combined with yet slower service makes this pub unvisitable for me anymore
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Service generally faster - and you can't fault it on the friendliness front at the moment. Guest beers are more in evidence as well.
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as a regular of this pub for many years it astonishes me how they are so busy. The service is slow the cheap (ha ha) fosters lager is RUBBISH. And they now inform us that the prices are going up today by 5p. Maddens hear we come
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i was contemplating having my sunday lunch at this pub today but apart from VERY SLOW service i did not want to compete with the flies
twerp - 25 Jul 2010 21:55 |
i go to this pub on a regular basis. apart from it serving fosters it isnt such a bad place. one thing that niggles me is people buying stuff with cards. others who have their money ready have to wait far too long while these transactions go through. especially if they are ordering food. tea and coffee is another reason for long waits. seperate areas maybe.
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I did say before that timing appears to be the key here and on this visit I experienced an intermionable wait to be served. Considering there were not a great deal of people waiting and numerous staff behind the bar (up to five at one point) the time spent waiting was excessive. The mian causes are a mixture of inexperienced staff (about half of them seemed like they had only just started and needed assistance from the others) and some of the most dithering clientelle one could encounter. I marked it down only a notch because the pint of Purity UBU was good though I wasn't far from heading elsewhere had the wait been much longer. What is it with East Finchley and slow service - seems most of the area's drinking establishments are afflicted with it.
anonymous - 3 Jun 2010 20:48 |
This is a rather strangely decorated gastro-type pub next to East Finchley tube station. I was expecting a Westons Old Rosie cider, but noticed Organic and Traditional Scrumpy, in addition to Addlestones and Aspalls on arrival. In fact, they were currently holding a cider festival and had a whole menu of bottled ciders. My 10 pub crawl was suddenly in doubt at the third hurdle! 6 real ales were also served - Harveys Sussex Best, Purity Ubu, Deuchars IPA, Fullers London Pride, Adnams Stout and Sharps Doom Bar. Food served from the open kitchen appeared to be popular with the mainly young upper-middle class clientele. You would need to be fairly wealthy to afford the drinks prices here - �4.50 for a bottle of cider. The decor is mainly purple, which creates a fairly dull atmosphere. Although the conservatory looked a little brighter. Seating in one area is mainly on sofas. The area around the kitchen has exposed brickword, whilst the whole place has polished wooden floorboards. Contrary to other reviews, I found the service to be good, especially the bearded fellow who engaged in a pleasant conversation about cider. I did have the advantage of sitting near the bar and timing my visits to ensure I got served straight away, whilst some people waited nearly 15 minutes as 1 of the 2 serving staff would occasionally get called away to take food to tables, to prepare coffees and hot chocolates or to place oranges into a squeezed orange juice machine. This isn't the sort of place I would normally frequent. But their trial selling of cider was a hit for me, and I think its popularity had surprised the owners. I would return again.
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Fairly average, the menu's a bit more interesting than the generic pub food you can get in pubs and I have been there with friends for sunday lunch which was good. It's nice in the summer when you can sit outside and watch the chickens.
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I remember this Pub years ago when it had three Bars Large Saloon Bar on the Left Large Public Bar on the Right & a Snug in the Middle which we called Platform Five.
This Pub tends too suffer the same problems that most these food orientated Pubs it suffers from the Bar serving area being too small for the size of the Pub. And a lack of good experienced bar staff so there's always a queue three deep waiting at busy times.
There was at least four good Ales on when I went in I tried two both were in good condition but due too the wait at the Bar I decided against a third after waiting around 15 Minuets the First & Second times
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Timing, as ever , appears to be of the essence with some establishments. I wasn't expecting a great deal based on previous comments but thought that the place can't be any worse than the Bald Faced Stag.... and indeed it wasn't. There were 6 handpumps at the bar, 3 not ready but the 3 on offer were Doom Bar, Adnams Wheat Beer (a new one on me but am not a Wheat Beer fan) and Purity UBU. I have developed a liking for the Puirty stuff so went for that and it was quite a reasonable pint (if a tadge too cold) and was served without delay. The place is not quite gastro pub (but tries with 'open plan' kitchen) and doesn't manage to evoke the feel of traditional pub either. For smokers the garden offers a good view of Northern Line trains rumbling across the bridge in to East Finchley station and has a chicken run with real live chickens clucking about, which (maybe alarmingly for them) is adjacent to a barbecue area. Although not a place I would go out of my way to visit, the beer and service was good on this visit and if you want a quick beer or two before catching the bus or train then it is worth a visit.
anonymous - 4 Feb 2010 20:57 |
This pub is local for me and it is really annoying that they can't get it right. Last night they didn't have any guiness. When I was there two weeks ago it was the same. I also wanted a small port for my mother. The bar man put it in a glass with ice which I didn't ask for and then I was told they only sold port in doubles. My mother is nearly 90 yrs old and didn't want a double.
Apparently a lot of these drinks are only sold as doubles only. I said I'd pay for a single but they wouldn't sell it that way company policy.
What sort of pub policy is it that forces you to have doubles.
They poured the port down the sink rather than sell it as a single.
I'm afraid that was too much for us and we went to the Bald Face Stag.
Many years ago Ye Old White Lion was a thriving pub where it was a job to get served it was so busy. Then they changed management and they have spent the last 10 years or more trying to get their customers back.
They made no effort last night to make us feel wanted. This is such a pity because with the current management there were real signs that we might have had our local back.
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I have never had a problem with the beer in here, but oh Lordy! There is no such thing as a 'quick pint' in this pub. Be prepared for a good long wait for your drink, while the staff think of almost any excuse not to serve you. The phone ringing, putting change in the tills, standing waiting for another customer to choose food....I really feel like bashing some heads when I come in this pub. It is such a shame. I am a local,and I love the ale selection, and would drink here more often, but as it is I only come in here when I get off the tube and need to loo...
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The Old White Lion is quite simply the most abysmal excuse for a public house I have ever had the misfortune of experiencing. Please note the day I'm writing this comment - that's right - its the Christmas holidays and yet I am so disgusted, I am actually taking the time to do this!
I booked a table for a xmas eve meal with me and my friends for 4.30, 2 weeks in advance of xmas eve - I left my phone number with the booking and was assured that the kitchen would be open. When I arrived, there was a sign up saying the kitchen would be closed from 5-6pm - did I get a phonecall to tell me that? No - of course not, how would the staff have the time to tell their customers of this last minute alteration when they are always so busy picking fleas off each other?
Annoyed at this, we still stayed in the Old White Lion to eat anyway- and low-and-behold, as soon as 6pm struck everybody ordered food at once and the whole world imploded - I got my food 45 minutes before the rest of my party - I've digested 3 course meals in less time! And check this out - when I complained to a 'waitress' and asked to speak to the manager, she barely waited until I was out of earshot before she started openly taking the piss out of me - nice one! If there is anyone looking for a job in these difficult times, I'm pretty sure a vacancy will be coming up soon to replace this idiot - no hospitality skills (or basic manners) required!
If you have an ounce of dignity, do NOT waste your time, money or any fabric of your existence by going to this shambolic hole run by moronic sub-humans.
Old White Lion? More like Old Shite Lion.
Thanks for nothing, you half-wits.
Here's my number for when you want to apologise... actually ,no, wait, you haven't mastered that skill yet have you.....
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Every time i have been to this pub it has been a pleasure, i havent found the staff hugely friendly but they have never been rude or pretending to be mega excited which is almost as bad! i have usualy been durring the day so i havent had any issues with poor service or understaffing and my food for the price i feel was really good and quite sizable, also, good beers!
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to james joyce, i think the guy is called sandy
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Poor food - long wait, tiny portions, undercooked veg.
However, this is nothing compared to the ridiculous time taken to get served, even when there are only 4 other people at the bar. And it is almost rage-inducing when they then go to serve someone who arrives after you...
The staff should be checked for pulses.
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On a recent visit noted that they had a member of staff called "Snail"? Is this belated self-awareness or an in-joke.
Unsurprised that the pub was deleted from the Good Beer Guide. I've taken a vow of avoiding the cask after some very peculiar pints of both poor quality and apparent mislabelling...
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Great place to go if you like lack lustre food (the roast is straight from a pan, the vegetables straight from the deep fryer), waiting ages to be served by staff who don't really appear to even want to be there, and useless service.
It's an incredible shame that the basics of customer service can be so overlooked. They needn't have bothered refurbishing the place.
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Yeah this pub always has the same problem - too long to get served! I doubt the owners read this, but they really need to get more bar staff. They get enough customers in to justify it. Current staff are generally disinterested. They should have a separate food ordering service as this slows service down. Food is ok, but my friend took some food back once and was told that they didnt' put salt and pepper into food in case of allergies! The pub is lucky as it is in a prime location so sadly it probably doesn't need to worry too much about complaints...
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expensive, takes ages to get served! you do get alot of posh totty in here though, and they like a bit of rough, so ive heard!
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Stop trying to look cool and serve your customers.
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Convenient location for commuters, wide beer selection - including Fuller's ESB and TT's Landlord when I last dropped by - spacious but comfy atmosphere, nice food (though not as good as the food served in the nearby Bald Faced Stag). Staff seemed friendly enough. It can be very crowded at times but in mitigation that's probably inevitable given its location on the high street and next door to the Tube station.
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I Went in here last Night for a few on leaving the Station but give up after waiting ages to get served there was a queue at least three deep at the bar and only two staff serving whilst loads of staff were stood around in the cooking area doing nothing. I gave up after waiting over 10 Minuets and went too the Windsor Castle instead. I will try again some other time maybe But this seem always the same problem every time I go In. There is always a Lack of Staff & long queues to get served. It seems very badly designed the bar area its too small now compared too what it was years ago.
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Good enough but The Stag is better. Having said that The Stag does have its fair share of annoying locals - such as the chap who sits at the bar every afternoon drinking lager followed by rose wine. He's an odd little fella - he only seems capable of speaking to bar staff and, despite wearing Nike trainers and being in his 40s with a notable bald patch, still thinks he is God's gift (think a plumper version of Dev on Corrie). Anyways I digress.....actually now I come to think of it I may start going to the White Lion to avoid him. If you know who he is post something on here......
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A very nice and comfortable pub with a good selection of beers. Unfortunately though they are very expensive and served by some of the most uninterested bar staff you will ever meet.
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I've been going to this pub for a fair few years now, its one of my favourites. A good selection of beers and ciders, on tap and bottled. The wine list is quite varied also. The drinks arent cheap but nothing extortionate for london and the quality your getting. The food is good, modern gastro pub classics, done well but you pay for it.
The new management have redecorated and changed the vibe of the whole place somewhat. The pub is now an over 21s giving it a quiter feel and an older clientell base, this also means they have a more expensive selection of beers than they used to as the new clientle can afford it. If your under 21 and behave respectfully then the staff will sometimes let you stay, but reserve the right to throw you out. The decore is nice and warm, with half the pub being low lighting and mostly sofas and the other half brightly lit with miss matched wooden chairs around tables. There is a decent sized beer garden, with a large marquee section with heaters which is usually filled with smoking patrons. The bar staff are nice and friendly.
All in all a top pub.
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I think this place deserves more than some of the negative reviews on here. An overall nice vibe, and quite spacious too.
A thumbs up.
x
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A further visit at a slightly quieter time - and a recovery to a high standard of cellarmanship and service. Only complaint was that the pub was draughty and cold, but it was the middle of the cold snap of 2008/09.
Previous reviews have identified hit-and-miss experiences from me and others: having been imbued with the spirit of goodwill will continue to use the pub!
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A more recent visit before Christmas was less fortunate on the ale front. I took one beer back straightaway, and in fairness it was replaced without quibble; however its replacement, a guest ale, was little if any improvement. I was unable to finish this pint, and left it at my table on departure. I really hope this was an aberration.
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On the basis of the foregoing decided to give it another try - very difficult to pinpoint what exactly is wrong but it feels too soulless, bright and the service remained similarly slapdash. The standard chain "gastro" menu is not entirely inspiring. A good meeting point but not a destination!
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Enjoyable maiden visit last night. Found the pub in Camra's 2009 Good Beer guide and decided to give it a go.
I discovered a spacious welcoming hostelry comprising three distinct drinking areas, with the north wing of the building affording the most intimacy. Following a recent but sympathetic refurbishment the interior colour scheme is white and maroon, with plenty of exposed unpainted brickwork. Mainly low comfy seating and coffee-tables in the north and south wings of the house whilst the middle section offers high tables and raised pews. Bare floorboards throughout.
Subdued tungsten pendant lighting and de luxe warm white LEDs on the walls afford a cosy atmosphere within, whilst very tuneful and interesting choice of recorded music played without being too obtrusive. I found the staff to be very friendly and good-humoured.
Whilst food is served here � and my sample dish of smoked salmon p�t� and hot toast was perfect � drinkers-only are welcome in all sections of the pub. Food prices are very reasonable indeed with Sunday roasts under a tenner and most regular main courses are �6-�8 in price.
Last night there were five ales available plus a real cider from Weston�s. A quaffable pint of Everard�s �Wacko Jacko� Hallowe�en mild was followed by two perfect pints of Timothy Taylor�s �Landlord�. Also available and on good form was a keg from Meantime brewery in Greenwich complementing an interesting range of lagers.
The rock star photos mentioned in the Good Beer Guide are gone, but the following additional pub facilities should be noted;
� Films shown on big screen Sunday evenings
� Live music staged � check with pub for details
� Children admitted up to 1900 daily
� Dogs welcome
� Credit/debit cards accepted
It is well worth paying this pub a visit.
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For all those who have posted a poor comment in the last few months, highly suggest you pay a return visit. Food is wonderful, fresh and has that very home cooked feel, great vegetables, a rarity in a pub these days.
Inside very comfortable, with pleasant garden, lots of space and very clean.
Staff are first rate, ery friendly and helpful ( I am in a wheelchair and each visit staff very prompt with their assistance.) And they all SMILE!!!!!
One of the best pubs in North London!!
Thye had a party of at least 20 in today for lunch, but still produced a high level of service and a great Sunday Roast!!
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Recent "refurbishment" has not been too extensive - sadly the staff attitude that led to commnents below is back with a vengeance. To be accused of not knowing what you ordered when it's clear that the server is preoccupied with one knows not what is unacceptable - and the "new" menu is tired and quite expensive for what it is.
Will try again and attempt to find a member of staff without comprehension problems and a grudge against humanity...
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This has to be the worst pub I have ever been in!!
Toilets were overflowing and covered with graffiti.
I went to the bar, barman was incredibly slow, any slower and he would have been clinically dead, He didnt seem to be new. Few punters in front of me so waited my turn.
He then served people who arrived after me, the first one I let drop, when he served a second person, my protests were ignored. He then served this person a white wine, first glass was filthy, as was the second. When he pulled a third dirty glass from under the counter, I tapped my mate's shoulder and said lets go.
Maybe it was a bad time, but I wont be going back there.
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was in this pub two weeks ago. bar staff were good apart from one very rude man who instead of asking us did we know what we wanted, started saying 'well come on what do you want?'. nice! then he spent his whole time on his phone. great manners.. not!
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Really good real ales on here and a very nice beer garden.
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does anyone actually know what happened to the manager and his wife? i think they left, hope they doin well
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A great pub, just outside the tube station with a fantastic range of beers and well kept ales, the menu looks pretty nice too. Just one problem - the staff. They are invariably too busy chatting (or flirting) with each other, have no idea who is next to be served, have no sense of urgency and seem incapable of dealing with people. Landlord - kick this lot up the arse or get rid!!
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Typical openplan modernised North London pub; youngish custom; distinctly average Deuchars. Another very disappointing Good Beer Guide entry from this part of London.
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i used to live in the area around about 2001 and left again in 2003. this was before the pub had been done up (this happened about 4 months before i left)
the regulars got priority - but name me a pub that doesnt. there was a lovley scottish girl, not sure of her name, that worked behind the bar. i think she also lived upstairs too. the assistant manager was an awful scary woman with short hair and bad taste in clothes. brian was lovley as was josh. rarley seen the manager or his wife. ok pub for beer and food and was always made to feel welcome - but not a regular
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Not a too bad Pub Its in a good location & has reasonable Decor inside If a little bit on the dark side. Prices seem to have reduced a bit since I last used this pub over a year ago whitch is good news. Food is Good specilly the Sunday Lunch Has a good choice of Wines as well. The Only down side is the service is very slow takes ages to get served I still give it 6/10
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I made my first visit on New Year's Eve, and was very impressed. Food was excellent and they had a choice of six ales (and I don't class �2.80 a pint as sky high). I'd certainly come here again if I was in the area.
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Nice makeover - someone told me it cost 1/4 million quid.
But the prices are sky high and the bar staff don't give a damn. Still probably the best pub in the area - so much so that the Bald Faced Stag has copied the idea. (Take out the TV's, paint the walls brown and add a quid to the price of every pint.)
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Went in tonight on way home as I came out East Finchley Station before getting on 102 to Muswell Hill. Its still as Dull & Dreary as ever seems too dark & dank and the staff are Just too slow takes 10 Minutes or more just to get a pint and this was at 16:30 in the afternoon its God knows what its like on a busy evening. Now just a shell of the former original Great Pub that was the Old White Lion with three Bars. Its a real shame because this could be a Real good ale house with the right Management and maybe some Proper tables and chairs and some better Lighting.
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This pub had been going down hill. Its is now the best in the area (not difficult). I would go there a lot more if the staff gave a damn about the customers.
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Comments about the staff seem to be consistent in their slowness, and it must be said that the food and drink when it comes is adequate rather than special. Indeed, for a pub which is in the new GBG the quality of ale often leaves a great deal to be desired. Not quite as good as it thinks it is - it needs active management to remedy its deficiencies.
anonymous - 25 Nov 2007 22:46 |
After the Bald Faced Stag remodelled and now looks ;ike a sports bar chain, we found the OWL and love its kitchy decor. Food is good and New Years Eve Part's are great.
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Marvellous! I've been in twice over the last month, once when drunk at the end of a night out and once at the beginning. Both times, I was impressed with the selection of both food and drink on offer, and the beer garden feels cosier and more European than any other I've been to in London. Yes, the staff are a little slow but they appear to know their stuff, and generally the customers are quite laid-back and patient. A good 8/10 from me.
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Good food, great decor, has long been my favourite local but customer service lately has been shocking. Popped in on a quiet afternoon recently and was ignored for 10 minutes by bar staff member who was chatting on the phone. What a shame.
anonymous - 10 Sep 2007 21:38 |
I used to go in this pub in the early 80s when I was based At East Finchley Station it was Known as Platform 5 to us then. In them days it was 3 separate bars and a Much better Pub than now.
Its far To dull & dingy and the service is diabolical I waited at least 10 Min's to get served but then Again its not a proper Pub now its a glorified Restaurant selling beer far to expensive there only Interest seems to be selling over priced food.
I say Bring back the real Pub.
CAMRA LM.
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looks nice but the bar staff are terrible.. sorry guys!
anonymous - 31 Aug 2007 17:33 |
The manager actually complained that he had too many customers the other night, also about the fact that people were ordering drinks that were taking too long!
Sorry for the inconvenience.
anonymous - 21 Jun 2007 21:22 |
Great pub with a relaxing atmosphere. Food is nice, if over priced. A really good pub to enjoy with friends - bar staff in the main are great, although there is one particularly arrogant and obnoxious member of the team who does not appear to grace himself with a any customer service skills. It really lets the other staff down and has put me off returning. Shame. Maybe he will read this and self reflect on his attitude and approach to his customers...and his what feild of work means...HOSPITALITY
maren - 18 Jun 2007 13:16 |
Great if you dont mind waiting 20 mins for a beer and thats on a good day!
Go to "the alex" on fortis green.................
anonymous - 22 Apr 2007 15:15 |
Great choice of beer - Landlord or Deuchars - a nice big fire, sofas, and the food looks good too (though I go there for the beer!) Best pub int he area without a doubt, and worth making a detour for.
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I can see why some people would like this pub, but I�m afraid it did not take my fancy. It may have had something to do with the 20 year old hooray henrys sitting next to me that were bellowing so loud that I couldn�t hear myself think.
Maybe I�m being a little harsh on the pub as they cannot help this particular gripe, but I did find it sterile even if the Amstell and Star were very good.
I did like the weekly Roasting Times printed on the back of the food menu which listed all the current guest ales and times/entry fee/rules of the quiz and some other general info about the pub � great idea.
I would probably only go back if I was going to eat something as everyone else around me seemed to have gone for that reason.
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I find this pub really frustrating. It's a nice place for a drink, trendy bohemian decor, comfy sofas etc. They have a good range of interesting booze, the food is good if a little pricey for pub grub, friendly staff but...
They just don't see to be that bothered about running it well. When it's quiet the staff are pleasant but preoccupied with their own chat, when it's busy the place is woefully understaffed and it takes 20min to get a drink from an understandably stressed and bad tempered barman. When you've decided to have food the menu is never fully stocked (if a cook has turned up) to the point where we always take 3 choices to the bar with us.
I can't help but like the place, but the bad management makes me crazy!!!
Wooly - 28 Feb 2007 23:54 |
Nice pub, but could be even better. The decor and music are good, but the service is pedestrian even in the middle of the afternoon and the toilets are always a state. Food is good, but portions are small and overpriced. Still the best pub in East Finchley though.
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Very pleasant pub right next to the tube station. Good range of well kept beers; lots of comfortable sofas to sit in. An old pub that has been recently, and pleasantly, renovated. Definitely one to visit.
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Have to say I found it quite nice, it's had a full renovation so not many original fittings, but has relaxed low-lighting with comfy sofas, and good ales also. Avoids that overlit harsh feel that so many renovated pubs have. Didn't have food though.
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Used to be nice when I lived in the area, but a recent visit with 7 friends was terrible. We ordered food, which took ages to prepare, and when it came it was cold. But we could not bear waiting another hour for the food, or longer, so we ate it nonetheless. Portions were small, but the price was high, and stood in no relationship to quality and quantity.
I did not think staff was friendly or pro-active either. Not recommended.
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Must agree with cxe78 and Muzthing. Three behind the bar. Three in front of the bar. EIGHT minutes to get served.
No wonder it was quiet.
The Range of Belgian beers on draught is a con - they just can't be bothered to remove the old pumps.
Hoegaarden was in good nick though - and well (if somewhat belatedly) poured. Also served too cold - but that is standard in London so no further comment.
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This pub could make a lot of money out of me. But the bar staff are about as much use as a chocolate teapot.
Looks ace, wicked beer garden but you could die of thirst.
anonymous - 12 Jun 2006 17:47 |
I had a very pleasant visit one sunny evening. Appealing selection of fancy beers, cask ales, Belgians and draught lagers. The pub was populated by young professionals in their sharp suits enjoying after-work drinks. Everyone was having a nice time relaxing in the pleasant beer garden. The service was a little slow, but these things happen and I did enjoy my beer in the comfy upmarket surrondings.
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well done, you can tell its a bass house as they all look the same but fair enough, they are doing a great job.
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used to live in the area and frequented the pub many a time (this was 3yrs ago). mostly a regulars pub, food was ok, staff seemed ok, apart from a scary short haired girl (assistant manager think) she was quite grumpy. Seemed to have good clientel so suppose was ok apart from scary girl!!
anonymous - 9 Apr 2006 16:19 |
Great place since the refurb. Gone 'upmarket' without going to 'yuppy pub'. The non-smoking room is great - spacious with plenty of sofas/table. And the food is
(for most menu items) really good for pub food.
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This pub is excellent. Post refurbishment the management and staff have tried really hard to meet the needs of local pub goers.
Have just had the best sunday roast I've had since I left home twenty years ago, made all the better because the meat is marinated in one of the amazing beers they offer here. If you like Fosters and Kronenbourg, don't bother, but if you really know your ales from your lagers and your Kolsch from your Grolsch then look no further this pub is the real deal.
I get depressed when people lament the loss of a "real pub". Wake up this pub sells real beer and real food. The licensing laws are changing it's about time your expectations did too.
XXXXX
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much nicer now, but the service is appalling...
anonymous - 4 Dec 2005 12:26 |
lovely place. was ok before but post-refurb is very nice boozer. Great big no-smoking room, nice sofas, good range of beers, and decent burgers
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Recently re-opened following a refurbishment, and its certainly quite a bit trendier than it was before, as well as pricier. The food is good though, and there are some interesting beers and cider on tap. And its right beside the tube station which is handy!
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opened again, more gastro-pub-esque now
anonymous - 31 Jan 2005 13:32 |
Currently closed for refurbishment
anonymous - 18 Nov 2004 17:27 |
beer is good. london pride.
really comfortable armchairs and sofas. Nice garden.
two pool tables but the doors and windows at that end of the pub don't open, which is horrible in summer. staff seem pleasant enough.
andrew - 9 Jun 2004 00:43 |
Duncan from Blue used to be a barman here. Amazing - but true
anonymous - 2 Jun 2004 15:59 |
I used to work opposite this pub, it's large but without much soul or character. It has a big patio outside and comfy sofas inside which was nice for a lunchtime beer especially in the summer. The food wasn't all that wonderful apart from the chips which were big chunky ones served with pot of mayo. I hardly ever visited it after work however and preferred to walk up to Highgate as in the evenings the awful landlady used to appear behind the bar who scored a 0/10 for customer service as she was incredibly unwelcoming (never smiled or look pleased to see you)surly(didn't acknowledge you or even look you in the eye)grumpy(often snatched the note from your hand and would sigh a lot if you took longer than 3 seconds to find the right money)and would unfairly serve a couple of regulars who propped up the bar every day ahead of anyone who dared only to visit on a Friday after work, she may have left by now though as I haven't been there since I stopped working nearby. Handy for the station though!
EMMA - 16 Apr 2004 16:05 |
It's ok, good pub quiz, outside bit, not a huge amnount of atmosphere, but not much else in area that's better
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