please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Am sad that NW5 lost such an iconic place, but glad in part that it has reopened as a pub. It looks very pleasant as you'd expect.
However, although I like the pseudo-craft stuff they sell and will happily pay a bit more on occasion, I couldn't help but internally sigh on being asked for another 35p when handing over a fiver for my Camden Hells. This is what is becoming of so many pubs in London. Soaring rents price out leaseholders on the old characterful places, they're forced to close and pubcos/big brewers steam in. Emphasis on fancy food and beer with prices to match. This was once a rough-around-the-edges London gem. Now it's like all the rest.
R3NW5 - 15 Jul 2016 16:34 |
First visit today since the refurb/Youngs takeover. What used to be a splendid rel Irish pub, with a great live music venue attached has now been turned into a soulless gastro pub catering for the "Henry and Jemima" clientele who are willing to pay over £4.50 for a pint and over £12 for a burger (well it is artisan bread with hand crafted lentils). A great loss for the area.
|
According to CAMRA 'London Drinker' Aug/Sept 2015 (v37n4) this reopened April 2015 after its refurb.
"To the consternation of music fans, the venue (former billiard room) is now used for dining. . . .Boulogne Bar cocktail lounge upstairs. Wells Young's Bitter, Special and seasonal, plus a guest, e.g. Redemption."
Happy memories of several gigs here in the '80s, hope they can be reinstated some time.
|
Closed .Hopefullly the sign is correct and it will reopen.
Fond memories of this place as a pre gig watering hole going back to the mid 80s.If it stays shut, i will sulk!!!!
|
A massive non-handlers lair
|
Now closed.
|
My venue of choice for a post-gig drink after a visit to the Forum almost next door. Proper old London pub with proper old London landlord. Excellent unspoilt interior and a nice mixture of punters.
|
A real Jekyll and Hyde of a pub,well on a Saturday anyway.I like to spend a whole afternoon,with my head in the guardian while drinking one of the best kept Guinness in North London.Even though there"s usually a tv on for the horse racing, the pubs big enough to find a wee nook and not be distracted too much if thats what you want.A pub with a community feel to it with a regular clientele who are welcoming bunch,a real nice vibe all round.Then round about 6 o clock on Saturday gig nights it seems to be handed over to the kids,and we oldish codgers make way.
|
I came here a few years ago for a gig and remember having a good time and enjoying a decent pint of beer (Shepherds Neame?). A recent visit was miserable. The old brass behind the bar got both orders we made wrong and argued that she was right. The till was set up to input a final total only, so the prices were always different as she added the rounds up in her head. The pint of Camden Bitter I tried was poured from two pumps from around the far left of the bar; not sure why and i'm not sure if I got a mixture of Camden and London Pride. The bitter was pretty poor, but the following pint of Pride was rank and I actually spat out the first sip. It was cold and dank inside with a group of old Guiness sipping locals huddled around the TV at the right of the bar watching 'Deal Or No Deal'. Arse!
|
Really enjoyed my quick visit here before going to a gig at thr forum. Beer very good, great atmosphere and excellent service despite it being packed.
|
Popped in for a quick pint before going to a gig at the forum on a busy Saturday night.
Only had a lager so can't comment on the quality of the beer but from what I could see it looked good quality. Really impressed that despite being busy the service was very good and quick.
Pub itself is nice and had some great banter with locals.
What really impressed me was the response of the bar staff when I managed to drop a full bottle of orange juice I was passing to my my wife all over a bar stool. No moaning or rolling of eyes, there was a fresh bottle on the bar before I could pick up the original and they refused to accept any extra payment. A little touch but very good customer service you don't get in m=other pubs.
|
The Basss was awful, but check out the interior of this pub. Friendly landlord.
|
Called in before a concert at the HMV forum . A decent pint but the service was terrible. The bar man who appeared to be in charge was particularly rude and another bar tender was confused by our order of a Carling and a Bass. Will not be calling again. the Assembly House nearby is far superior.
|
Awesome pint of Guinness here prior to a gig at the forum.
Landlord was very smiley and friendly and didnt seem put off by the hordes of Goths and Metallers beseiging his pub.....
cufc4 - 24 Jul 2010 22:58 |
Dubious interior, bar staff brusque but generally efficient. Drank Newcastle Brown as the previous pub (Assembly Rooms) 10 minutes earlier had beer so shockingly awful I couldn't bring myself to try the Bass they had on offer here. Not the greatest, but it doesn't need to be with the aforementioned dump in close proximity.
|
So - So.
|
Traditional ornate Victorian pub on the main road just north of Kentish Town tube.
There is much here for the connoisseur of traditional pub architecture to admire - etched glass, mirrors and Corinthian columns, although I did find the colour scheme ( the Corinthian columns and the pub exterior are painted blue ) a bit difficult to warm to. Note the impressive decorated archway between the two main drinking areas and several impressive mirrors indicating that this pub was ( or is?) a Lynskeys Free House. The bar gantry indicates that it was formerly a Charringtons House.
The pub is listed in CAMRA's London Regional Inventory of Unspoilt Interiors.
My recent Saturday morning visit found the pub advertising two real ales - Bass and Toby - at prices of � 1.50p and � 1.00p respectively between the hours of 12 and 5 pm. The Bass was on reasonable form. Surprisingly, I didn't notice any other drinks being offered at "happy hour" prices.
Despite the pub's impressive architecture, I have to say that I found the whole visit experience slightly depressing. Some of the pub seats are very well worn indeed and the pub gives off a definite air of neglect. In addition, although the 2nd Rugby Test between South Africa and the British Lions was in progress, the pub was only showing horse racing. This was being watched by approx half a dozen or so locals huddled round a smallish screen in one corner of the bar. Apart from them - and yours truly for a while - the pub was deserted.
The pub is a famous live music venue with a separate entrance next door which I didn't go in.
In conclusion, unless you're either coming for a gig, or you're a big fan of ornate pub architecture, this pub has little to offer and you'll probably want to give it a miss.
|
Was in here yesterday Afternoon.
Great Guinness, and pleasant locals.
All topped off with a friendly decent barman
|
Me and this Pub go back years,24 to be precise. I love it,holds loads of good memories for me.
As a pre Camden Town Drink
A pre Town and Country club(as it was then) drink, or a night in here before sounds effects
An odd mix of Middle aged Irish regulars, their Cockney counter parts,non muggy punks, smartly dressed skinheads or later indie kids
All good stuff
|
Reasonably good pub with Bass and interesting decor, also a venue in its own right as well as being practically next door to the Forum.
|
Is it true this place is up for sale? Reasonable service and beer. Interior decor is ok, outside could be improved.
|
This is one of the better boozers in Kentish Town. A very average selection from behind the bar, but the 2 experienced barmen/govs did a sterling job serving the rush of punters as I walked in. The pool table was out of use and covered up as the pub was busy and the TV isn�t the greatest, but the pub has some charm. The Bass was on during my visit, but I opted for the �3.05 Fosters.
Kentish Town isn�t a place that I actively seek out for a drink, but I wouldn�t mind going here again.
|
Traditional style with columns and etched windows. One barman for an hour last night ?? However he coped remarkably well on his own. Place was packed but comfortably so. Don't come from this area but if i ever returned it would be to the Bull and gate.
|
Apart from the lack of real ales, it a nice comparatively unspoiled old pub. Prices aren't too bad for London.
The music venue part is a typical Camden style dive though, but I guess many people wouldn't want it any other way. Some proper air conditioning would be nice though (most other Camden dives have it now) as it can get very hot and sticky in there is it's crowded. And also, since the smoking ban came in IT SMELLS! As a non smoker the smoking ban is good from my point of view, but the old stink of stale tobacco did at least tend to cover up many other unpleasant smells in music venues. At least the toilets don't reek like the Water Rats or Underworld though.
There were worries about the pub's future as it has been for sale, but it's now a listed building and whoever buys it has to keep the pub and music venue downstairs going so it's future seems assured.
|
One of London�s (and indeed the UK�s) most acclaimed music venue pubs and fully justifying its reputation. The bright blue exterior with its ornate lettering is a relic from the days when pubs were designed to impress and whilst the interior is, shall we say, stylishly tatty, it retains plenty of interesting features; decorative columns, coloured glass, bar frame, patterned mirrors etc. A couple of well placed plasma screens often show sport and there is a pool table although the logistics of playing it during the busier periods are not good. On the beer front, there is Bass on hand pump but, and this appears to be a recurring problem, it was not available on my recent trip. The rest is of the standard keg and lager selections although prices are very reasonable given the usually inflated prices whenever live music is a feature.
The music venue itself is completely separate from the main body of the pub and has hosted many a famous upcoming band over the years. It is accessed through the Venue door to the left of the pub or via the toilets from the inside. A corridor leads to a sort of anti room with a skylight and access to an extension of the main pub bar. The venue itself is through the battered and sticker laden doors and is a typically dark, dingy and often stiflingly hot room. The stage is a decent size and sightlines very good, as is the sound and lighting.
The popular Forum music venue is a barely a drum roll away and the B&G naturally gets packed to the rafters prior to gigs. Sadly, the future of the pub is in some doubt so if you want to get to one of London�s must visit pubs, pick a gig and go for it before it�s too late.
|
a superb pub, in what is a terrifying area. even on a sunday, a large number of people were there. despite sinking into a cavanous hole in my seat, and having a beer mat thrust into my mouth by a so called friend, a wonderderful time was had. the tables made for excellent beer curling arenas, and the prices of said beer were reasonable. not the place for the ale lover, with none on sale, not even for the cider lover, with none in the music venue area at least. hillarious locals, and good music; especially from harry and the endersons.
|
We were in this pub after the Pigeon Detectives on 23/11/07 and must say it was a good pub, but no real ale!!! Really disappointing and according to one of the locals the ale has been off for a while. Nice pub and not too overprivced, especially for London.
|
Of the 4 pubs I visited in North London this weekend this was the only one that wasn't over priced, had bag thieves,or poor service.
This is a pub.Clean, beautifully decorated, good beer, straightforward bar-staff.
If you and your friends can't have a good time here. Trust me it's your fault.
anonymous - 10 Jun 2007 21:07 |
Best pub in Kentish Town by a long long way.
All the other are either pretentious or rough and this is neither.
And it doubles up as one of the best music venues in London!
Genius!!!
|
Nice place, decent pint.
|
I came here at the weekend for the Sludgefeast gig and was very pleasantly surprised - a music venue in London that actually sells decent beer?? At a reasonable price??? Strange but true.
|
Some great gigs in the back of this boozer which people often forget to mention. The likes of Keane (spit), Coldplay and Muse all played here before making it super-big, in the latters case to one man and his dog (true!). Good TV coverage for football evenings and some tasteful stuff on the jukebox The Fall, Smiths. Mark E Smith used to drink in here before Fall gigs in the Forum (venue almost next door). Well recommended for a non-pretentious North London Camden-esque gig night out.
|
Went here on the 10th feb before going to the "magic numbers" gig at the forum.Full of character and a good atmosphere me and the other half stuck to the Guinness a good drop of the black stuff although mine kept being served in a john smiths glass!.another good point they sell Tayto crisps .
|
wonderfull old fashioned boozer, lots of architecture to drool over and curiously lumpy seats.
|
Somehow forgot to review this gem of a pub until now. Yes, it is pricey but it's a really fantastic old school pub with a cosy atmosphere and appearance. The drinks are good which helps compensate for the price and the Staropramen is particularly lovely. Bar staff are efficeint and reasonably friendly.
Also you get the option of the Chronicles of Narnia style experience of enetring the gents and coming out the other side in an excellent live music venue. The venue has it's own bar and fortunately the same prices and quality and retains a lot of the charm of the pub area but is also an outstanding place to watch up and coming bands.
Sadly the place is up for sale at the moment and rumours persist that this historic pub may soon be redeveloped beyond all recognition and lose it's current charm and it's status as a vital venue on the London Live Music scene. Enoy it whilst you still can!
|
Not bad, but a little over priced for the atmosphere.
anonymous - 12 Oct 2005 22:03 |
was there last saturday with a mate while our repective girlfriends went to see cradle of filth up the road.
personally i thought the beers were a little over priced, even for london prices, the barstaff seemed to do a fair immitation of Brad Pitts character from snatch in that i couldnt understand a word they said.
still, not a bad little pub for a pre gig drink i guess.
|
Serves a decent pint of Stella and Bass, but when the music starts it is time to go.
|
quite a nice pub
|
Great pub. Sadly, owners Pat and Margaret are selling up and retiring after 15 years.Probably Murphy the hole-in-the -road man will continue his stealthy take-over of Kentish Town.
Paul the obnoxious barman is a.k.a."Musso" for Mussolini.
anonymous - 19 Dec 2004 13:05 |
Good pub to go before a gig, went there before seeing The Libertines at the Forum last December. Couldn't say what it was like otherwise but great atmosphere in there then. Definitely reccomended pre-gig.
|
Bless the summer of '88!
A dingy hole of a pub/venue - you gotta love it.
Not a terrible chippy next door either.
|
I saw the Libertines queuing up to see a band in here once! Great for a guinness or two b4 going into the Forum (only a stones throw away!)
Carla - 4 Sep 2004 15:45 |
the most charmingly miserable barman's name is paul and recently he helped me to win �100 so I can highly reccomend to check him out!!
agnieszka - 30 Jun 2004 20:11 |
Chris certainly knows what hes talking about re 'The most charmingly miserable bar man'
other quips that have been heard from his charming mouth have been 'jeez will you look at the lungs on that' But no he isn't the landlord thank god.. he's a lot more of an amiable chap ala King of the Hill's Hank.. so even if you dont spot any minor celebs (Dave from chas and Dave) you've always got the look a likes !
Patricia - 16 Jun 2004 16:15 |
This is a pretty decent pub. I always have fun here and its great for a drink before going to gigs. Come try.
Mark Roberts - 22 Mar 2004 04:21 |
Its all good in here. Can't fault it!!!!!
Paul - 22 Mar 2004 04:04 |
Nice pub. Not much in the way of seating but there is a cosy booth by the door. Can get a bit packed when a popular band are playing but generally an ok place.
Go here instead of the Assembly House and don't forget to try The Pineapple a few minutes walk away.
Steve - 18 Mar 2004 14:55 |
This is the best pub in London! Never mind Camden! What more could you want? Excellent pool table, decent jukebox (if you don't mind a few Irish classics as well) the beer is perfectly served especially the guinness! And they've also added extra cold to their vast selection. In terms of the punters you could meet absolutely anyone in this place. From the very friendly locals, to the array of goths, skater kids, punks and even minor celebs that flow through those magical wooden doors.
Brendan - 15 Feb 2004 14:28 |
This is the best pub in Camden for goth/punk bands. The beer is ok but if your gagging for a pint at opening time avoid this place. They have no sense of time.
Gary - 12 Dec 2003 15:41 |
A very good pub for anyone into Metal, Punk, Goth music. Weekends are best and its a good one to add to a Camden pub crawl.
|
