please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub is shit if you are not a chav. Ok to visit in the summer if you sit outside minding your own business, but you'd be better off at Big Red down the road
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Very traditional Irish pub on the Holloway Road. A splendid interior with tremendous old mirrors and advertising glassware made for a nicely relaxing place for a pint of Guinness and a quick catch up on the football Saturday afternoon.
A number of locals were enjoying what looked like good wholesome food and there was a plesant atmosphere. No real ale unfortuntely.
Towards the back of the pub is a small stage and dancefloor, I can imagine it getting pretty busy on a Saturday night. The toilets have sensor driven music so I could pit stop to James Brown and the Cure!
At the front of the pub is a plesant covered terrace.
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The Quays used to be great for watching the football. Sadly a bad experience my friends and I had a couple of weekends ago have ruined my view of The Quays. We were charged �5 on entry in return for food or drinks coupons (presumably to avoid overcrowding on what would have been a fairly big match day) As expected on a busy day, there were no seats inside, so we stood for the duration of the game and decided to use our vouchers when it had finished to get some food. What they didn't explain when taking our �5's on the door was that these vouchers were only valid until 5pm (it was 5:30 when we eventually got seated and ordered our food) the staff were very rude and refused to give us refunds and wouldn't even apologise for not making it clear the vouchers were only valid until 5pm.
On top of that a friend of mine waited 20 minutes at the bar before getting served. The staff were absolutely hopeless and just kept ignoring him. The more he tried to get their attention, the more they ignored.
I certianly will not be going back.
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Decent pub. Full of filth on the dancefloor, ladies out number guys by about 4 to 1, so you will have a high chance of getting a bit of filth. Drinks are expensive (2 beers, 1 G&T, 2 shots came to �20) but the staff and doorman are friendly. Place doesnt get swining till after 11, so dont get here too early
Will defo go back again, with a bit more money in me pocket!
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Went in last night and there was a great band on - if the quality of the music is this good every week then I'll be coming back. Not much change out of a tenner for two pints though.
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Not half bad! better than the claddagh
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Didn't really recognise the below reviews from my visit on a quiet Tuesday night - looked quite a nice place with a pleasant interior and uplifting blue-painted exterior; I thought it captured the look of a proper Irish pub quite nicely. Quite friendly inside and I noticed lots of locals eating in there. I'd return, I think.
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absolute dump. nothin but wannabe tramps in it gagging for any (irish) male attention. staff are excellent but thats all it has going for it.
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Gutted! What has happened to my fav pub? The glory days are defo over. Its turned into a real meat market, with horrible, sleazy men trying to get a cheap feel. Staff and doormen are useless and the bands are not up to the standard of yesteryears.... The Quays has had its day....
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if u want a slapper this the ideal place
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Only good if you've had one too many and can't be bothered going somewhere better.
Mix of chavs and slappers on the dancefloor.
Had no problem with the service or the doormen, though. Let us in even though we were three sheets to the wind.
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This pub is lame was good 4 a fat dirty session years ago but shit service has ruined the place. and the bouncers r knobs get told of 4 sneezing in tat gaff now. anywhere is betta.
Reily - 25 Apr 2007 00:13 |
Good food, OK beer/Guinness, I like the decor, and if you're going there for sport on the TV or a lively time then you've gone to the right place. St Patrick's Day, 2002, I went in there with �4.80 in my pocket at lunchtime. Ended up leaving at kicking out time feeling pretty pleased with myself.
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I've got at flyer for St. Pat's here and there is no mention of tickets. Line up is 1-3pm Bregain, 4-6pm Behans (ex Shane McGowan band), 7-9pm Emerald Dogs and 10-Closing Evil Puppies.
Hope yis all have a wicked St. Pats. I'll be there with a sweaty, steaming bog maggot face on me! xx
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anyone know if its tickets on st pats?
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the hansberry will be making an appearance at the quays over christmas after his world tour.
he cannot wait to be back drinking double vodka and orange at the very reasonable prices the quays has.
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its like going back in time. The 4am openening is cool but brings alot of old slappers as usual pouring in at midnight. DJ Terry plz plz get a grip & do a decent sound for the great bands you get in there, even the lead singer was having major probs with his sound. Still nice work if u can get it at his age I guess.
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4AM!!!!
its going to be a very good christmas!!!
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I never knew DJ Terry had his own website. Let us know what it is so we can have a look. I went to the Quays last week and DJ Terry confirmed he is back for good - THANK GOD!!!!!!!! The Quays is now open until 4am on a Saturday - God help us!!!!!! There was a good crowd in on Saturday so I think the crowd will be back. It was great to hear DJ Terry again. Has the DJ Phil gone to the Claddagh then I wonder??? I just hope the late opening does not attact the really drunk eejits at 2am but I am sure the doormen will be very good at who they let in in what state.
Well done Finbar for getting the Quays back to what is used to be - lets hope it lasts.
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according to dj terrys official website (in a news flash no less) terry returned to the quays on the 10th november.
anyone know if this is a permanant move?
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We have NEVER heard DJ Terry play Reet Petite and if he did it would have been on a Sunday night for Karaoke when CERTAIN losers would request to sing it. Ummm wonder who they could be.... I agree a mixture of songs is required but Reet Petite and YMCA are in the no go area!!!!! I did not state in my review I visit the Lord Nelson I said before long it will turn out to be just like it - big Irish pub which has seen better days........ bit like a few people going into the Quays at the moment by the sounds of it hey!!!!!!!!!!!
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Have to agree to disagree with you. As I said I have been going there since 1996 & yeah DJ Terry did often play Ymca ,Reet Petite and the usual dodgy Irish tunes too. But its nice to have a good mix. Of course everyone entitled to their musical perferences but you can not be selfish & think only of yourself. And if you have frequented the Lord Nelson all I can say is opps did you get lost or what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
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Well Murf - We did mention in our review how great the Quays WAS and yes it WAS the best spot in North London for a good night out. We too agree that the doormen are very friendly and are good at their jobs where fights etc are concerned. However, a night spent in the Quays now compared to a year ago are totally different. There are approx. half the amount of people going and the atmosphere has totally GONE. You state how much you enjoy DJ Phil but it was DJ Terry (who never played YMCA or Reet Petite) who got the crowds in and that is exactly what he is doing now at the Claddagh. Am sorry but DJ Phil needs to change his tune (tunes!!!) or that place will end up like the Archway and the Lord Nelson in Holloway Road.
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I have been a regular at the Quays for the past 10 years ( formerly known as Burkes). I think when writing a review its important to give the reader a review of the whole pub. Firstly the Quays has an excellent atmosphere & great food served daily. Bar staff and door men very friendly. Its at the weekend when it really comes alive. The Quays is the best live music venue in North London.Friday and Saturday you can listen to the most amazing bands and after that you can be taken into oblivion with the most wicked sounds from the excellent resident DJ Phil. His music collection seems infinite. He is definitely the best DJ I have heard in the Quays in the decade I have been going to the venue. Its one of the few venues left that you get a huge range of ages and indeed cultures hence the DJ's great mix of music to suit all ages. But you will always get the few begrudgers.........more apt to be called in-your-craic. The only criticism I have about the Quays is I wish the DJ play could longer, the music stops around 2.30am & we could go on dancing all night. So for a great night out its definitely worth a visit & you will definitely be back again & again & again.
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hey cool place for a wicked night out firday or saturday. great bands and a dj who plays great tunes old and new, we will be back.
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After going to the Quays for years I think it is at last time to give up. DJ playing Reet Petite 4/5 weeks ago was bad but after being in Ireland for a few weeks I was back on Saturday for him to play "YMCA" I mean come on get a life!!!!!!!!Does Finbar pay this fella or is the DJ doing community service?
Plus there was about 10 people upstairs.......... Dont think it will be long before it closes or changes hands. Bring back DJ Terry and it may come back.
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This place has gone downhill. It used to be great on a saturday nite. Not sure why. Where is there to go now??????
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The barman was a right bollox. It nearly broke his heart to open the fridge and get out a barcardi breezer for me. Getting a second one off him would have been too hard so I left.
anonymous - 16 Sep 2006 22:46 |
people seem to be leaving the quays and going elsewhere. (possibly the claddagh?)
i too was surprised by the cards being handed out for free entry before eleven.
maybe they should reduce entry prices to 3 quid rather than 5.
saw a fight break out last saturday on the dancefloor and it was very quiet for a saturday night. i remember when it used to be rammed at the weekend.
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O MY GOD what has happened to the Quays? My friends and I have been going here since it opened & have had some of the best nights ever in here talking rubbish to young paddies fresh over on the boat. The last 3 months it has just gone downhill so much. Moving DJ Terry to the Claddagh Ring is the worst thing they could have done. Never did I think I would see the day when they would be giving out cards at the door for free entry before 11. I knew it had lost it when I was there a few weeks ago and the new DJ played "WAIT FOR IT - REET PETITE� - Can you believe it REET PETITE - What next Especially for you by Kylie and Jason? Please no more rubbish songs. Bring back DJ Terry PLEASE!!!!!!!!! � we want to hear the Hills of Donegal and Streets of New York!!!!!! Have started going up to O�Neills Leicester Square and Islington to have the craic and to tell more lies to innocent Irish lads as they seem to be leaving the Quays in huge numbers.
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I suppose it depends what you're after but this place is a right laugh. No further analysis needed.
anonymous - 2 Aug 2006 11:36 |
yes the quays is no good if you take yourself too seriously.
it is what it is.
its not trendy.
its not full of "gangstas".
its not full of posers.
its music policy is odd and random and cheesey (the nights not complete unless you hear some RnB, the fields of athenry and whitney)
the age range is 18 - 80 (and sometimes higher).
you get hassled by illegal cab drivers who it is then obligatory to wind up by asking to go someplace far away, haggling them down to a low price for a good 10 minutes and then just walking away saying you had no intention of getting a cab anyway and you just wanted to waste their time.
but thats why its so good - there is no where else like it.
if you cant understand that im sure theres an oneils somewhere thats good for you.
and despite what "anonymous" says ive never seen any trouble in there.
the quays is great, you just dont understand it.
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At last someone said it (anonymous - 25 Jul 2006 15:31).
Drink and debauchery is the theme here at the weekend. The blokes aren't up to much and the music is so old.
anonymous - 27 Jul 2006 10:57 |
I love the quays!
full of beautiful, classy woman who are also interesting and lady-like in manner
I also find the male clientele to be peaceful bunches that are both hip and intelligent at the same time; no chavs in here thank you very much
more than anything I like the friendly feel and the bouncers are a laugh-a-minute always very friendly and courteous when entering and leaving the premises
Its never overcrowded and the staff are always happy to you
and the music?! well you can't go wrong with Whitney Houston�s classic, �I wanna dance with somebody� can you
okay, if you were dumb enough to believe any of the above then please go as you will feel right at home
DIVE
anonymous - 25 Jul 2006 15:31 |
as much as he may deny it the hansberry has had a long term love affair with the quays.
it all started with an inital appreciation for dj terry the then resident dj. his mix of funky hits from the 70's, 80's 90's and naughties and his refusal to play any smiths made him a hit with the then young and impressionable hansberry.
he then fell in love with the venue itself. given his fondness for vodka and orange he was alway likely to get a bargain in the quays, especially if drinking doubles. �6.50 is cheap!
shenanigans outside with jurisdiction just cemented the affection the hansberry felt for north londons premier nightspot.
Long live the quays!
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hansberry doesn't miss the quays though!!!
long live the hansberry!!
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the quays misses hansberry
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Once went there when it was BJ Burke's, a pub cum family restaurant. Better than the Hercules.
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A pub which looks like it could be a cracker.Its cosy at the front,with a large (dance) floor at the rear.
The back room was being used for a kerryoake.Unfortunately the decent sound system made the caterwauling even clearer than normal...NOT a good thing!
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is it tickets only on st pats?
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Been going here on and off for years, but its become a bit ropey of late (bit meat marketish). That said, its still great for a good ol' pishup and defo best pub in North London. Whatever happened to Tommy the barman, lost his number.......when I returned a few months later he'd left :(
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Impressive building that the owners have sought to make the most of. Very good when it's a little quiter in the daytimes/early evening and you can get a seat. Huge screen for sports with several smaller TVs spread liberally throughout the venue which gives everyone a chance to see. Bar service varies greatly in speed but is always friendly. Beer is good qaulity, and the food is well worth a punt but both tend to be very expensive. Live bands on weekends are normally of a very high standard and their performance is broadcast on the TVs around the venue so you don't all have to pack into the stage area. Downstairs is a very nice dark wood type affair with traditonal style pub tables and charis, upstairs is a modern area that is more like a bar than a pub and is very comfortable indeed.
Can and frequently does get absolutely rammed on Friday/Saturday nights and can become a bit of a cattle market full of young drinkers looking to cop off with someone or have a punch up(fortunately mostly outside afterwards and not in the pubitself), all of which is fine if you like that sort of thing but it won't be to everyone's taste and is best avoided at these times if that's not your scene.
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the mcguire will be gracing the quays with his presence this coming saturday with any luck.
�7.50 for a double vodka redbull. what a bargain!
its just not the same without the hansberry.
i am hoping to see some of the tully brigade down there.
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the mcguire is a man of varied tastes and venues i heard. quite the sophisticated guinness drinker and appreciator.
�4.50 for a pint bottle of magners? it was pricey even when there was no where else serving it but pretty much every pub in london serves it now.
il get word to him to pop down for a few jars.
the quays misses hansberry.
and dj terry is amazing!
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Usually good on a Sat but a bit hit and miss on Friday. Friendly crowd always someone you recognise from the circuit but not seen McGuire down there for a while
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Norf London chavs?How dare they go in a pub in north London.It is a nicely done up pub but can get too packed at weekends the doormen seem to cram in as many people as they can so it gets a sardine tin feel to the place and can get very hot in there.
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A really good pub. Enjoyed the GAA in here during the summer, and the Sunday dinner is good too. Bar staff are very friendly, good service. A few Norf Landan chavs about but sure that's life. Bit pricey too.
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the quays misses hansberry.
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it was alrite... crowd was fun...alot of dancin..but that night ireland won in the rugby...!
i went with a group.. 5 girls and 4 boys....
everything seemed cool...well...errm cant really remember...lol...not a good comment aye?
a lil fight broke out with the youths across the road...
errm theres like 3 bars.. 1 downstairs 2 up... 3 seperate rooms...and on 2nd floor u can look down from the balcony and watch the band on staff or directly down on the dance floor...
gud laff an di recommend it 6/10
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fantastic venue but get's too over crowded at weekends, The new door staff are sleazy, asking for kisses for free entry in the future! Yes its true!!
Bring back the old bouncers, friendly not rough and did a good job. Food is fab and reasonably priced. Good live bands and a good DJ but there's never enough space to dance. Bring back the old Archway Tavern downstairs
anonymous - 19 Sep 2005 16:31 |
On a Friday/Saturday night this is a full-on drinking & pulling dive. Very very crowded.......leaves yr taste/morals/girlfriend outside...........
anonymous - 14 Sep 2005 12:07 |
Yes, a jewel in the dust!
The Quays is a great pub.
Excellent food at decent prices, but you need to time carefully if you are planning a meal because of the sport, (Arsenal Games) that are shown there.
You won't get much peace when they are on!!
Otherwise, this is a very highly rated pub to eat and for entertainment in the area.
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dj terry is WITHOUT DOUBT the finest dj to ever grace a mixing desk.
i LOVE him!
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went there on paddys nite what a kip they told us before they wouldn't charge us in and of course they did at 7pm walked in couldn't hardly move in the place full of chavs and drunken lunos ready to start a fight ..i've been before its a nice place during the week nites for a chat for us girlies the talent is fairly bad though sorry ...bit of a rough crowd but friendly barstaff esp male ones and nice decor
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Probably the best place on the holloway road on a saturday night, however the downside is that it gets packed quickly.
Friendly barstaff and the food is great, we normally start our night off here and then head up to the archway tavern for cheekos where theres always plenty room
anonymous - 5 Apr 2005 22:42 |
the quays is a livley pub.
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i love the quays! its the best night out in north london! i always go with all my mate and get really drunk!
the bands are always brilliant and there is always loads of fit honeys in there.
all those people slagging it off dont know what they are talking about. the quays is the most fun you can have in london. its cheap as well compared with the west end.
i go there every week and i will never get tired of it.
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Im another tully and have to say this is the place to go after north finchley on a sat night. This place has brought me back from the depths of depression and is a true escape from Oneils in Finchley which is now home to the finest chav wannabes ever.
If you havent been to the QUAYs you have missed some of the finest music ever played - I always have that song "we're on the road again" running through my head on a Monday morning and it reminds me that there is only 6 days to go till I am in my home - the QUAYS!!! I spend all my money there and dont mind it one bit as it is the best night ever and you are guaranteed to pull.
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Defo the place to be on a sat nite!!! i have been nuff times and its alwayz bang'n and i've never had anything less than a great nite!!
All the fellas are fine and the music is neva a let down.
Ok the drinks are a bit on the steep side but its sooooo worth it and if it was'nt no one would go there and it would be the best pub this side the water.
Im there on xmas eve hav'n it large (40%)!!
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QUOTE: "if you enjoy cockenys singing irish rebel songs and being charged west end prices it'll be right up your street"!
Stop talking about the tully and the ginty!
anonymous - 7 Dec 2004 21:24 |
C U In There Sweetheart!
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this is without doubt the finest pub to ever exist in the history of the world.
it attracts the finest clientele from north london and afar and has a brilliant music policy of having a live band and then playing the same cd every week.
for the past 3 years.
a pint of magners at 4.50, a double vodka and red bull 7.50. BARGAIN!
watch out for the dodgy cab drivers outside. a fun game after a night on the beer is to ask how much to go somewhere really far (southend for example) and then spend ages haggling with them. when u finally agree on a price just say "no i dont want it now" and walk off. you have had a laugh and wasted the time of a dodgy illegal cab driver in the process.
when approached about the illegal cab drivers outside by a fellow quays regular, a bouncer replied that it was "out of his jurisdiction". to which my fellow quays regular drinker forcably urged the bouncer to do something about the situation. he was then told again by the bouncer that it was "out of my juristiction".
if ur ever in holloway road check it out. if you enjoy cockenys singing irish rebel songs and being charged west end prices it'll be right up your street.
they should play the fields of athentry a bit more tho.
il see you there soon tully dear.
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I absolutly love this place, Ive had some of the best weekends of my life in there. I once went eight weeks in a row (how proud am I!)
Some times it feels like las vegas in the hills of donegal! Its good cause there are loads of half filled drinks left at the bar which I can drink when I spent me money!
Have to say hello to Jurisdiction (bouncer) good friend of mine, good looking phella that he is! They don't play the fields of athenty quite enough for my liking. But thats the only downside for me. In fact im thinking about having my wedding reception there, and maybe even the ceremony! Prices are very reasonable �4.50 for a bottle of magners!
This is truely the most wonderful place on gods earth, i highly recommend it, you haven't lived till you've quaysed it up!. It gets the tully thumbs up ;)10/10 on the tully-o-meter. This is tullys top tip!
Love tully xxxx C U iN There!
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Not a bad boozer, nice and clean and friendly. Price of food is reasonable compared to some pubs in the area. Well worth the visit will go back again in the not to distant future.
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Not the most obivous place to go for lunch but the food here is REALLY GOOD! Quays is good, going there tonight actually. It can get rammed on the weekend. When you go there, order a Fat Frog!!! Yum!!
CL - 24 Jul 2004 16:42 |
This is a Genuine Oirish Pub. If you like that sort of thing, go here. The food is serviceable, the Guinness average. They do have a very large TV screen, and is probably the best place to watch Arsenal in the area.
If you want a proper Irish pub, however, go in the Crown a minute's walk towards Archway, on the other side of the road.
A.B.R. - 15 Jul 2004 15:21 |
great pub. im something of a regular. we travel from north finchley to it which is a few miles - which indicates how high we regard it.
service can get a little slow on fri and sat nights and the prices can be a bit expensive (i think i paid 3.10 for a blue wkd), but the staff are friendly and the craic is great on the weekend.
really nice atmosphere and the live bands at the weekend are a nice touch when most places just put a cd.
i highly reccommend a visit.
anthony - 24 May 2004 21:02 |
The Quays is my second home! I love it! I get steamin there very weekend because the shots are great. Aine is fit and clodagh pulls a good pint we love it no better place to get steams. The bouncers are not as cute as before but if your desparate these lads will do. BEST CRAIC IN LONDON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THE QUAYS HOLLOWAY ROAD ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I LOVE DRINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GETS STEAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GET CARRIED OUT BECAUSE YOU CANT WALK BECAUSE OF ALL THE SHOTS YOU HAVE DRANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WE LOVE THE QUAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
poogas and sue - 25 Feb 2004 18:58 |
Without a doubt one of the best Irish pubs in London if not England. You can tell they've spent shedloads of cash on the place, but it has the desired affect! Stunning inside, great food, several TV's to watch the sport (Irish&English at the same time, good stuff) Absolutely huge screen downstairs! Live music, friendly staff and reasonably priced. Only gripe is it can get pretty packed at the weekend but that's surely a sign of a good pub? Truly a great pub!
Brendan - 15 Feb 2004 15:28 |
Great Pub, but the service can be terrible at weekends. Some of the bouncers are fit though!
Annabella - 28 Jan 2004 23:45 |
Gr8 quality, best irish pub in miles, possibly London
Tom - 20 Jan 2004 19:29 |
This is quite possibly the best irish pub in london. Gets really busy on the wreekend and is nice for some quality food and a nice pint of guinness during the week. The bouncers certinaly know how to mix it with the best of them.
Bill - 2 Jan 2004 17:18 |
top place! was they when renamed the quays and the formal irish football coach (sir mick mccarthy) was to offical open the club! top night then and still is! the only bad point is that it gets too packed and the staff do not seem to notice! GREAT CRAIC
nw-hammer - 10 Nov 2003 11:16 |
True, one of the bouncers in there sure is deadly! Good laugh but its sister pub The Claddagh in Hendon is even better, and the crowds in each pub often alternate between the two: Quays Friday-Claddagh Sat and vice versa. Sound!
jenny - 29 Oct 2003 20:41 |
great craic for the weekend!!!!!
great variety of shots, bud on tap, good irish tunes, friendly staff the place is absolutely jammin. If ye want a jammin nite out go to the quays. Oh and 1 of the bouncers is deadly. GREAT CRAIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
busty mc bride - 6 Oct 2003 17:40 |
mighty great pub go their if you enjoy the craic.Not a better in london for the irish.
George Cleary - 18 Sep 2003 15:11 |
been a few times, inside decor is great, friendly atmosphere, door staff however are less than accomodating and whats with the dress code.. black shoes and trousers? remindes me of small town clubs, not a good point
danny - 11 Sep 2003 16:23 |
exelent pub, amazing lights nice decor.
coryn - 29 Jul 2003 11:13 |
Absolutely fantastic boozer ! Set over 3 levels, its shots are 40% bigger ( they boast about this ) The food is top of the range, and the service is swift and friendly.
They also have a late licence until 2 !
It is an Irish pub, but its got an almost continental feel to it !
Honestly i cannot reccomend this place enough ! if it were in central London it would be on the top 10 list ! go and see it for yourselves..
Rivers - 29 May 2003 13:43 |
