please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
No longer Wetherspoons, but Stonegate. Started off with some craft beer but has boring stuff most of the time. Okay for eating, but I get my beers in the other pbs round about.
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A fairly bog standard Wetherspoons in the centre of North Finchley, not too far from the bus station. It has a central bar with rooms either side. We sat in a lower room which leads to the outdoor drinking area. Ales were Sharps Doom Bar, Adnams Yuletide, Cotleigh Red Nose Reinbeer, Greene King IPA & Abbot, Marstons Old Empire & Orkney Clootie Dumpling. No real cider was apparent. Service was fine.
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Don't understand some of the negative comments which I can only assume were written a while ago because upon my visit today I enjoyed it very much. They had a great selection of choice ales at only £2.35 including the Iron Maiden 'Trooper' ale (which I happen to rate). The staff were friendly and attentive and the location and building was perfect. I would go back even though I don't live in the area and it's a Wetherspoons. 8/10
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Air quality upstairs not so good. Toilets awkward to get in and out of due to stupid, heavy-handed door-closers. Unnecessary steps in places. Otherwise, good value.
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I would have too agree with poster below this place seems to have deteriorated vastly over the last few months and the staff seem to be changing on a daily bases. The staff and duty managers are always looking so glum & browned off as if they don't want to be there not a smile between them. Politeness seems to have gone out the window no manners what so ever from any of them No Please or Thank You just chuck the change on bar and walk away fast before you can complain if there is a problem with the Ale. The other bad points are the Ales on tap are not usually in as good condition as they used to be any more there must be new cellar man as the last few times I have been in there were around Six guest on Tap along with the usual Abbot & Ruddles that's good but Two out of Three Pints I tried were well past there best. Now for the only Good points there is a Dart board & Large projector Screen along with several large TVs for watching the football or Rugby now in the bottom bar plus a load of gambling machines which seem to get well used if nothing else Pub seems very quiet on my last few visits which were on Tuesday Friday & Saturday evenings. I would not visit again till there's another change of management it seems to have gone done hill terribly since my last regular visit I find it hard to give it a three. P/s Must also have the worst toilet facility's of any spoons I've visited Bet they wont put is one in there groovy Loos.
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I've lived in Finchley for over 20 years now and I used to enjoy going to the Tally Ho for a cheeky drink or the great meal deals they had. I recently took my family for father's day and I have to say I have never been more disappointed. The staff were arguing with each other in front of me while I was trying to order the food, they had ran out of roasts (they're hot on advertising their Sunday Roast Deal and knowing it's Father's day I do think they should have been far more prepared).
When the food came out (which was a wait but understandable as yes it was a busy day) thankfully my father's food was great, I on the other hand was disappointed, I think my chicken had been crucified, could barely cut into it, salad was rather shabby, I would have got better food and service going to McDonalds down the road. We even cleared up our own table and didn't even get a Thank you.
The only thing decent thing is the drinks are cheap, even if they only give you 2 ice bits for a gin and tonic and when I asked for more Ice I was shot the dirtiest look ever. They need to step up with their customer service, I do work in the business myself and no matter how busy you get or stressed, your customer service still needs to be to a standard. To say the least I will probably stay away from the Tally Ho in future and opt for The Elephant Inn or even Chix Chox and other restaurants in the area.
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This place seems to have improved vastly again in the last year or so since my last visit. Theres now no long waits at the Bar and theres plenty of staff on duty. I also found when ordering food the service is also a lot quicker now and staff also remove used plates and dishes from tables once customers are finished all good improvements. Theres also a Dart board & Large projector Screen along with several large TVs for watching the football or Rugby now as well in the bottom bar. The other good points are the Ales on tap are usually in good condition and staff are always friendly & polite. The last time I was in there was around Six guest on Tap along with the usual Abbot & Ruddles thats good for a Friday evening. Then again I would try to avoid Friday and Saturday evenings after around 21:00 as it gets full of the young loud larger crowed later in the evenings tanking up before going up west or to a club.
Overall I would say its improvement since last time I was in and well worth visiting if passing or in need of a good food fix.
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a great imposing looking building from the outside,we almost walked straight past the place as were looking for a typical London spoons with blue shop sign frontage and gold scrolled writing with the pub's name,the service inside was quick and the pint of weltons "haka" was good although as said before was one of only two guest ales on,nice sized beer patio available for smokers and people with a taste for traffic fumes at this traffic island located pub,7/10,better than expected but could be better
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How much difference a Year makes. Since my last review this place has now been left too go to down hill for instance the only cubical in the gents has not had no door on it for over Two weeks and the general cleaning standards have been a disgrace. Also the most off putting thing is the amount of smokers always hanging around the doorways allowing smoke too drift into the Pub and it is not just roll ups there smoking by the sell of it. This needs addressing as it puts customers off coming into the Pub I watched at least three family groups turn and walk away whist I was there. The only good points are the Ales on tap are usually in good condition but last time I was in there was only Two guest Ales on Tap and the usual Abbot & Ruddles not that good for a Friday evening thats when you manage too get served why is it theres never enough staff in these places on a busy night
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Best avoided on Friday and Saturday nights when half the adolescents in Finchley descend on it, but for the rest of the week this is a decent Wetherspoons in a part of town that really struggles for good pubs. Clean and tidy after a refurbishment last year, and four or five separate drinking areas give it a bit more character than many Wetherspoons pubs - plus there is an room upstairs with a second bar reserved for diners. Add in the usual range of beers and regularly changing guest ales, and it's definitely one of the better places in the area.
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Now Its been redecorated In traditional style Its much better than before. Its One of the best Spoons in north London in my opinion being A traditional Old Pub It reminds me of what it was like in the 70s only better. There were several good Ales were on tap this visit all in good condition. I would recommend this Pub too anyone Its well worth A visit.
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I came in here with friends the other night. Great little pub, busy, good atmosphere and got served quickly by very friendly staff. They had an ale festival on when i was in and even though i dont usually drink ale i tryed one of the fesival pints on staff recomendation and it was really good!
The pub did look a little run down in places, but there is scaffolding on the outside and i think a refurb is planned. I will be looking forward to a new launch of this place and would reccomend it if you're in the area. 5 stars!
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This pub seems too have improved a lot since I last visited there is some good Guest Ales on. All Ales I tried were in good condition. Staff And service good. And as a bounus The Wifi works as well Im using it too Post this.
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Had a few jars in here the other night and thoroughly enjoyed.
Apart from the dross it is clear that the former scum that used to regulate this place are being screened by security. Good move.
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Why does this place have so many ales that they cannot look after? Quality before quantity please. How many pubs will you find that has a sign saying no tracksuit bottoms as well as hooded sweatshirts? Sums it up perfectly.
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Where has the Geordie manager gone? The manager in charged when i went in there was rubbish. Complained about beer being cloudy and was told thats how it is meant to look! Wont be going back here for a while.
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I come here quite regularly, usually once or twice a month. I haven't had the problems with drunken chavs that some others have reported. I usually go to eat in the upstairs area which is usually quieter though it can ger very busy, particularly on Thursday curry nights. I think it is true that service there is slightly slower than it used to be but it still offers the best value both for beer and food in the North Finchley area.
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I must say theres been a sharp deterioration of standards at all the wetherspoons Ive been Into lately they seem to be trying to attract far too many young drinkers. Also the managment seems to be very bad far too many young staff not enough experience behind the bar or in the trade and it shows. I have stop using most of them these days. One day they might bring in a over 21 rule for the staff as well as the customers most look as if there not old enough too drink.
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No, I don't work for the Elephant Inn down the road, but given a choice I'd go there every time. There's some nice decor inside but that's about it for the positives... We popped in around 6pm on a Saturday and the beer garden was, as someone else mentioned, full of drunken chavs having an argument with their "missus". Shame really, as the beer garden could be the best in North Finchley - sheltered from traffic by palm trees and plenty of tables and heaters.
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I went past here last night on my way to O'Nells at 21-30 on Thursday night. It was packed full of kids most look under 21 and loud. As I said before Its good in daytime for lunch or or good Ales also early evenings OK but gets to full of younger larger louts in the late evenings.
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No shortage of staff but they can't quite decide whether to serve the customers or chat between themselves. The latter seems to be the norm, this time apparently about whether someone had gone home eight minutes early. If only they were to discuss the benefits to the customer of pulling a full pint!
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A reasonably good weatherspoons one of there best locally In my opinion some excellent Ales on Tap when I went in there. It seems to have a much better atmosphere since the Smoking ban came in to force now its not to smoky anymore.
Theres also a good heated outside smoking area If your a smoker.
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Usual Wetherspoons mix of strange staff and even stranger customers! But food not too bad! And, incase anyone was wondering, I think the geezer that's running Oneils over the road lives here! Speaks volumes about his own boozer, I don't think
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Pretty much standard mediocre Wetherspoons stuff. A couple of guest ales which vary greatly from fairly good to downright off. Spitfire and Pedigree are regulars, but not particularly well kept in my opinion. All the real ale here has a certain back flavour that I have only experienced in Wetherspoons pubs. I'm sure they must be doing something to it, but it might be my imagination. From here it's all downhill. Staff who can't pour pints, don't understand what it means for a barrel to be off, and if you're particularly out of luck, have difficulty understanding English. Then there is the clientele, which is mostly made up of 'Carling and a fight' chavs and their winging girlfriends. You're better off going to the Elephant Inn just down Ballards Lane.
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This place is a crap Wetherspoons that is just about preferable to a sack & crack wax!
Filthy sticky tables and sullen bar staff that seem unable to grasp the concept of operating a till without having a group meeting every time. 2 bar staff and 2 customers, it still took me 5 minutes to be served!
I�ll be giving the Tally Ho a wide berth in future!
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After a 5 mile walk from Hendon via Sunnyhill Park, Copt Hall, the old rail line to Mill Hill East, Frith Lane, Finchley Golf Club/Nether Court, Dollis Brook Way, and Woodside Park, I thought why not (at least for a desperately needed pee stop) look in to the Tally Ho - probably the first time for this pub since c. 1970. Cotleigh Brewery's Tawny Owl was really refreshing and restoring, pleasantly malty with a slight hop finish. I didn't try the food - there were so many in upstairs there was quite a wait on the kitchen, but from what I saw it was OK Wetherspoon stuff.
Comfortably furnished, but the no smoking section really didn't have sufficient lighting to read. Staff friendly, and William gossipy (he's 49 in April).
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was in this pub last tues night,after a while away from Finchley, and what can I say, i had the best steak i have had in a long time. I didn't know that they had an offer 'grill night' and have to say was a bit dubious, i like my steaks, however i was pleasantly surprised. The food was great, a nice restaurant upstairs smoke free, and staff who were efficient although a little rushed, but they coped really well and were friendly. I will be going back for more...and they have a curry night too on thursdays, less cooking for me from now on. Well done Wetherspoons, about time North Finchley had a place like this to eat out. The prices are so reasonable too offering a free drink with your meal. I'll be back!!
anonymous - 12 Nov 2006 22:53 |
It has always been a bit of a struggle to find somewhere to have a decent drink in this area. The Wheatherspoons is one of the few options and in the past has been a bit chavtastic - random fights between lads in the late teens with their even chavier girlfriends egging them on and crying in the background. I must say though that it has improved over recent months and my visit last night was positively pleasant.
I am informed by people that know, the Spitfire and Courage were on good form.
Overall, not bad at all.
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was in there last saturday night for a quick one. well that was the plan but it takes so long to get served i was almost in tears. they have got to sort out the service and get some decent bar staff in. the ones working look like they cant be botherd. when you do FINALLY get served they bark at you "WHAT DO YOU WANT!?" and then more of less throw your change at you after spilling loads of your pint before handing it to you.
until they get better or more staff in on weekend nights il be going elsewhere.
suppose during the day they wouldnt have this problem as it wont be as busy.
and they also ran out of magners which was bad.
anonymous - 24 Aug 2006 15:44 |
Used to drink in here but the beers and lagers were a bit hit and miss. Went last week and it felt like a different pub. 5 pints of Carling and each one tasted amazing. It was a Friday night and hardly any scum. 2 managers seemed to be checking ID's and any scum that were in were being kicked out before they could say there own name. Now my local again.
anonymous - 24 Aug 2006 13:56 |
been slightly done up.
the bar area looks different and some of the taps have changed (they appear to have wine on tap now!!)
mind you the larger seating area downstairs still looks shabby and hasnt been refurbed.
didnt see upstairs as it was closed due to some electrical problem.
maybe they are going to do it a bit at a time.
anonymous - 16 Aug 2006 23:04 |
Not bad for a Wetherspoons, this is actually a very old pub and it retains some of its atmosphere despite the JD makeover. Uusual Wetherspoons features: cheap beer, good range of ales, curry night etc. Not the most exciting place in the world, but there are a lot worse places out there in North Finchley.
Also, if you're watching a show/concert at the artsdepot next door, come here for a pint in the interval rather than paying a ridiculously expensive price for some rubbish bottle in the theatre bar!
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tally ho is wicked. who are you the gorgeous girl who works thursday evenings at the curry club i love you i was the drunk guy who threw ketchup on the ceiling and if you didn't know that i'm sorry
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looks like this pub is on the up! Yes it's old but that just adds to the character of the pub and characters that drink there. It has a nice atmosphere and yes a younger element at weekends but what pub hasn't? I think it's great.Its clean and its amazingly low prices, like all wetherspoon pubs, good food, good ale, what more could you ask? Particularly like the idea that the upstairs is non-smoking and downstairs for those who like a smoke! Worth a visit.
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This pub has always been popular with students and why not - cheap drink can get busy but good starting off place
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Yeah ok it's a Whetherspoon, but on that standard it's one of the better ones, does at least retain some pub character. Not worth a special visit but you could do worse. 5/10
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chavtastic!
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Amazingly cheap as it is a Whetherspoon pub, however, that also means it attracts people who require great quantities of booze to keep them happy/functioning so the clientele isn�t great. The inside isn�t impressive but at least the building does look good from the outside and the nicely kept outdoor space is a bit of bonus in Finchley.
anonymous - 5 Oct 2005 11:47 |
I came here on a Friday night and it there were a lot of drunk teenagers, plus an "oldies" table. There was a bit of kicking-off potential. However, I found the service very good and the ales well-kept.
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Like most 'Spoons pubs, the clientele is a mixture of the very old and the very young.
Popular with Burberry Boys getting ripped on alcopops before they go off ram raiding, or whatever it is they do.
Also benefits from a 'character', a local nutter who is also an unofficial potman. If you make eye contact he'll claim he's known your family for generations.
Gets very crowded on Saturday nights with attendant slow service. The only real advantage is the cheap drinks.
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was in there last night (sat). ABSOLUTELY SHOCKING! bar staff didnt have a clue. the guy serving me didnt know how to use the till. it was 4 deep at the bar, took about half an hour to get served. ended up having to buy 2 drinks at a time cos otherwise u would spend all night queuing at the bar.
have started selling pint bottles of magners but who cares when u have to queue for so long at the bar?
discraceful but the chavs are happy with it cos its cheap as chips and they can neck some voddy redbulls before going to a real pub.
absolutly discraceful!
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worst pub I have ever been to, avoid at all costs. service was crap and they stopped serving well before 11pm. knock it down and build a car park...
bif18 - 29 Mar 2005 13:57 |
The food is good in here but the pub itself and the service is piss poor. The only good thing about all wetherspoons pubs is the cheap drinks - otherwise I wouldn't bother going! This is the sort of place you go if you want a punch up.
anonymous - 20 Jan 2005 09:59 |
Worst of the wetherspoon chain. The standard of service sucks and a little message to the silly little bitch behind the bar,
YES,PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE. I HOPE YOU REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU ARE WAITING IN THE DOLE QUE.
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this pub sucks donkey bars. i despise it! everything a pub shouldnt be. and will someone PLEASE start asking for ID in there!?
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Worst pub ive been in! Go at your peril!
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Its a good meeting place!! have a few drinks to get ready for the night but you still leave with most your money in your pocket!!!
Suz - 1 Oct 2004 14:48 |
Some interesting guest beers, but usually poor service and typical Weatherspoons atmosphere. Very unpleasant on a Friday evening - only worth a visit during quiet periods.
Martin - 5 Sep 2004 21:41 |
Shocking.....to combat under-age drinking on busy nights they'll only let you buy one drink even with i.d. to prove you're 18. So it is impossible to buy rounds and everoyne has to get up to get each individual drink
Jones - 5 Sep 2004 00:48 |
Used to drink here when I was at Finchley Catholic High; nothing much changes. It is still populated by under agers and tipsy teachers. Only drink here for Finchley Catholic nostalgia purposes !
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just steer clear of it unless you are a 15 year old on the pull with a fiver in your pocket or an old man.
its a typical wetherspoons. pretty much sums it up.
only worth visiting if you are absolutley skint.
anthony - 10 Jun 2004 22:50 |
MY MATE AND I WENT IN THERE BEFORE SOBER BOUGHT ONE ROUND, SAID NOTHING TO KNOW ONE JUST HAD A CHAT BETWEEN OUR SELVES, AND WHEN WE WENT FOR THE SECOND ROUND HE WOULD NOT SERVE US WHATS THAT ALL ABOUT?
cosa - 10 Jun 2004 15:07 |
When Wingate & Finchley FC are at home this is the pub where us fans meet. We welcome fans of all other clubs to join us for a pint and some friendly banter
sid - 5 Feb 2004 19:55 |
The food is terrible, the beer is ok.
Peter - 12 Jan 2004 17:57 |
A fairly typical Wetherspoons, though with a better atmosphere than some I've visited. Perhaps this is because this has always been a pub or an hotel rather than being a converted bank! Outside seating is pleasant in the summer, and the upstairs bar is non-smoking and welcomes children
Tony - 11 Nov 2003 17:03 |
