The Assembly House, Kentish Town

What a transformation! As a previous poster said this place has been closed for about 6 weeks for refurbishment. On first visit back I can't believe the improvement. First off I have to say that a lot of the previous posts about this place were valid! While I felt it always had potential it was just let down in the slightly grubby look and surly Euro staff that would rather spend time texting than serving.

It's location is great, sitting neatly between the HMV Forum and Kentish Town tube. This was a bit an issue the other day when the place was rammed at 6pm due a gig being on. Still for the most part it makes for a great pub now. Big, bright and sunny during the day and a nice atmosphere during the evening. I also have to say that while this is predominantly a lager pub (Kirin, Budvar, and Estrella amongst more standards) I think the new owners have made an effort with the ale as there are still the IPA faire they have two
guest ales on.

Still if anyone was in a proper beer mood 'The Southampton Arms' is just up the road and that is the finest ale pub in London IMO. ;-)

So in summary - congratulations to the new owners. The new staff are great and attentive (I got asked twice if I was being served when I was) The food was still pretty standard pub munch but we enjoyed it and the quality was very good. The new loo's are a definate improvement.

Kentish town has scored with this one.

16 Jun 2011 17:39