The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

Great pub. The regular guest ale makes it better for drinking than the Holly Bush, but that has its own quality. I like the local feel in here, and the benches outside are nice. Nice to see ESB on tap :)

23 Jul 2007 16:31

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

Astoundingly good pub, one really could not ask for more (although a couple more adventurous ales would be nice.) The chicken I had one evening here was the most delicious and tender of my life. This is the type of place I would choose over a restaurant when dining with a lady friend. As far as drinking goes, the Adnams Bitter & Broadside, London Pride and Harveys are all excellent, but I have never seen them change. It would be nice to see a new guest every now and then. Lovely old and authentic decor, lots of nooks and crannies. This pub has a firm place in my heart.

23 Jul 2007 16:27

The Tally Ho, North Finchley

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.

23 Jul 2007 16:17