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Pub News
by Steve Ducker
The Red Lion and Sun, in North Road, Highgate N6, reopened on 8 May, having been
closed since March. The substantial refurbishment of the pub was timed to coincide
with a change of management, the previous long-standing 'guvnor' having retired.
Sensibly, given the imminent smoking ban, the pub re-opened as totally non-smoking
venue, inside at least. The outdoor drinking area at the front of the pub has also had a
bit of a makeover, with new chairs and tables and the (soon-to-be) ubiquitous heaters
for the displaced smoking customers.
Inside, the bar area has been redesigned to make it look more open. The fireplaces have
been filled with logs but no longer have any actual fires, and the televisions have been
taken out.
Numerically the beer range has been extended, though it remains dominated by Greene
King, with 'Morland's' Old Speckled Hen and Tanner's Jack added to the previous IPA and
Abbot. The food menu has been revamped as well. It hints at gastro though the prices could
be a lot higher than they actually are.
The new owner has made a point of not totally dispensing with the pub's tradition -
stained glass window panes depicting the pub's name are present, as are a pair of antlers
reflecting the famous local 'Swearing on the Horns' ceremony. But the colour scheme,
flooring and other changes make for very different drinking experience than was possible
here a few months ago.
This area of London now seems to divide even more sharply into two parts, with the
Bull, the Rose & Crown and this place in one camp, and the more traditional Gatehouse,
Wrestlers and Prince of Wales in the other. Even the lovely old Flask in Highgate
West Hill closed down for a refurbishment earlier in the year. Seems like there's gold
in 'them thar (Highgate) hills'!
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 41.
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