Reopened after a large refurbishment resulting in somewhat strage decor, something like a cross between a front room and a cocktail lounge. A white grand piano in front of black and gold patterned wallpaper and on over-sized chandelier hanging from the ceiling..
Formerly Wolsey Tavern, then Auntie Annies Porter House
Built in 1896 and designed by Thorpe and Furniss of nearby Camden, the building is a striking landmark in Kentish Town (Grade II listed) with a large and prominent French chateau style tower adding to its status. Inside, the bar cabinet work, etched glass and bar-back, wall mirrors and ceiling are all of exceptional character and design. There is a fine skylight in the former billiard room at the back. The interior is exceptionally large, opened out in recent years and is served by a very large single bar. Food is available 12.00 – 15.00 and 18.00 – 22.00 weekdays and all day at weekends, cooked fresh to order. Listed on the CAMRA London Regional Inventory.
A fine Victorian pub, described locally as a traditional Irish boozer. It still has some original fittings including some of the glass in the bar-back and some stained glass windows and carved wooden detail in the arches over the doors. To the rear is the world famous Bull and Gate music venue, which has hosted many hundreds of live bands over the years, making both the pub and venue landmarks in North London. Can get very busy when gigs are on. No food is served at any time. Daily ‘happy hour’ on drinks from 11.00 to 17.00. The long serving landlord is soon to retire and has put the pub on the market. Let us hope this historic building is allowed to remain a pub. Was a regular seller of Bass but recent visits have shown the handpump as not being in use.
Another NW5 veteran to have undergone the inevitable gastro-isation but with Leffe on draught to assuage any feelings of deja-vu. Menu changes monthly, bar snacks are also available. Close to Parliament Hill fields and Hampstead Heath. Limited outdoor drinking space. Sells bottled Weston’s Organic cider. Buses 214, C2, C11.
Noted in may 08 as temporarily closed for a refurb with a license application in the window.
Off the beaten track but well worth seeking out, this two bar, community-based pub is a classic of its type. An adventurous menu includes themed steak and mussels nights, with specials advertised on unusual copper boards around the pub. In addition to its normal food service hours, the pub serves breakfasts 11.00 – 15.00 Mon – Fri, 10.00 – 12.00 Sat and 10.00 – 13.00 Sun. there are quizzes on alternate Tuesdays and a comedy club every other Thursday. A further quirk is the bookshop that operates from the main bar. Live football is shown and the pub can get particularly crowded for Arsenal fixtures. The pub’s keen approach to real cider is second to none, with at least eight bottled ciders from smaller regional producers backing up the rotating two draught offerings. Outside drinking area. Nearest tube Tufnell Park, buses 4, 134, 390. Branch Pub of the Season for Autumn 2001.
Handpumps visible but no real ale available on three visits in Sept/Oct 2006. The freehold is up for sale for 1.75 million with ‘possible development potential’. At this price, the developers would be the likely buyers.
Two handpumps not in use - showing that the pub used to sell Pedigree and Directors but according to bar staff it has been some time since they last did so. Shame as this is an impressive pub both out and in with a splendid array of foliage and hanging baskets covering the frontage.
An unassuming back-street local with a plain interior. Its public bar is completely separate and is usually locked, except for certain events, and has charm in its simplicity, retaining most of its inter-war fittings including the wooden wall panelling and bar counter. However, as in the saloon bar, all that remains of its former handpumps are outlines on the surface of the bar counter. A recent update indicates there has been a refurbishment leading to the removal of most of its inter-war fittings, including the panelling, a couple of fire places remain and the whole place is now fully painted, probably quite different to what it used to be.
Was a free house run by Kushti Ltd on ground floor of former commercial premises. Decorated in contemporary style with large windows, maroon and cream decor, exposed structural steelwork, grey flooring, mixture of seating, food. It then closed and re-opened looking more like a restaurant than a bar. Has undergone yet another change, a re-naming and handpumps are visible but not currently in use.
An optimum combination of real ale and gastropub interests, the Junction was voted CAMRA North London’s Winter 2005 Pub of the Season with good reason. Appearing from the main road as an almost identikit gastro, the rear of the pub boasts two connected drinking areas, a conservatory and a beer garden, with wood panelling and very large mirrors. It hosts twice-yearly beer festivals (using SIBA breweries) – the August bank holiday event in 2006 was extended to four days for the first time. The extensive menu can be viewed on the website, booking is necessary for the dining area but food is served in all areas of the pub. Food served 12.00 – 15.30 and 18.00 – 22.00. On 134 bus route, tube users should head for Tufnell Park or Kentish Town (which is also the nearest mainline station).
Adnams Bitter and Broadside, Timothy Taylor Landlord, guest beers
Now Dartmouth Park Hill’s only pub, this is an old establishment given a modern treatment, that nods in the direction of gastro without excluding or alienating those only wanting a drink. It features a central bar and a conservatory, while the windowed frontage creates a light, airy feel to the drinking experience while the high ceilings add to the impression of space. Guest beers are supplied on a rotating basis by Sharp’s of Cornwall and there is an interesting range of bottled imported beer. Food is served 12.00 - 15.00/19.00 – 22.00 Mon – Sat and 12.00 – 16.00/18.00 – 21.00 Sun from an extensive menu. Outdoor setaing available both on Dartmouth Park Hill frontage and in the enclosed rear courtyard.
Opposite the St Pancras Alms Houses, this blue tiled pub stands on the corner with Grafton Terrace, just a few doors down from where Karl Marx once lived. The L-shaped bar, above which is a very stuffed fish, dominates the one room. This is very much a locals’ pub with dartboard, large cabinet displaying silver sports trophies and television in the corner. There is a pull down screen for big events. The upholstery and carpet is blue balanced by wood wall panelling and large plants on the windowsills. The pub is food free. Listed on CAMRA's London Regional Inventory. Closest station is Gospel Oak.
The pub seems a bit unsure what to call itself as the pub sign shows "Man of Aran" but currently the original name of Mamelon Tower is more prominent so we'll go with that.
This was still not open late afternoon when surveyed but a good look through the windows could not see any sign of handpumps. Locals assured it was open evenings.
Three real ales always on and rotating frequently, from a very varied selection.
A welcome addition to this part of Kentish Town is the refurbished Oxford. Selling a constantly changing selection of three quality real ales, the management and staff are totally dedicated to the pub, the beer, food and service. It attracts a mixed crowd of young professionals from the surrounding area, and provides a spacious and well appointed environment. An open plan kitchen, serves food cooked fresh to order from an extensive menu, for diners in the separate dining area which also has its own open fire. Good ventilation and the large interior keep the atmosphere clean, and relatively smoke free. A first floor bar and function room, is available at all times. The interior features many period features, including the original mosaic tiles from 1863, and restored flooring, and fireplaces. An outside drinking area is available for the summer. Live jazz Monday nights. Disabled access and facilities. Now owned by Real Pub Co
A rare gem hidden in the local streets just off Kentish Town that was previously subject to a very high profile campaign in 2001 and 2002, by both local people, CAMRA and the London media, to prevent its closure. There are mementos (including a new plaque) and news articles on display in the pub, along with pineapple ephemera from all over the world. Also note the rare Bass mirrors. The single bar serves an extended ground floor area, with a large quiet, recently added conservatory to the rear. Upstairs is a separate and well appointed seating area which is available for hire. Monthly book readings are held, by well known authors. Monday is quiz night, and the pub participates in the London quiz league. Food is available 7 days a week and includes vegetarian options, all cooked fresh to order on the premises. Now a Grade II listed building, its Victorian character is exceptional, and well worth close inspection (fine bar-back with etched and gilt mirrors). Now under new ownership this vibrant community pub has been cleaned, given a lick of paint and relaunched, there are new bar staff and a return to good service. It is now a true, friendly local community pub and many of those previously involved in the ‘Save the Pineapple’ campaign are part of the current clientele. The beer range has changed completely. Listed on CAMRA London Regional Inventory. Nearest tube/rail station Kentish Town.
11-23.00 Mon-Thu, 11-midnight Fri-Sat, 12-23.00 Sun
Greene King IPA
An attractive looking pub on the corner of Queens Crescent, which has a street market on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The large windows give light to the square interior that is split into two distinct areas. One is carpeted with dark orange and green seating and the other has wooden floors with standing room and high stools. Despite the modern décor, the pub has a traditional feel and there are two televisions and a pool table. The pub is food free. Chalk Farm is the closest tube and the nearest overland station is Kentish Town West.
Camden Council's Planning Department has granted permission for plans to demolish and replace the building and garden/yard with a new development of flats and shop spaces. A sad end to another landmark London pub, once one of London's leading jazz venues. Back in the late '60s the jam session was so popular on Sunday lunchtime (12-14 then) was so popular that the pints (of Watneys!) were poured and lined up on the bar several deep in readiness for the opening rush.
Closed - demolished.
Although owned by Greene King the handpump was unused.
This pub is quite unique in the immediate area. Formerly the Rose and Crown, built in the 1930s, the building nestles between terraced houses. Truly a community local tavern, the single island bar is surrounded by the original slate floor. To the rear is a small heated outdoor seating area known locally as an ‘urban garden’. A real coal fire adds to the relaxed nature of the pub and its clientele. The licensee is very dedicated to the success of the pub, and uses the relatively small interior to its full advantage. Food is limited, but toasted sandwiches made on the bar are a speciality. Monday is quiz night. The pub is also often hired out for private parties. Note this pub should not be confused with the former Torriano pub in nearby Leighton Road, which is now a block of residential flats.
Fuller’s London Pride, Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen
“Bar-Dining rooms – garden” proclaims the sign outside and it is difficult to argue, though outside drinking space is limited to the front of the pub as the rear courtyard is for diners only. The pub itself divides between a predominantly dining area to the right of the main entrance, and sofas, comfy chairs and an open fire elsewhere. A small bar links the two. Note the tiled mosaic bearing the pub’s name immediately inside the front door, which despite some signs of wear and tear does more than enough to evoke the pub’s previous life. Food served 12.00 – 15.00/18.00 – 23.00 (22.30 Sun).
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