Steam Passage Tavern, N1

One of the more pub-like pubs surviving on Upper Street, ie it hasn't been converted into some sort of trendy eatery. The low ceilinged bar extends back into two long narrow sides, largely fitted with banquettes and booths, well-decorated with pictures and a smattering of ephemera. Perhaps a few too many sports screens for comfort but nice enough at a non-sport time. Ales on were not especially exciting, possibly due to the Covid fall-out, but at least they managed to offer a range: Ghost Ship, London Pride, Bombardier and Doom Bar.

No real ale - had to have Stella. Won't be revisiting.

Official site of The Steam Passage - www.thesteampassage.co.uk

Official site of The Steam Passage - www.thesteampassage.co.uk

There were three ales on in here - The Sharp's pairing of Atlantic and Doom Bar (of course), plus Rev James Blond. The Rev James came up rank, and the barmaid dipped a straw into my beer to test a drop or two of it. She wasn't entirely convinced as the beer wasn't cloudy, but changed it anyway. Interesting technique for testing beer quality - not seen it before. Food is available from a typical pubco glossy menu. Bangers and mash are £8.95, but "pies, glorious pies" is the main culinary offering with eight to choose from all at the seemingly standard price of £8.95. It's typical pubco inside. The pubco in question is the Tattershall Castle Group (new one on me), but the ambience and layout is typical of pubcos like Stonegate or Taylor Walker. There's a wedge of tall tables/tall stools at the front of the room, with some normal tables and chairs ranged around the central island bar. There is a handful of picnic benches outside on the pavement. This is a bustling pub at the Angel end of the heaving Upper St. It's handily placed on a main road I guess, but there's not really anything about it that would draw me back.