North Star, NW3

Commanding and attractive building opposite the horror of the A41. A 90s interior refurb that's in need a refresh - battered and smelly. Two cask, Tim Taylor Landlord and a passable St Austell Proper Job (NBSS 2.5). Amusement value came from the sign at the bar offering a chef’s special – salmon fillet which was marked as being vegetarian. A decent operator would make this place worthwhile as there’s the offices of an NHS Trust a few yards away as well as a few other employers who have staff on the lookout for something half-decent. It isn’t like there’s much else in the vicinity bar the ever-peculiar Swiss Cottage.

A very good looking early Victorian pub on the outside, but the inside has been ripped apart and now it's just one big room, although still with a few nooks and crannies. It's big on football now and just about every TV match is shown here. If it's Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea etc the place is absolutely rammed, at other times it's a reasonably pleasant pub. I often call in here for one on by way back to the Marriott at Swiss Cottage. There's a dartboard in one corner, but I've never seen anyone playing on it. The barmaids are friendly and efficient although the beer range is pedestrian. They always have London Pride (don't they all) and usually a guest ale or two, but they're not very inventive. The beer quality is usually pretty good as well.

Impressive building, with a large split-level 'L'-shaped bar. Traditional furniture and decor. Cheap food offers. Members-only pool room upstairs. Modest split-level patio beer garden to the rear. Four of five handpumps in operation, offering Pride, Ringwood Best, Bombardier (£3.50) and Old Rosie cider.