The Bull & Gate, Kentish Town, NW5

Wow! Talk about gaudy - or should that be Gaudi? The designer of this pub had a whale of a time, and it's definitely worth a visit even if you're not normally a connoisseur of original pub features. Other reviewers have gone into a lot of detail, so I'll just mention a few which struck me. As well as the old pub mirror (Lynskeys Free House) over a fireplace in the corner (why is the fireplace in a corner?), there were some fantastic stained glass roses in the windows and great cut glass mirrors in the bar back. An eccentric touch was that the bench seats (not really settles, more like church pews) were provided with throw cushions - every cushion cover unique, as far as I could see. Only Bass and London Pride available, which is a shame but don't let lack of choice put you off. (Plenty of choice at the Southampton Arms just along the road.)

Randomness Guide to London - Bull And Gate entry

Randomness Guide to London - Bull And Gate entry

This pub is on the CAMRA inventory of heritage London pubs because it retains a fair amount of its magnificent Victorian interior decor. I particularly appreciate the cut glass panels in the bar back. The leaded light windows are worth a glance as well. From the outside it looks a bit garish with its penchant for royal blue, and there is a bit more inside as well. There is an ornate archway (the lower portion also royal blue) separating two drinking areas that must surely be a bit of original Victoriana, but the bar gantry, with its Charrington signage, is clearly a more modern addition. The furnishings are traditional banquettes, normal chairs, stools and metal framed tables. This pub also had some brewery mirrors on the walls, which always look good in a pub. The upholstery on some of the chairs has seen much better days, but the overall impression that I got is of a traditional boozer in some erstwhile elegant surroundings, with a tattiness that somehow doesn’t detract from its intrinsic “pub” character. There was just the one ale on – the rarely see Bass – with another handpump unused, plus the usual array of lagers. I would be happy to drop in again, if only it had a better ale selection.

This is one of the better boozers in Kentish Town. A very average selection from behind the bar, but the 2 experienced barmen/govs did a sterling job serving the rush of punters as I walked in. The pool table was out of use and covered up as the pub was busy and the TV isn't the greatest, but the pub has some charm. The Bass was on during my visit, but I opted for the £3.05 Fosters. Kentish Town isn't a place that I actively seek out for a drink, but I wouldn't mind going here again.

One of London's (and indeed the UK's) most acclaimed music venue pubs and fully justifying its reputation. The bright blue exterior with its ornate lettering is a relic from the days when pubs were designed to impress and whilst the interior is, shall we say, stylishly tatty, it retains plenty of interesting features; decorative columns, coloured glass, bar frame, patterned mirrors etc. A couple of well placed plasma screens often show sport and there is a pool table although the logistics of playing it during the busier periods are not good. On the beer front, there is Bass on hand pump but, and this appears to be a recurring problem, it was not available on my recent trip. The rest is of the standard keg and lager selections although prices are very reasonable given the usually inflated prices whenever live music is a feature. The music venue itself is completely separate from the main body of the pub and has hosted many a famous upcoming band over the years. It is accessed through the Venue door to the left of the pub or via the toilets from the inside. A corridor leads to a sort of anti room with a skylight and access to an extension of the main pub bar. The venue itself is through the battered and sticker laden doors and is a typically dark, dingy and often stiflingly hot room. The stage is a decent size and sightlines very good, as is the sound and lighting. The popular Forum music venue is a barely a drum roll away and the B&G naturally gets packed to the rafters prior to gigs. Sadly, the future of the pub is in some doubt so if you want to get to one of London's must visit pubs, pick a gig and go for it before it's too late.