The Tally Ho, North Finchley, N12

This is another example of a Spoons that has always been a pub rather than a conversion. The name is well known as the area is generally known as Tally Ho Corner and I'm sure it used to be a bus destination, rather like the Bakers Arms in East London. This morning the service was a bit slow, partly due to a coffee order. I eventually got served a 5% Adnam's Mayday at £1.99 which seemed to be exceptionally good value, possibly a mistake. With the 50p CAMRA voucher it was even sweeter! It would help if the pumps had prices on them, as do some Spoons. The beer was in fine condition, but I wonder why it was on as it is not on the current guest list, neither was tbe Nethergate Growler Bitter. There seems to be a trend in certain Spoons to stock beers from major regionals rather than small micros from the guest list or local micros.I can't say I approve of this, but this Adnam's beer which I had never even heard of let alone drank was worth the journey.

I’ve never been the biggest fan of this place as Wetherspoons aren’t my favourite pub chain and I’ve always thought this place to be below their par. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised on my recent visit as there was a good atmosphere in here and the staff were efficient so either they’ve changed or had a size twelve up their backsides. It is a big pub with lots of different rooms so a comfortable seat can usually be found, although the larger back room is often full of diners taking advantage of the cheap food. There are two bar areas and there is a plasma screen in the main one that usually has muted Sky Sports News feed playing. There is also some outside seating to the side of the pub, but it isn’t very comfortable as it is in the middle of the busy high street with cars passing either side. Along with the standard draught there are twelve hand pumps and I counted nine different ales including the usual Abbot and Ruddles. I enjoyed a decent pint of Guinness which obviously didn’t break the bank. I wouldn’t go out of the way to drink here, but it is handy if shopping in North Finchley and it also closes everyday at midnight.

This Wetherspoons has Improved very much of Late Its been recently refurbished in traditional style similar too what I remember what it looked like in the late 70s. The new recent management have made it a lot better and Ales are always in good condition lately . Also cheap but good food served and food Part Upstairs with own small Bar. Good during the week but I would avoid Friday & Saturday Evening's after around 20:00 hrs If your over 25 as it gets rammed with students & the younger crowed ETC.