The Alfred Herring (JD Wetherspoon), Palmers Green, N13

One of the better 'spoons if you pick your time right otherwise you'll wait an age to be served. On the downside - dippy staff and uncontrolled kids. Usual large range of well-kept ales and pre-packed frozen microwaved nosh of the chain. Used to come here often because it was smoke free long before the ban, like its counterpart at Weymouth.

Randomness Guide to London - Alfred Herring entry

Randomness Guide to London - Alfred Herring entry

I went in last night for a quick few pints it was early evening to see if its Improved since last year as there is now a new manager. It was very quiet so I got severed quick which makes a change by the sounds of things. this spoons has a very limited choice of Ales and seems too be aimed at the younger crowed there was only Four Ales on when I went in that was the usual Three Abbots Directors & Ruddles Plus one Guest Ale. I tried Abbots which was Passable but not perfect so next I tried The Directors which was absolute Rank took one gulp and left the rest. Beer quality certainly seems too have got worse. So I decided too leave and go too the New Crown instead.

It was heaving with a very young crowd when I popped in here late Friday evening. The proactive bouncer seemed to be doing his best to assert his authority which didn't create the best of atmospheres. I was served very promptly, but this alone is not enough to make me want to return again.

Another Wetherspoons conversion of a couple of local shops into a standard fit high street 'spoons. Full of families and local workers during the day and then the demographic changes to the local Palmers Green /Winchmore Hill youth in the evening. I've always found the beer, food and service to be what you would expect of a big ‘spoons. Adequate but nothing special. So in conclusion, as a spoons for a lunchtime pint and a reliable bite to eat I have always found it OK. But I usually find I don't have to spend too long in The Herring before I start yearning for a real pub experience and are our way for a brisk walk to The Woodman.

Large Wetherspoon's with a couple of seperate drinking areas. A fair range of guest ales and the usual food deals