Ye Olde Monken Holt, Barnet

A Greene King tied house at the top of the High Street,it's a cosy local with a friendly feel.There are a series of comfy chairs in the front section,while behind the bar there is a large high table infront of a BT sports screen with a raised section behind.The low ceiling and traditional decor help the authentic vibe. There are three screens in total,and the locals are keen on their rugby especially if the Sarries are featured. At the bar there is the ubiquitous GK IPA and Abbott but on my trip there was a guest in TT Landlord (NBSS 3.5).The pub features in the 2022 GBG,but whether a single guest,however well kept,is sufficient for this bible is a question I will have to leave for the local CAMRA branch to grapple with.However it's a decent local with a good atmosphere.

Situated at the very top of Barnet High Street, this pub has a front bar with low ceilings, leaded windows, lots of wood panelling, minimal decor being a few framed prints of a football team, framed drawings of beer engines and a Stones Ginger Wine ad. The front room is carpeted and sedate, this afternoon several lone drinkers were sipping pints and reading papers, but there was no conversation. I think it does liven up as weekend music and live sports are advertised and although I didn't spot any menus the barmaid was clearing a table as I arrived. The front room has two opposite brick faced fireplaces, the bar is here, serving today GKIPA, Abbot, Courage Directors and Doom Bar (£3.20), one pump unclipped. Not too exciting. Behind the bar the area is wood floored, with a TV and dartboard, then up a few steps the pub opens out to a small more modern area with another telly, a sit down retro video game and sofas. There is a garden beyond. The pub claims to date from 1863 and states that it is the best pub in Barnet. A brave claim, it was ok but nothing outstanding.

This was one of the Last Pubs we went in on our Barnet crawl last night found so I cant remember which Ales were on Tap. We found it a nice welcoming Pub especially some of the barmaids. Other staff were very friendly and polite as were the customers they had some decent Real Ales on tap in the front section where we were in comfy cozy Conner. Even though there was music & a Quiz on it was not too noisy to have a conversation even though there was Music playing in the back section which was very full of customers which is a good sign these days. I would definitely return when passing well worth a visit if your passing the area.

Randomness Guide to London - Olde Monken Holt entry

Randomness Guide to London - Olde Monken Holt entry

This is a good pub and the people of all ages packed in on Saturday obviously agree with me. Greene King IPA, Directors, Explorer and some standard lagers are all available from the very nice barmaids. Behind the main bar there is a smaller seating area that leads to a garden at the rear. There was a band setting up under the plasma screen in this rear section but I left just before they started playing. This is definitely one of the better pubs in Barnet and I would have no hesitation in returning.