The Old Eagle, NW1

Very strange, this one. The outside looks like a regular boozer and that impression extends until the bar where you begin to notice the “Trad-pub-meets-latin-vibe” which awaits within this high-ceiling L-shaped pub. Two Greene King ales (OSH and IPA) on offer and a friendly greeting from the Irish landlady and a couple of the punters, who were proper old-skool Mockneys (loud, brash, opinionated but ostensibly friendly). My OSH was OK, not the best but I've had a lot worse when it comes to GK beer. I then made my way out to the small decked patio area to catch the last few rays of summer sunshine for the day which was nice and relaxed. I also stopped off in the conservatory for a bit to admire the weird paintings plus fantastically mis-matched sofas (avoid the orange one as you might get a spring up your pipe). Whilst I wouldn't say it's worth a significant detour to come here, I would say it was worth a quick walk for a half if you're in the immediate area.

Randomness Guide to London - Old Eagle entry

Randomness Guide to London - Old Eagle entry

I found the locals in here to be very friendly and the barmaid that served me was hospitable, if maybe a little crazy. Ruddles, Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen were all available alongside a standard selection of lager and the Guinness which was well served. The décor is a little quirky and I'm not so sure about the red light district illuminations. The background music comprised a good selection of old songs, although they could hardly be heard over the chatter of the masses – some would say that this is a good thing. There is a decked area out the back with a barn that houses a table tennis table to keep the kids amused, which was a first for me. I would go back to this pub and I would rate it up there with the best in Camden.