The Weavers Arms, N1

This pub dates from 1789 but I suspect that the current building was rebuilt in the 19th century. A first in here a couple of days ago and it's fair to say that the previous reviews are still valid. The exterior is very attractive with fluted pilasters and field panelling below the windows, which feature twin bays with the cellar flaps unusually placed in front of the main entrance. The parapet, fascia and window bases feature an array of beautifully tended flowers in hanging baskets; obviously the landlord/lady takes a great deal of pride in presentation. The interior however, is a bit of a comedown compared with first impressions. Firstly, the QR matrix wouldn't scan, probably because it wasn't flat, flapping in the wind, so I had to manually add my name and number to the list of punters' similarly illegible scrawl. It's a very basic pub with a pale wood field panelled island bar and multiple TVs showing the football with the sound off, so as not to compete with the music which was really too loud and at a time when music in pubs is banned so that customers don't have to shout and therefore spread the plague. The rear is some sort of games room, with a pool table and at least one games machine and probably at least one more TV; a rumoured dartboard may also be found here. I also gather that this was once a much-vaunted live music venue having featured notable acts in the past. If live music is still in the offing, there's no way of finding out who's playing as the pub has neither website nor social media outlets. There's much bare brick and some attractive field panelling beneath the bays with old prints to the walls. The floor is pale bare boarded and furniture is mixed. There's no real ale of course, just plain lagers and John Smith's, the friendly landlady serving me with a pint of Stella, which is probably the star attraction here, even if you have to part with £5.20 for the pleasure. This is very much a locals' boozer with smokers occasionally crowding the entrance, customers being drawn from a very mixed age range. The Weavers Arms is a far cry from the Lady Mildmay, Cellars and Alma, all a couple of minutes' walk from here and nothing wrong with that. It's an interesting pub and worth a visit if in the area, but I doubt I'll make a sterling effort to return.

There's no real ale here - a half of Guinness was £2.50(!). There was no sign of any food on Wednesday afternoon. This pub looks really nice from the outside, with its double fronted bay windows and hanging baskets covered in flowers, but unfortunately it's a different story inside. There was a handful of blokes at the bar, seemingly taking it in turns to go out the front to smoke. It's an ordinary pub. There are two or three tall tables/tall stools at the front bar area with a couple of normal tables and chairs. A room at the back behind the servery has a pool table and more tall tables/tall stools, and some attractive herringbone parquet flooring. I suspect that customers come here to drink, rather than to enjoy comfortable surroundings, and there's nothing really wrong with that. But this pub doesn't really have much going for it for me - apart from the seats at the front facing west to catch the dying rays of the sun before it escapes behind the houses on the other side of the road. I doubt whether I'll return.

Nice double fronted facade to this pub.Bright interior but as you would expect from a pub with pool table-sky and games machines yes you guessed it no cask beer.

Quite an attractive façade, with bay windows either side of the front door underneath a row of hanging baskets. Stepping over a mat covering the curiously-placed cellar hatch, you find a traditional 'U'-shaped bar with bare boards, wood panelling and basic furniture. One side is extended further back, leading to a large bare room down a step with a pool table but little else (and thus facilitating use for live music events). Also has a couple of wooden benches out front. So far, so good, and you could easily see it being suited to an ale-house format, but there is no proper beer here unfortunately. So a quick pint of John Smiths (£3.60) before moving on.