Hoot 'n' Annies, Kentish Town, NW5

I've only been here once, out of curiosity, but probably won't return. To be honest I find the place truly bizarre. It's been refurbished and renamed several 'Annie' variations in the last few years so they're obviously trying hard to make a go of it, but the results are tragic. I can't quite put my finger on it but the place just feels a bit off, not a bit like a pub at all. I wish I'd known it before all semblance of the proper pub it must have once been was knocked out of it.

Once upon a time this was the Wolsey Tavern and it's pointless speculating on what this pub was like when it was a real pub; no real trace remains. Suffice to say, this is what I can only describe as being one of the most bizarre pub experiences I've ever had. The interior is a mix of faux Rococo furniture upholstered with cerise velour complete with a huge chandelier and rushed curtains, weird wall coverings, cerise velour pouffes, semi-cylindrical chairs finished in black velvet and low tables with tea lights in pink glass holders. The bar top is black marble whilst the front is ivory coloured and studded in the manner of a Chesterfield sofa; peripheral seating is curiously wavy and black. The overall effect can only be likened to one of drinking in something resembling either Zsa Zsa Gabor's boudoir or Liberace's sitting room; perhaps 'Annie' is a drag queen? More odd, despite this pub's attempt at High Camp, the clientelle mainly comprised male locals who are elderly and a bit down at heel. I could vaguely see this concept working in Soho, but in NW5 it's pointless. The bar's website describes this venue as being "...a beautifully designed, chic yet friendly bar." It is none of these things; and the selection of drinks is pathetic. The pub scores 1 point for having very good loos, but unless I'm in the area nursing a very full bladder, I will not come here again.