Duke of St Albans, NW5

Wood is the theme here - floorboards, bar top, seats and tables - all wood so, combined with a chaotically arranged beer board where the trailing zero will certainly not be displayed, you know you're in a venue which is up with all the latest trends. This obviously includes round 16 craft taps, some of which are pouring Saint Monday, a London brewery associated with the pub. Fortunately, there's also half a dozen handpulls, with the likes of Marble, Saltaire and Bristol Beer Factory featuring, along with a cider. A limited food menu is also offered. The seating (being wood, with no cushions) doesn't encourage an extended stay and the bar blocking stools are annoying, but it's worth popping in if you're in the vicinity, though you'll surely have the Southampton Arms just down the road on your itinerary as well.

Official site of Duke of St Albans - www.dukeofstalbans.com

Official site of Duke of St Albans - www.dukeofstalbans.com

Had spotted that this place was due to re-open but seeing Tris’s review of a few days ago I launched my self here from the depressing experience of the Islington Arts Club. This is more like it and I felt rewarded for the short trek on Overground to this vibrant venue. Music v low and hardly noticed above the chatter of a full venue. Modest change to the cask selection, minus the Redemption and Harvey’s quaffs but added the Vale Black Beauty Porter. Suspect the Harvey’s will be back and the board suggested the Ilkley Blonde but two turned round clips suggested two down on the day. My Bishops Farewell was greeted and good-byed rather rapidly.