The Fiddler, Kilburn, NW6

Irish pubs and bars seem to be 10 a penny these days, especially in this part of the world, so they need to be something special to stand out from the rest. The Kingdom looks OK from the outside but for the most part is as plastic and contrived as an Irish bar can be. All the usual characteristics are present, the sports shirts, the homages to Guiness, Harp and Magners, multi channeled TVs showing Irish News and horse racing. In short it is all very typical with little to lift it over and above any other Irish Pub. The interior is a single, rather open room, comfortable without being particularly cosy, with built in seats along one side opposite the bar, quite plain décor and half frosted windows depicting the pub name and parent company. An impressive array of trophys are lined up at one end (not sure what for though – there are no obvious pub games played here). Being a sports ground enthusiast, a panoramic 1938 photo of Croke Park caught my eye, which left me wondering how people managed to get into the upper tier of the stand that seems to hover over the crowd. At best, I would describe the place as average but, whilst I didn't witness or get any impression of the aforementioned tales of violence, I was hardly afforded a big welcome. From the moment I approached the bar to the moment I left with my pint of Guiness (Irish Bars generally mean no Ales), the barman did not utter a single word. Not a hello, a please, a thank you or even that'll be £2 whatever. My change was virtually thrown into my hand and I got the distinct impression I wasn't expected to stay long. They needn't have worried. Being packed to the rafters on St Patricks Day may be one thing but whilst it displays such open coldness to a first time visitor on a quiet early evening, it isn't going to win me over.

This is a generic Irish bar with the usual standard draught array and more than enough plasma screens that were showing two different rugby matches and horse racing during my fleeting visit. I didn't stay long as I didn't find it very welcoming, although the barmaid was pleasant enough. The Guinness wasn't the best and next time I'm in the area I'll purchase it from the Golden Egg up the road as it is better and a pound a pint cheaper.