Kings Head, Finsbury Park, N4

Built in the mid-19th century, with a refitted interior dating from the 1930s and on CAMRA’s list as being of Some Regional Importance. On entering, a sign to the door told me that the pub operated a no mask, no entry policy; no one in the pub was actually wearing one, so why the stipulation? The floor’s carpeted, there’s upholstered banquettes with matching upholstery to normal chairs; tables are fairly standard. There are some ornate flourishes to the bar back with a pot shelf dating from the ‘30s, along with a similarly dated and now bricked up fireplace. There’s a white Anaglypta ceiling from which brass chandeliers hang and décor comprises a few framed prints with some Arsenal memorabilia; I couldn’t locate the source of the slight smell of damp. Decent music played at an acceptable level, but this had to compete with the football commentary from too many TVs to count; games machines flashed to one side. There were Perspex panels to the bar with more instructions stating that card payments were limited to £10 – they weren’t – and that no one should stand at the bar – people were. The net result didn’t make for a welcoming visit. Customers were very much local and seemingly no longer Irish, but definitely mouthey. There’s no real ale, so I opted for a Guinness, served well, at a very reasonable £4.50. This really isn’t a great pub and in a postcode where half-decent pubs are thin on the ground. I agree with the previous viewer that I too couldn’t recommend it and similarly, have no plans to return. Rated: 3.5.

A thin narrow interior with plain decor. 2 real ales.

This is an Irish pub, in that it is frequented by Irishmen (perhaps women too, but there weren't any in when I visited). They did have one ale on - GKIPA at £3 a pint. There was no sign of any food on Tuesday afternoon. The pub is traditionally furnished, with upholstered banquettes, normal chairs, and metal framed tables. The floor was carpeted. There was a dartboard at the back of the room, and at the front was a TV on showing the ladies' darts. There are a few potted plants dotted around, and the overall impression was a clean and well maintained pub. All quite normal, and much appreciated by yours truly who just wanted a quiet dink in a comfortable pub. This pub is nothing exceptional, and the ale selection won't win ny prizes, but it's a lot better than some pubs around this area.