The Woodbine, Highbury, N5

They should get rid of the idiot barman who refused service to ‘away fans' – no colours, northern accent -(25Aug), despite the bar being quiet ~18:00. A friendly couple outside couldn't believe their ears and kindly offered to go to the bar for us, but I politely declined and took our custom elsewhere. Shame, as the pub had a nice aspect from outside and within; horseshoe bar, wood floor, choice of real ales, can't recall what they were as I didn't get to sample any!

Although a little dark this is a pleasant enough pub with a standard draught selection and two hand pumps which were pouring Pride and Landlord on my recent visit. I was served a decent pint of Guinness, but it was a tad expensive for the area. Food is served and there are signs for Woody’s famous brunch which is served from midday until 17:00 and roast lunch is served between the same hours on Sunday’s. This is a shop conversion which has been well done with the odd bit of Irish paraphernalia on the floor board lined walls, which included some Baptist Church times. Some other out of the ordinary things can also be spotted including a stuffed boar’s head, chandelier and a huge angled mirror that hangs above some decks placed at the front of the pub. I didn’t spot any advertisements for sky sports, but there is a plasma screen and a small projector screen that was rolled up during my visit. There was a friendly crowd in attendance and although I wouldn’t make this a destination pub I would pop in again if passing.