The Great Northern Railway Tavern, Hornsey, N8

Randomness Guide to London - Great Northern Railway Tavern entry

Randomness Guide to London - Great Northern Railway Tavern entry

No real ale on, nor any handpumps offering the possibility of something decent to drink on some future occasion. There are some original features in this Victorian ex-gin palace, but there are no other redeeming features as far as I can see. But, because I needed something to eat I decided to have a half of Stella and a Thai lunch. Got the Stella OK but there didn't seem to be a way to get something to eat other than trying to snag the chef as he hurtled to and from the kitchen with other people's meals. It seems the bar staff play absolutely no part in the food process – it's like having two businesses on the same premises. I suppose that's the way it is now, but losing business because a hungry punter can't get something to eat in a pretty empty pub can't be good for business. I won't be coming back.

This is a good looking pub with the bar area housing a pool table on a raised level and I counted four plasma screens that have the capability of showing Sky Sports. There is a larger room towards the rear of the pub which has a plasma screen on the wall behind a small stage area that I would imagine being used for live music nights. Past this room is a small conservatory that leads to a small sunken garden that is full of creepers and entertains a barbeque. There is also a Thai kitchen attached, but I did not try the food so I cannot comment. There is no real ale and Staropramen is the only offering other than standard draught products. I thought that the barmaid was a little frosty, but the governor seemed polite enough. I liked it in here and I would return again if in the area.