The Toll Gate, Turnpike Lane, N8

One of the more pub-like 'spoons - it even has a proper pub sign and quite a lot of seating out front. Inside, it is larger than you might expect, with an island bar and a wide range of seating (including some booths). 14 handpumps, with a pretty good selection from the real ale fesival, and the beer keenly priced at £1.85. Helpful and happy staff - rather different to the awful Spouter's Corner up the road at Wood Green.

When in here last night on my way home from Southgate. Its not a bad Wetherspoons and is Much better than the other one near Wood Green Station in my opinion. They had a reasonable selection of guest Ales on of which I tried Three all were in good condition and the service was prompt and quick. Place was reasonably clean and Tables cleared of old food which makes a change going by previous reviews. Mind it was Monday evening.

This place is pretty much what you'd expect from a Spoons, massive pub with cheap booze. It has more than its fair share of crazies and it's impossible to get comfortable. A guy on the table next to me was fast asleep and snoring, but a staff member just breezed past him. I spotted 4 real ales and there is plenty of lager. There was one member of staff on and I had to wait for the manager to appear before I was served. He was polite enough though. There are 2 plasma screens and a designated no children area, which I thought was a good touch. There is also some seating outside, but it is next to the main road.

This is a typical ‘Spoons, and I have to say not one of the best ones that I've been in. But, the pint of Loddon Brewery's Razzle Dazzle was excellent. It wasn't very busy on a Saturday afternoon with a number of free tables when I visited, nevertheless table clearing apparently didn't seem to be a priority. This is just like many other ‘Spoons I've been in, but I was able to get a decent pint and a cheap (if not very good) baguette to eat, which is more than I can say for two of the previous pubs I had been in during the day.