The Tally Ho, North Finchley, N12

This is a landmark pub located in the crook of a junction which is known locally as Tally Ho Corner. The pub is presently operated by Wetherspoons, although it does form part of the latest tranche of their pub estate to have been put up for sale, so the future is not entirely clear. This is a great shame, as my visit found a well run branch set inside an interesting building with plenty of traditional pub character. The right hand bar, on the upper side of the building, seems to be the main drinking space. The room is carpeted and has lattice windows, floral wallpaper, dark wood panels and the usual varied mix of ‘Spoons seating options. For a main bar in a Wetherspoons, it’s surprisingly compact, creating a degree of cosiness depending on where you manage to grab a seat. The prime seats to bag are one of the two marvellous heavy wooden chairs which are carved to look like elephants – it sounds odd but they look fantastic. Plain mirrors and photos of the local area cover the walls and there is a staircase to one side which has an old pub sign for The Snooty Fox hung halfway up, although I have no idea where this comes from. To the front of the pub, at the apex of the junction, you can go down into a small side room which is also carpeted and benefits from lots of dark wood panelling and comfy seating, creating the feel of an old club house. This in turn leads out to a surprisingly secluded garden area, with lots of seating screened from the roads running wither side of it. On the left side of the pub, there is a smaller, lower bar which was much quieter than the main room and benefited from more panelling and a lovely long, curved window bay, although seating was fairly limited here. A step leads down again to a rear lounge, which was also dominated by dark wood fittings and had a pub mirror, dartboard, black and white photos and a couple of old portraits on show, all of which gave the place a real ‘pub-like’ feel that this chain doesn’t always capture. I believe this was one of the chain’s earlier pubs, which perhaps explains the more traditional pub feel – the rooms upstairs even served as Tim Martin’s office space for a period. The ale range was reasonably good, offering a 50/50 split between guest ales and regular ‘Spoons offerings (four of each) with the final two pumps bearing ‘Coming Soon’ signs. I tried a pint of Bragdy Conwy California which was well kept and served by one of the efficient young bar team, who were on their toes to deal with a lively, mixed Friday night crowd. I hadn’t intended to visit this place, but decided to pop in for a quick look as I was passing and I have to say I’m very glad I did. I found a thriving branch of this well known chain offering good beer and quick service in very pleasant surroundings. Ironically, I suspect it is the ‘old-fashioned’ look of this pub that has prompted them to put it up for sale, as it doesn’t really fit the profile or direction their estate is taking. I hope whoever takes it on will keep this fine building open for future generations to enjoy.

Not improved on the Ale front since last review tried three guest ales all drinkable but none outstanding or in good condition. This pub is badly let down by some of the customers it attracts like smokers hanging around the doors and groups of local yobs. Too many young in experienced staff don't help. Again this regular wetherspoon thing they never know who's next or don't care if the friends are waiting. I will give it a miss for another year.

Bit of a tatty multi -roomed Wetherspoons.Very poor cask beer selection and none of the new craft keg beers seen in other branches.Had a tin of Bengali tiger which was decent enough and only £1.99.

This is another example of a Spoons that has always been a pub rather than a conversion. The name is well known as the area is generally known as Tally Ho Corner and I'm sure it used to be a bus destination, rather like the Bakers Arms in East London. This morning the service was a bit slow, partly due to a coffee order. I eventually got served a 5% Adnam's Mayday at £1.99 which seemed to be exceptionally good value, possibly a mistake. With the 50p CAMRA voucher it was even sweeter! It would help if the pumps had prices on them, as do some Spoons. The beer was in fine condition, but I wonder why it was on as it is not on the current guest list, neither was tbe Nethergate Growler Bitter. There seems to be a trend in certain Spoons to stock beers from major regionals rather than small micros from the guest list or local micros.I can't say I approve of this, but this Adnam's beer which I had never even heard of let alone drank was worth the journey.