The Woodberry Tavern, Stamford Hill, N15

Substantial pub, made more imposing by some of the clearance that has taken place around it over the years. Inside, it has the feel of an old-fashioned, slightly tatty (if sizeable) local. Three bar areas, with plenty of space for live music and other events. No sign of real ale in the bar I went into, but the barmaid seemed pretty clueless and there may have been a handpump somewhere up the other end of the pub. A quick pint of the inevitable John Smiths Smooth, and I was off...