The Army & Navy, N16

There was no real ale available, nor any handpumps on the bar, so I guess that must be a permanent state of affairs. There was no sign of any food or menus on Monday afternoon. This is an ex-Truman’s pub, and some of the original signage remains outside. Inside it’s been largely opened up, but it still retains sufficient inter-war original features to warrant a place on the London regional inventory of pubs with heritage interiors. These include the excellent leaded light windows, original bar back, distinctive vitriolite ceiling, three-quarter height wood panelled walls, and nice brick surround fireplaces (but now sadly painted over). The pub itself is reasonably comfortable, being carpeted and furnished with banquettes and small round stools. The stage is still there in the corner (but I didn’t see any indication as to what it’s used for) as is the dartboard on the right with a shelfload of trophies above it indicating that it is more than just a decorative feature. This pub is worth dropping in to if you’re in the area just to see a largely unspoilt inter-war pub interior, but it’s not worth going there for the beer.

I was the only customer in here on Wednesday evening last week and the very friendly barman suggested that the lack of trade was because Tottenham v Arsenal was on the box the previous night. I agreed, but this was still the quietest pub that I found on my crawl of the area. There is a projector and also some TVs for showing Sky Sports and there is a dartboard in the far corner past the bar. There is also a stage area that I imagine gets used for live music, but I didn’t spot any advertisements. There is an advertised beer garden out the back that has a children’s play area, but I did not visit. I did however sit on one of the benches on the path out the front whilst I drank my well served pint of Guinness. There was obviously a lack of atmosphere, but I would give this place the benefit of doubt and revisit when next in the area when there is a football match on.