The Park Inn, Alexandra Palace, N22

Basic Irish bar, with plain decor and canteen-style tables. Further seating area to the rear, down a few steps. The landlord initially seemed very wary - not sure who he thought I was - but cheered up after a bit. No real ale, so had a quick pint of keg Greene King IPA Smooth (£2.80) before moving on.

This is a shop converted Irish bar next to Bengal Berties which is a good curry house. There are signs in the window saying' real ale sold here' (the bar, not the rubytorium) but unfortunately both the Abbott and Greene King IPA were off leaving Standard lager, Strongbow and Guinness. The bar is along the wall towards the front of the pub and it was being run by a very friendly woman. There is another seating area down some steps away from the plasmas and the Sky Sports at the rear of the pub. I found the locals to be accommodating enough. There is a poker machine and poker was being shown on the TV, I didn't see any signs for poker nights though, maybe every night is poker night! This is a decent bar and I would go back if passing.