The Cellar Taps, Newington Green, N1

This pub was indeed originally called the Edinburgh, Cellars arriving I know not when, likewise the transfer simply to The Cellars, but I do know that the current name arrived about three weeks ago, the result of an utterly needless makeover. The exterior now advertises Sky/BT sport which doesn’t bode well and ‘craft’ beer, despite there being no definition of the term. Internally, the front bar displays shades of grey, with the arrival of some utterly tedious, repetitive shiny white tiles to the bar back and a couple of TVs which no-one was watching; the only saving grace is that the awful hackneyed metallic ceiling has been painted over; furniture is now more modern. It’s in the back room that the most shock is evident: this was a very fine place, probably for billiards and with a large lantern. It has now largely been plastered with trendy mishmash prints and is now very dark, but worst of all, there are now two TVs (unwatched, not that there were any customers), bathing the poor room in an awful, unflattering, unrestful light. There were a small number of customers up front, but they were probably remaindered from the quiz. This pub of late had few customers when the neighbouring Lady Mildmay and Alma were doing a roaring trade. Perhaps potential punters were put off by the large, intimidating dog that could frequently be seen here. Past customers tended to be trendy young things living locally, who probably have no interest in sport, which they can avoid in the Mildmay and Alma, which is where they all were on my last – and final – visit the other night. Previously rated 7.

Facebook page of The Cellar Taps - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Cellar Taps - www.facebook.com

I liked this street corner pub and the welcome from the lively landlady was heartfelt.The L shaped bar has comfortable bench seating and the large windows gave plenty of light.There is also a sizeable former billiards room to the rear with a large sky light ,and this area was plush and also had some dining type tables.There were some wooden seats and pic nic benches outside on a sun trap side of the pub.The side entrance has some fine glazed tiling and a mosaic indicating this was the entrance to the saloon and billiards room.Any divide for a public bar is long gone. The vibe was relaxed and this is an authentic boozer ,the pub grub menu offered standard fare. The 4 handpumps were offering a Lilly real cider,Doom Bar,Hammerton N1 and Five points XPA .(Very decent,NBSS 3.5,refreshing on a hot day). I didn't visit every pub around Newington Green but of those I did pop in this was the best and I look forward to a return visit.