The Baring, De Beauvoir Town, N1

This seems to be a reverse TARDIS type of pub. As can be seen from the photographs, it has a long frontage, but inside it doesn't really have any depth. I expected a large pub, but it effectively consisted of a single smallish and narrow room strung along the front of the building. But I still liked it though - small can be beautiful. It's got a bare-boarded floor, and mainly furnished with normal tables and chairs - the latter being a big plus as far as I'm concerned. There were photos and snippets of information all over the place, including photos of the Baring Football Team who seemed to be wearing a strip not dissimilar from the blue and red stripes worn by that South London powerhouse from Selhurst Park! There were also wax encrusted bottles on the tables (presumably for use when darkness descends), plus I spotted a shelf near the fireplace bearing assorted board games. There was a signpost to a garden, but it was too cold to go investigating outside seating. There was a decent ale selection available, with Timothy Taylor Landlord, ELB Pale Ale, Spitfire, Proper Job, and a draught cider called Orchard Pig Philosopher all on. I had a quick glance at the menu - sarnies are a fiver, and main meals between £8 - £12 (sausage and mash is £9). I quite liked this pub. It was rather cold in here though, presumably a combination of it being a bitterly cold day, and us arriving just after opening time when it hadn't had time to warm up to a comfortable temperature. I would visit again though.

Situated on the smaller bit of Baring Street where it peels off towards Wilton Square, this pub is easy to miss as I did, having to backtrack. The front elevation and hence the building curves with the road line, meaning wherever you sit opposite the bar under the windows you get a view up or down the road. Boarded floor, bar opposite the entrance doors, the single room extends along then returns at the far right hand end to a decent sized recess with more modern furniture and a large photo of the band, Oasis. Apart from a sofa at each end, seating is traditional, mostly under the windows opposite the bar, light walls and ceiling make for an airy light feel although there are a pair of red feature walls. Busy décor, loads of photos of the pub's own cricket and football teams (trophies indicate they have some success) as well as a few sport related newspaper clippings framed, beer clips and mats on various surfaces, a former TV shelf now houses whisky boxes, again, on the far right end there are numerous books, mostly beer and sport related plus an impressive selection of board games. Beerwise, five handpumps offered Spitfire, Woodforde's Wherry, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Hackney Brewery American Pale Ale (£3.70) plus slightly separated from the main bank, Thatcher's Heritage cider. Food is served, menus on tables plus a chalkboard. steak pie, mash or chips, veg and gravy £12, chilli with rice and bread £9. Sunday roasts between £13-£14, all day Saturday breakfast £8. Thursday hosts a quiz and curry night. Very busy for a Saturday afternoon, I bagged the last table however the Aintree meet was on TV and I watched the Grand National in here, so that may explain why, although there is good reason for it to be busy, it is a very good pub with decent beer and friendly service. Apparently there is a beer garden to the rear but I failed to investigate. Certainly worth a visit and I'm sure I'll be back if I walk this stretch of the canal as I surely will.