The Wheatsheaf, Stamford Hill, N16

This is a proper down to earth backstreet boozer where the bar area splits the pub in two allowing the left hand side to be a public bar with pool table and dartboard and the right hand side to be a little quieter and a favourite with the older locals. There are TVs throughout which were showing horse racing and the Ryder Cup when I visited yesterday (Sat) afternoon, but the volume was very low so it was easy to forget they were there. The bar supports a hand pump either side and one of these was unused and the other was drawing Pedigree, which was off leaving a standard draught selection. The Guinness was well poured though and the maid was polite enough once her initial suspicions of me disappeared. There is a very small area out the back that has a couple of tables and some chairs for the smokers to keep them off the street out front. I’d have no problem returning here for another beer or six.