Drayton Park, N5

Corner pub located directly opposite the eponymous entrance to the Emirates Stadium, given a light semi-traditional refurbishment in the last couple of years. The tall windows on two sides help give an airy feel to the place, as does the sparse furniture (presumably to maximise the vertical drinking space on match days). No cask ale and mostly standard keg beers, but the local independent beers Hammerton’s Panama Creature session IPA and Low Rise hazy pale (‘Low Cals, Full Vibe', £6.90) are also available.

Have never been to this pub previously in spite of living in the area in the 90’s. Aware of it but preferred other venues nearby. Was surprised to see it had re-opened after, as Tris notes, it was steadfastly closed between lockdowns and for the few year since summer 2021. Trekked here to check it out and it felt like a nice airy pub late afternoon when there was no live sport on and just the chatter of a few locals in. Definitely feels like a few forests have been consumed meeting the wood needs of this place. Looks a far cray from some of the older photos on this site. It felt a bit bare to say the least apart from the strange choice of ceiling lights (on today above the bar only, and so not needed for any functional purpose). There is a pleasant terrace out the back, partially covered to be useful on rainy days. Beer wise, as noted below no cask. Three sets of 6 beer taps, with lagers galore (Camden Hells, Grolsch, Asahi, Peroni), Guinness, a cider from Orchards, Meantime Prime Pale and something called Hoxton Fresh from the Great Beyond Beer Co. Quite a few of the taps double up the offered beverages. I opted for the last named and it was a pleasant quaff on a muggy late afternoon. This will probably remain my sole visit here. Not enough on the beer front to tempt me from better beer and more characterful pubs nearby. I am sure given its proximity to the Emirates it will undoubtedly do well and so easy to see that it became a long closed pub that managed to re-open. That is good in itself.