The Nag's Head, Wood Green, N22

This is a mid-19th century pub, which recently spent some time as part of the Goose & Granite chain, situated at the heart of the Wood Green interchange, opposite the Charles Holden-designed Tube station and Lordship Lane, Land of My Fathers; now it’s part of the ‘Great UK Pubs’ chain (ho-bloody-ho). On arrival, I was greeted by three bouncers, one of whom frisked me, a reminder that Wood Green does have something of a reputation and not a good one. The interior is sprawling, a mixed grey colour scheme dominated by games machines, TVs showing the sport, very loud music and flashing disco lights; one nod to pub tradition were two dartboards. Customers were locals, the one stood next to me at the bar regarding me with suspicion; the feeling was entirely mutual. I didn’t spot any real ale and this place hardly strikes me as a place that attracts cask drinkers, me opting for a half of Stella (£2.25) served in a plastic cup by a perfunctory barmaid. This is an awful place, but as Moby points out, it comes into its own if you want the loo before making a dash for the Tube.

A pretty basic high street pub, large and open plan inside. It was quite busy with Arsenal fans watching their team get thumped by Man City on the five large TV screens. Five handpumps with just two clipped , one with Doom Bar The Other Tribute for which I asked for a pint only to be told only the Doom Bar was on. I settled for a half of Stella at the reasonable price of £2.00, probably due to the fact theirs a Spoons just across the road. To be honest I only ventured in while awaiting a bus at the stop outside and the fact my bladder was telling me it was a good idea. Not a place I would normally bother with but it has it's uses.

Official site of The Nag's Head - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

Official site of The Nag's Head - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

The Goose is a large pub which faces Wood Green tube station,so very handy for the first drink on my crawl of the area. Once inside there is a large single curved room with the bar facing,the room is bare boarded,the seating normal tables and chairs and some tall tables and chairs,the left side is down one step,this area is smarter and carpeted and has comfy looking bench seating,there is a darts board to the front right and a pool table and bar football table to the rear left. There were two real ales on the bar on my Saturday morning visit,i had a drink of London Pride which went down well after a fairly long journey down here. Background music was playing. I was quite happy having a drink in this pub. Pub visited 4/8/2016

Big ,clean busy pub.Pride,Bomba,Hobgob and Doom on cask.Justin Bieber and horseracing on the tv,s.Decent alternative to the Wetherspoons across the road if you don't mind paying the extra.