The Alfred Herring, Palmers Green, N13

This is a typical shop conversion 'spoons. It has the usual furnishings crammed in; the usual cheap pub grub and beer; and the usual all day drinkers. But it did provide us with a hot meal at a very reasonable price when we were in need of sustenance. Perhaps the most interesting thing (as in many 'spoons) was the stuff on the walls about the local area, from which we learn that Alfred Herring was a local man who won a VC towards the end of WWI and, unlike so many other VC winners in that war, survived to live a long life. It's a standard 'spoons; and they're usually jolly useful when you need them.

Well this spoons has Improved big time since my last visit they must of swapped staff with southgate branch Ha Ha. I Tried three different Ales All were in good condition including Abbot. Service was quick had no problem with staff knowing who was next waiting like in a lot of spoons.

This is another pretty dismal shop conversion, at least in this case the above picture shows that fact! There is a bank of 10 pumps, three of which were stocking the ubiquitous "Available Soon". I had a pint of Abbot at £2.49 which was in good nick. Also on offer were two relatively expensive Fuller's ales (ESB and Pride). The service was efficient on this occasion.

One of the better 'spoons if you pick your time right otherwise you'll wait an age to be served. On the downside - dippy staff and uncontrolled kids. Usual large range of well-kept ales and pre-packed frozen microwaved nosh of the chain. Used to come here often because it was smoke free long before the ban, like its counterpart at Weymouth.

Randomness Guide to London - Alfred Herring entry

Randomness Guide to London - Alfred Herring entry

I went in last night for a quick few pints it was early evening to see if its Improved since last year as there is now a new manager. It was very quiet so I got severed quick which makes a change by the sounds of things. this spoons has a very limited choice of Ales and seems too be aimed at the younger crowed there was only Four Ales on when I went in that was the usual Three Abbots Directors & Ruddles Plus one Guest Ale. I tried Abbots which was Passable but not perfect so next I tried The Directors which was absolute Rank took one gulp and left the rest. Beer quality certainly seems too have got worse. So I decided too leave and go too the New Crown instead.

It was heaving with a very young crowd when I popped in here late Friday evening. The proactive bouncer seemed to be doing his best to assert his authority which didn't create the best of atmospheres. I was served very promptly, but this alone is not enough to make me want to return again.