The Plimsoll, Finsbury Park, N4

Decided to parachute from N6 to N4 to knock off some venues around Finsbury Park. Got here about 8.15pm and it was effing mental. Literally could barely wedge myself from the front door to the bar - the mere 10 yards achieved in slow motion. This place crops up on numerous top pubs in Christendom lists but I just don’t get it. There is no cask, the retro tap labels seduce you into thinking something is better because it takes you back but Boddingtons has been crap for thousands of years so what’s the point. OK I like the old style Guinness advertising so I had a pint of Guinness but I like to think that was the sensible choice here anyway. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love seeing busy pubs and there really is not much else to offer around the station at least. Have been notching venues up a bit recently - this is probably a 5 but going to redress the balance and call it a 4! The pink lighting behind the bar works in a fancy cocktail bar in W1 but not in an effing N4 pub.

Another cancelled train at Finsbury Park drew this visit,the pub name says it all,a wedged shaped corner building.Internally it retains an original layout and lots of wood panelling,with the tap room having traditional furniture,a small darts board alcove and a large room away from the bar with two large Sky screens and a raised section in the apex of the building for the regulars to watch sport. This is an Irish pub,and there was a monoculture inside on my visit,despite this being one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK.The welcome was friendly enough,and a large sign infront of the Guiness taps said CASH ONLY.No real ale,but at least the guv'nor keeps his lines well cleaned and my half of Kronenbourg 1664 at £2 was acceptable.Shame that the Irish have no love for real ale,this pub would please a lot of CAMRA members. I dare say that when the Gooners are playing,the pub atmosphere will be much less laid back.

This is still an "Irish" pub. Obviously there's no real ale; obviously there's Guinness on; and obviously the horse racing was being shown on the TVs. I didn't see any sign of food or menus on our midweek late afternoon visit. There are separate drinking areas, with the fitting looking to be post war - 70s possibly. There's even a separate area at the end of the bar counter for darts. There are a couple of sofas, but the majority of furnishings is normal tables and chairs. There's also a fair bit of bric a brac (jugs and the like on shelves) around the place. This looks like a good and well patronised, and comfortable, locals' pub, but it's not one to which I'm likely to return.

Irish pub that lives up to its name with a wedge shaped interior that is quite dark. Handy for Finsbury tube and the fitba.