The Falcon, Ponders End, Enfield

Sad to see this fine Victorian Building go, but have to be honest and agree as a pub it didn’t do much more than serve some of the more interesting characters of the local community. Ponders End is on the wrong side of the tracks (in this case the A10 artery into London) for most Enfield residents and if we did venture this way it is to the decent ‘Spoons offering that is the Picture Palace just up the road. However it was a place of character in the 70’s when I started my drinking career, both in the shadiness of some of the regulars and in the fact that for many years it had a howitzer cannon parked on the pavement outside, presumable borrowed from the Enfield Small Arms factory at some point in time. The Falcon Ponders End…. R.I.P.

being demolished after developers received planning permission from Enfield Council to turn the site into flats

Given its very dull surroundings, this former Charrington pub (as evidenced by the ceramic plaques near the doors) is quite an interesting, if very old-fashioned, building. Square(ish) in plan area with a high ceiling and a central island bar. There is also a pool table in one corner and a small collection of books in another, but the television seems to take pride of place. No real ale, despite having three handpumps (one with an old Tetleys clip - "Just there for decoration, and a reminder of the old days. There's not much call for it now..." as the lady behind the told me somewhat sadly).