Muswell Hillbilly Brewers Taproom, Muswell Hill, N10

This is a very small brewery bar set down a narrow mews just off the main street in the heart of Muswell Hill. The bar comprises a compact, narrow room with modern laminate flooring and walls with a mix of light and dark shades of paint and some exposed brickwork. A single high table with a stool has been positioned to the right of the entrance in a small space in front of a staircase which leads up to a private area. The bar is tucked beneath the staircase, meaning it is partially obscured on entry, given away only by the row of punters stood waiting to be served. The bar has a chunky wooden counter and the beer taps are mounted on a panel affixed to the underside of the staircase. Bench and low stool seating runs down the left-hand wall beneath a succession of inane drink-themed slogans and an unusual flashing neon and wood pub sign. Each table has been decorated with a small potted plant, table lamp or other such item and the high table to the front has a stack of children’s books and beer literature to choose from. In the rear left corner, a record player has been set up next to a large collection of vinyl and a mixing board and there were some decent chilled tunes playing on my Saturday early evening visit. The ceiling has been lined with hops and there is a small skylight to the front which allows for a bit of extra natural light in addition to the small windows on the front wall. Toilets are located in a separate building and will require an explanation on how to find them if you’ve not been before. There were three Muswell Hillbillies beers on tap when I visited – Tiger Tail, N10 Radler and Lemon Sour – plus guests in the shape of Signature Brew and Idles Krftsht and Beatnikz Tropic Fiesta. All pints were priced at a fiver and a very friendly, patient and helpful barman spent a good deal of time talking all new arrivals through the merits of each beer. I tried the Tiger Tail, which I thought was decent enough but not entirely my cup of tea. This is a very small bar which only needs a small handful of customers to feel overcrowded and uncomfortable. I was fortunate to be able to grab the last seat, so found myself quite enjoying my visit, which was definitely enhanced by the personal service and the price-capped beer. A nice alternative to the railway arches and industrial estate units which most London micro-brewers seem to favour and well worth a look if you’re in the area.

Official site of Muswell Hillbilly Brewers Taproom - www.muswellhillbillybrewers.co.uk

Official site of Muswell Hillbilly Brewers Taproom - www.muswellhillbillybrewers.co.uk