The Coronet, Holloway, N7

Tris C left this review about The Coronet

Reviewed: 31st March 2018.

A late Art-Deco cinema built in 1940 as the Savoy, renamed the ABC in 1962 and the Coronet in 1979. Closed as a cinema in 1983 and converted into a ‘spoons in 1996 - still haunted by the ghosts of Kia-Ora and 11”-Westler’s.
Not visited before, our group undertaking a midweek stopover for a quick pint on our walk, it’s cavernous inside and easy to guess that this was once a place of entertainment, though how much finery is original, I couldn’t say; the Art-Deco-style side booths obviously aren’t original. There’s some film-themed memorabilia, such as framed old film posters. Otherwise, there are all the ‘spoons trademarks, with an outdoor patio to the rear.
This was never really going to be anything other than a day on the Pride as I couldn’t see anything else for bar hogs, just the Abbot.
Come early evening, the staff were rushed off their feet and highly reluctant to change the barrels when empty: “It’ll take 20 minutes!” (no, it won’t), so they were taking payment then in effect dishing up whatever was still available – another problem with the new ‘spoons policy of pre-payment.
Wetherspoons are good for cheap decent beer and a tasty fry-up, but I’m more of a traditionalist, so won’t be returning, not least because I’ve had better experiences in other branches.

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Closed by Sir Spoonalot last December to reopen after a short break, with a return a few days ago and the interior – which has a citation from CAMRA for being a Pub with Outstanding Conversion or Restoration – is unchanged. What has changed however, is the introduction of a sports bar inclination and the reduction in cask selection, with the usual ‘spoons fare, then just Tribute and Landlord, price forgotten but a fair bit more than the ‘spoons pricing, though in good nick, served by a friendly barmaid. The customer fanbase is unchanged unsurprisingly, but what is surprising is that this is the best drinkery for quite some distance, but it’s all relative.

On 15^th July 2024 - rating: 4
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