Eastnor Castle, Somers Town, NW1

The façade of this backstreet building has a certain bold charm, and the fading paintwork (including a misleading claim that "Real Ales" are on offer) suggests that a move upmarket was once attempted. However, the place has now reverted to a locals boozer - not really surprising, given its location - and has a generally tatty and old-fashioned feel (including furniture, decor and clientele). Comfortable three-part bar with two seating areas and a pool table in an opened-out space to the rear. Had to make do with a quick pint of John Smiths (£2.80) before moving on.

Somers Town is named for the first Baron Somers, whose son had Eastnor Castle built in Herefordshire in the early 19th Century. It wasn’t a pukka castle as it wasn’t built for defensive purposes, but rather as a stately home. Of course it’s a far more magnificent structure than this somewhat down at heel pub. I was encouraged by the sign on the front of the pub saying “real ales”, but alas there were none to be had, with just John Smith’s, Guiness and the usual bog standard lagers available. Maybe real ale had been an aspiration when the front was painted; indeed the bar counter has the evidence of beer pumps having been sited there at some time in the past. But the counter looks pretty old. Fresh sandwiches are also advertised on the door, but I didn’t see any evidence of them inside. It’s completely opened up inside, but this hasn’t given it any airs or graces. Furnishings are pretty standard stuff, which thankfully don’t include sofas, armchairs, or tall stables/stools. The walls have some low grade wood panelling on them, except for the back wall which is mirrored. The pool table is located at the back. This looks the sort of place that ought to have a dartboard, although I didn’t see one. The TV was tuned to some news channel, being watched by a handful of old boys. This is an unpretentious backstreet locals’ boozer. It’s really well off the beaten track so you’re not likely to be passing, and to be honest it’s not really worth seeking out. But I quite liked it in here, although I have to say that a decent ale would improve it immensely.