Escape, Mornington Crescent, NW1

Undistinguished sports bar only notable for a large mural on the façade and being bigger inside than one might expect. The bar has an overall 'L' shape, with a pool table at the back, a split-level extra seating area and another pool table up and down half-flights of stairs opposite the entrance and a compact raised darts area on the opposite side. No real ale of course, and just a few standard keg beers including the inevitable John Smith's (£4.60).

This place has everything that you would expect from a sports bar from the many plasmas screens showing Sky and Setanta to the two pool tables and the dartboard. The barman was nice enough, but I didn't get the impression that the locals are the friendliest of people. There is no real ale and only bog standard lagers on draught alongside Magners. I also have to report that my pint of lager was flat as a pancake. This is by no means a great pub, but it serves a purpose and I probably wouldn't grumble if I had a few mates with me for some darts or pool.