The Englefield, N1

A very nice, spacious wood-panelled pub with a good selection of drinks and friendly bar staff. This was formerly Kenrick's before reverting back to its historic name. I would happily come again with friends; I think this is probably the best pub on Essex Road though I'd prefer the light bulbs to have a slightly higher wattage.

This is a good sized gastro pub that is split into two sections with a small area by the front left entrance that has some seating and a large plasma screen, don’t get excited though as I saw no advertisements for Sky Sports. The much larger right hand side of the pub has some seating along the front windows opposite the bar and some more tables in the large area at the rear that felt more like a dining area. There is a screen on the back wall, but this was rolled up during my visit and I couldn’t spot a projection unit anywhere so I think that it is never used. The pub has wooden flooring throughout with floor boards at the front of the pub and parquet flooring in the area at the rear and the walls throughout are wood panelled. There is also a fireplace to the right of the bar and the leather armchairs the arc around it were being used by a couple reading their paperbacks. Harveys Best, Doom Bar and Acorn Brewery’s Barnsley Gold were the three ale options during my visit early Last Wednesday evening and there was also a selection of standard and premium draught products. I went for the Guinness that was very good and served by a very polite member of staff. Obviously food is served, but it was very quiet during my early Wednesday evening visit last week so I didn’t spot anyone eating although I did spot the menu written on a chalk board at the rear of the pub with kitchen opening times marked as 18:00 until 22:00. There are some picnic tables outside the front of the pub and there is a nice decked area located at the bottom of an iron staircase at the rear of the pub. The welcome was polite and the atmosphere relaxed, but I did find it a little sterile. Granted, it was quiet and there maybe more of an atmosphere at busier times, but I got the feeling that busier times means lots of people dining, which isn’t really my bag. Note: This pub was previously known as Kenrick’s Bar and changed name circa 2007.