The Lion & Unicorn, Kentish Town, NW5

This isn't the greatest pub and it had three redundant hand pumps sitting amongst a standard draught range. They have Sky and Setanta, but the only TV I spotted was a small one above the entrance (maybe there is a screen in the back that I did not see). A pool table and dartboard can be found in the back room that leads onto the beer garden at the rear. This is a residential local in an area that leaves a lot to be desired and I doubt that I'll be in the area again to revisit.

This fairly large, spacious traditional style Victorian corner pub is set in a leafy residential street far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the main road to remain largely ignored by those with little sense of venturing into the back streets. My previous visit was only memorable for 3 redundant hand pumps and a sozzled up local who insisting on holding an indecipherable conversation while I tried to get served. Given the subsequent notification of a management change I recently returned to see what, if anything, has altered. Firstly there were no signs of anyone worse for wear propping up the bar which can only be a good thing and secondly the 3 redundant hand pumps are now down to 2 albeit the London Pride occupying the third pump was, at best, barely drinkable. One of the pool tables has been removed but apart from that the place is pretty much as it was and probably has been for years. The interior is a bit dated and tired but sometimes this can be part of a pubs charm. There are several wonderful brewery and whiskey mirrors but the abundance of cheap plastic flowers doesn't do the place any favours. The rear pool and darts area is partly screened off by an isolated fireplace and there are several fruit and quiz machines dotted about as well as a juke box. The bare floors add to the basic approach and with a bit of imagination and better quality beers the place could be quite appealing. There is a shady patio at the rear and sectioned off tables under umbrellas at the front. As things stand it is a useful place to know if you want to lose the crowds and are not fussy about the beers. Otherwise it's not really worth making a big effort to find.