Stag, Holloway, N7

It’s not often that I’m drawn to a pub to write its obituary, but this place will close at the end of the month, probably for good having served the community in some form since at least the early 19th century. Situated just off the noise of Holloway Road, the George is located in an area of seismic regeneration. As mentioned, it’s a spartan pub probably more so on my visit as it looked as if some of the décor may have been removed prior to closing – all I could see were a couple of items relating to the local football team and a few modern prints to the claret-coloured walls. There are though some elements of interest: fake ceiling Tiffany lamps, the curved bar frontage in matchboard painted ochre and the curved ply pot shelf which probably dates from the 1950s. There’s also a little etched glass panelling as a nod to tradition. Furniture is very basic, with some black velour banquettes to much of the periphery. The keen-eyed pubologist will have spotted the ‘public bar’ sign to an entrance in green and gold, the corporate colours of Mann, Crossman & Paulin. Muted music played, but it was coming from the radio. Lavatories too were basic, to the point where the gents had no cubicle, though as this is a locals’ pub, I suppose they just pop home. The barman was very friendly and what few locals were in, all seemed to know one another and were in good spirits. Ales: one unused pump, thereafter three drawing Doom Bar with the clips reversed, as they should be; I plumped for a half of cheap fizz. This isn’t a pub to which I would have returned, but it’s sad that yet another community hub will be lost, and in an area with few remaining drinkeries.

Basic bare boarded interior with a central horseshoe bar serving 1 real ale.

This is a very quiet backstreet boozer that was serving up Pride and a standard draught selection. There was another pump with a Bombardier clip attached, but this was off during my visit. I spotted three plasma screens for the showing of Sky Sports and the is a pool table around the side of the bar by the exit to the tiny beer yard with some covered standing space and a heater for those chilly nights. This place is ok due to its peers lacking in many respects, but I wouldn't go out of my way to drink here again.