The Eaglet, Holloway, N7

A mid-19th century pub, this was rebuilt in 1917 (or at least the bar area and possible extension were) as the result of a Zeppelin raid and displays some rather fine glazed faience tiling, with the names of Watney and Reid breweries, looking rather attractive in this very unprepossessing location. Now the bad news: it’s a Craft Union pub with all that entails; a modernised, largely carpeted interior; gloomy lighting; lager founts galore; games machines and sport with the sound off, not that it could be heard over the – admittedly rather good – very loud Meatloaf tribute act; customers are all local – one eyeing me up with suspicion – and seemingly a fair number of East Africans; some young women were dancing to the music. Obviously there’s no cask, just a sea of glowing fizz founts, a half of lager – brand forgotten and £2.15 – served by a friendly barmaid. I had been forewarned by a local friend that this place wouldn’t be for me and What?ub lists little against it, as it has little to offer. The Great Winfield’s review still holds water: ‘This is a very basic pub that most people other than locals would not venture into’, so I was off like a bat out of hell.

Official site of The Eaglet - www.craftunionpubs.com

Official site of The Eaglet - www.craftunionpubs.com