The Harringay Arms, Crouch End, N8

This pub has not changed appreciably since Roger's visit a couple of years ago. The little model figurines are still on the small shelf at picture rail level, as are the old vinyl LP covers - among them notably Chuck Berry and Captain Beefheart. It's still carpeted, and furnished with normal tables and chairs. We were greeted by the pub cat, George, sitting on the bar counter; also on the bar counter were handpumps clipped with Hobgoblin, Purity Mad Goose, and Otter Bitter. I didn't see any sign of food when we were in on a Saturday afternoon. This struck me as a comfortable and friendly little pub. It's the sort of place you could settle down in for a few pints. I would certainly use this pub regularly if I was a local.

This is a fairly small but cosy enough pub with plenty of Irish connections albeit not your stereotypical Irish bar. The carpeted interior is a single room, quite narrow and cramped with the bar to the right containing a stand out tiled roof canopy. There is a false paneled ceiling, tongue and groove walls and décor with a bit of a 70’s retro feel. Old LP covers vie for space among various portraits, movie posters and figurines. The rear wall appears to be a shrine to Irish poets and writers. Beer wise there are 3 ales available albeit not a particularly interesting selection - Adnams, Courage Best and Doom Bar. Since my visit there has been a change of ownership and the pub now appears to be run as a venture in conjunction with café/restaurant next door called the Rambling Rose. There is also a programme of live music on Sunday afternoons. It’s not an area I tend to get to often but I wouldn’t have too many problems in popping in again although there didn’t seem to be too much to go out of the way for at the time of my visit.

Randomness Guide to London - Harringay Arms entry

Randomness Guide to London - Harringay Arms entry

I was glad to find this place after visiting some of the gastro dross at the other end of the high street. It's a small pub with a couple of plasma screens that show Sky Sports and there is also a dartboard at the rear of the pub by the exit to the small courtyard. The barman that served me seemed nice enough and I saw no problems with the other punters who all seemed to be enjoying their night. The pub closes at midnight on Friday and Saturday and 23:30 all other nights, which is very handy to know. Broadside, Adnams Bitter and Courage Best were all available alongside a standard draught selection and my pint of Broadside was well kept. Next time I am in Crouch End I will make a point of visiting here again.