The Vineyard, N1

The Vineyard has a large part decked and part paved seating area out the front behind a gated entrance where an A-board proudly displays the fact that this pub is a sport free zone, so not a good start in my opinion. As I approached the entrance the choice of music was apparent and I thought to myself that it’s a shame the pub isn’t an inane boy band free zone. There’s a premium and standard draught selection available alongside Doom Bar, Landlord and Greene King IPA, but if the standard of the Guinness was anything to go by I would give the ales a wide berth as my pint was undrinkable. In fact the service left a lot to be desired and the cock sure barman had no idea no idea how to pour the black stuff. The pub was empty early Saturday evening, but all of the tables at the rear and most at the front were reserved for groups so even thought there were hardly any other customers there was still nowhere to sit. I got the feeling that later in the evening the crowd would consist of early twenty-somethings who take advantage of the 1am closing. There is also an extension until 1am on Fridays and an extra half an hour on Sundays and There is live music every Thursday night. I was left feeling like I’d just wasted fifteen minutes of my life as I left here and I cannot imagine returning.