The White Swan (JD Wetherspoon), N1

Built in 1962 (so the same age as me!) this is a Wetherspoons conversion of a working man's club and union building. The White Swan name recollects that of a former pub which used to sit behind here in what was known as White Swan Yard. A typical modern interior with many surfaces covered in a pattern of wooden slips in shades of brown and orange. There are a number of booths to the rear on a side wall beyond the bar. The area above the bar is boxed in and has a series of portholes containing branded beer glasses backlit with red, green and yellow lighting. Towards the rear a staircase sweeps up to a gallery which gives good views of the room below especially from the drinking shelf at the perimeter. A sign informs that children are not allowed up here. There are ten handpumps and in addition to the usual 'spoons staples there were four guests plus one "coming soon". My Vale Brewery Gravitas was top notch, even if a little dearer than my local 'spoons at £2.49. As for decor there are the usual potted histories and anecdotes dotted about. The clientele seemed pretty respectable on the whole. I regard this as an above average example of the chain.

This is a Wetherspoons house at the top end of upper street. The pub was quite busy mid saturday afternoon and there was a decent choice of real ales on the bar i car'nt remember what drink i had but it was a decent drink and this spoons was a lot better than some of their pubs i have been in.

This Spoons is the nearest pub to Highbury and Islington station and was the first stop on my crawl of Upper Street this week. As previously mentioned bit of a strange interior but with some nice features, like the indoor balcony. This is one of the better Spoons when it comes to Ale choice with ten handpumps as mentioned previously. Unfortunately the Midnight Bell wasn’t on when I visited, but the pint of Rebellion I had was perfectly fine. Not recommended to visit on match days when the Ar*e are playing at home, unless you’re a fan of course.

This place is the usual cavernous Spoons with plenty of ale and a standard draught selection. There is a separate family area on the first floor which was closed off during my visit. There was an array of clientele ranging from the suit grabbing a last pint before making his way home to the old Irish soaks who had been in since opening time. I have been in better Spoons pubs and I doubt that I will return to this one.