Aces and Eights, Tufnell Park, NW5

Retro corner 'neighbourhood bar' with a slightly angled floor-plan. Basic furniture, including some diner-style booths but a bit of a craft beer-style counter and 1960s music poster decor. Pizza menu. Comedy venue downstairs. Just the regular Dark Star Hophead (£3.50) from the pair of handpumps.

Aces & Eights official site - www.acesandeightssaloonbar.com

Aces & Eights official site - www.acesandeightssaloonbar.com

The service here needs improving as four staff took four minutes to serve three people. I can never understand why bar staff carry on cleaning glasses when there are people waiting to be served. Especially when the place is almost empty so there is no way that they are running out of glasses. San Miguel, Heineken, Amstel and Guinness are normally available on draught, but on my visit at 19:30 on a Friday evening the Heineken and Amstel were both off. I ordered a San Miguel and nearly dropped it as the pint glass was covered with melting ice. On the plus side, the barman that served me was apologetic about the lack of lager and the place is relaxed and, from what I experienced, has a decent clientele base. I wouldn't want to stay here all night, but this place would be ok for a late drink.