The Starting Gate, N22

This was previously called the Starting Gate and has now had its name truncated for some reason, as is the way with many pubs. It’s just across the road from Alexandra Palace station, and has nice views over the park over the road. This is a CAMRA Regional Inventory Heritage pub, so it retains some internal original features. In this case it’s mainly some original late Victorian screenwork, with the etched glass featuring small birds that the Victorians seemed to go for. The bar counter’s also original, as is the wooden arch over the central island servery. The floor’s bare-boarded with what looks like the original boards, and furnishings are mainly normal tables and chairs although I did spot a couple of armchairs and a tall table with attendant tall stools. Because of the extant screenwork the pub’s effectively still divided into separate drinking areas. There’s no wall decor to mention – thank goodness, as it would obscure the glasswork in most areas. The tables have fake flowers on them. There were two ales on – Brain’s SA, and something called “House Ale” advertised on a handwritten pump clip. A third pump had a Doom Bar clip reversed. The barmaid didn’t know what the house ale was, although she did give me a taster. It was clearly something by Greene King, so going for the SA wasn’t exactly a “no Brainer”. The food menu specialises in pizzas - £4.75 or so for the six-incher and £8.75 or so for the twelve-incher. This is actually quite a nice pub, and I have to say that the pizzas seemed good quality. But I reckon I hit it on a bad day as it seemed a bit uncomfortable because they were having some work done and the drilling was a bit offputting. Another time I’m sure it would be much better. I would drop in again if in the area.