Tapping the Admiral, NW1

This pub has endured several incarnations, having started life as The Trafalgar Tavern and having previously been known as Tavern Inn The Town. It’s been thoroughly modernised and opened up now. There’s all kinds of incomprehensible decor on the walls, but including some antlers (ibis perhaps?), a massive poster for Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and ancient metal advertising posters for Fremlin’s and Truman’s ales. There were candles on the tables, as well less usually seen (in pubs anyway) ceiling fans and small chandeliers. Furnishings were mainly solid well scrubbed tables, and normal chairs as I recall. There was apparently also a garden at the back but we didn’t venture out there. I reckon that real ale must be king here, There were eight handpumps on the bar counter, with seven in operation when we were in on Thursday evening, and with none of the usual suspects present. We were offered tasters of an ale with which we were unfamiliar, and were given a choice of straight glasses or mugs. The CAMRA discount is still in operation as well. They specialise in Thai food, with the standard stir fries at £7.45 a pop. Notwithstanding the modern makeover to which this pub has been subjected, the ale choice makes it a pub worth going out of your way to find. Also, the modern touches didn’t detract from the pub ambience of this place – it was comfortable and not too noisy. I would definitely come back to this pub.

Official site of Tapping the Admiral, with menu and real ale list - www.tappingtheadmiral.co.uk

Well and truly open and tidily refurbished. 8 handpumps featuring Meantime,Moorhouses,Adnams,Purity & Redemption. 20p off a pt for CAMRA members,40p off for Jan 2012. Couple of real ciders and a range of ales and ciders in bottles. Posh fizzy muck on draft also. Sociable staff and punters. Short walk from Kentish Town West overground (you can see it from the station exit) and a short walk from Camden tube. Well worth a visit.

Official site of Tapping the Admiral, with menu and real ale list - www.tappingtheadmiral.co.uk