The Bluecoats, Tottenham, N17

This newish establishment had a short lived identity as a nightclub called Savanha’s Pleasures which didn’t go down too well with local residents. It didn’t take too many brain cells to work out that by sticking a few Spurs flags in the window and adding a chest beating name to the building it would be more popular for the pre/post match punters on the way to/from nearby White Hart Lane football ground and now, as one would expect, the place is as heaving as anywhere else on match days. The building was originally the Blue School (after the uniforms of the pupils) and the current building dates from 1833. The school closed in the 1930’s and a sucession of small shops and businesses occupied the premises until the short lived nightclub escapade. The building is quite attractive with its stone façade and attractive gables although the appearance is spoilt somewhat by the cheap signage. The interior is divided into front and rear bars, the front being quite small with limited seating (they can cram more in if they all stand) whilst the rear bar is a bit more spacious for want of a better word. The décor is loosely Spurs themed in that the colour scheme is predominanty blue and white (although the light blue is more Manchester City that Tottenham!). There are a few flat screens dotted about but, apart from a signed Gareth Bale shirt, there is little else that ctahes the eye and you get the feeling the place would be enhanced with a bit more on the memorabilia side. The rear bar also has a Boxing machine and a pool table (pushed aside on match days to accomodate the masses). A set of stairs leads to a converted attic with additional seating but appears to be more food orientated than drink. A small patio is also available for smokers and any spillage from the interior. It was no surprise to find no ales, just the usual kegs etc but prices seemed quite reasonable given that they could fleece what is largely a transient customer base if they wanted to. Service is about as good as you can expect when the bar is 3 deep. To be honest, given my experience of drinking in the area, it is no better or worse than 90% of the other pubs and bars around and I would imagine that on non match days the place is pretty soulless with a handful of punters on the pool table or watching TV footy. The place doesn’t really offer anything that can’t be found elsewhere but meets the basic functions for its demographical target.