Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Random news of the day with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Parakeet, Kentish Town, NW5
NW5
NW5 2AA
Pub Type
Metropolitan Pub Co (Greene King)Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Oxford
The pub that’s nearest the tube, so it inevitably gets busy when a gig is on further up the road. The interior is split into two – the drinkers get the long narrow strip that runs parallel to the bar. As mentioned elsewhere, this area can get ridiculously busy at peak times. Envious glances are then thrown towards the far end of the pub where a fairly large dining area exists for the people sampling the delights of the open kitchen. That said, there was a good atmosphere last night and it was unusual to see a number of cigarette brands on sale behind the bar. The background muzak is trendy trendy trendy and is clearly aimed at the gig-goers and yuppie types. Three ales were on offer – Sharps IPA, Sambrooks Wandle and Deuchars IPA. My Sharps was OK, if not a patch on the quality offered at the Southampton or Junction that same evening given the £3.40 price tag. A good selection of spirits were also available.
I wouldn’t be averse to popping again, but there are better pubs within 10 minutes walk if you’re in the area for a gig and have a good hour’s drinking time beforehand.
On 29th September 2010
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5099 recommendations about 5082 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Oxford
A bit more like a real pub than the gastro-pub decor would suggest. Yes, they do have one of those modern open kitchen areas that wafts the smell of cooking throughout the place, and yes, the whole of the back area is set out as a restaurant. However, the majority of the early-evening clientele was drinking around the bar and the tables by the windows. Three real ales on, including an OK pint of Harveys. Good atmosphere, and overall rather better than I expected.
On 5th December 2009
- rating: 7
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about The Oxford
Doombar, Sidepocket and Cornish Knocker were all available in here during my visit. It was extremely busy, but it felt busier than it should as the whole of the rear section is a dining area so everyone was crammed into the front of the pub. Fortunately I was able to grab one of the few seats that are available outside the front.
I wouldn't be upset if I found myself in here again.
On 20th November 2008
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5251 recommendations about 5219 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about The Oxford
I used to use this place regularly in its days as the Vultures Perch but have tended to ignore it since it has been gastro'd. On the plus side they do have one of the best Ales selections in the area, usually three or four excellent rotating beers – I have noted Harveys, Deuchars, Landlord, Summer Lightning, Union, Cornish Knocker, Dr O'Kells IPA and Doom Bar on my occasional vists over the past 12 months to give a good idea of what to expect. The main problem with this place is the space available for drinkers. The entire rear section taken up by the open kitchen and dining area and what space is reserved for drinkers is rather compact and cramped. Getting a seat is virtually impossible and to stand in the bar area means a constant jostle as people pass by. The décor has a sort of dated in a trendy way approach but in places, a fresh lick of paint is required. There are traces of the original features with mosaics in the entrance door and a few remnants of the old etched windows but for the most part, not unlike the Assembly Rooms up the road, the place is gradually giving up its traditional features to the ravages of time and apathy. The dining area does have a rather grand chandelier whilst the drinkers are offered more of a B&Q version. Given how busy it gets, I have found the service pretty good and they will direct you to an upstairs overflow bar if you look lost for a table. The upstairs is however a bit soulless and comes over as a bit too much of a chill out zone for my taste. The music is a bit on the nondescript side and is generally aimed at the 20/30 age bracket. There are a few seats outside on the pavement but overall, unless you are happy with crowded vertical drinking or get there early enough to bag a table, the pub is a bit disappointing, especially considering the good beers that are on offer. Oh, and the bogs are a bit rank.
On 16th May 2008
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john mcgraw left this review about The Oxford
Comfortable pub selling a range of at least 3 real ales.On my visit they had 2 very good beers from Grand Union,Hayes,Middx.5 mins from Kentish Town station.
On 13th January 2007
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2044 recommendations about 2025 pubs]