The Bald Faced Stag, East Finchley

This place is, as others have said, rather souless. Too bright, too open, too 'smelling of pot pourri'. Food is just as bland too. But it's got plenty of pool tables and it's dirt cheap.

If you want a swift, cheap pint on the way home from work then this fits the bill. Otherwise it's really not worth the trip.

5 Jan 2006 16:44

The Boogaloo, Highgate

Hmmm... I've been going to this place off and on for the last couple of years. It's right by the tube station so nice an convenient. The music quiz is alright now and then - it doesn't exactly have a buzzing atmosphere (and the guy that runs it is just weird!), but it's always a challenge so keeps you coming back for another stab. The film quiz there is fantastic - it used to be run by a couple of media types and got a bit cliquey so I gave up, but it's now run by two new guys who are obviously just film and computer geeks - the screen and sound stuff is always really impressive and it's a damn good night out, particularly if you go as a big group (they don't limit team sizes). Then there are the random gigs and other events. You have to keep an eye on the listings (via the naff website) but you can find some real gems there. What's more, as it's a relatively small place you can get an amazing atmosphere sometimes.

BUT... the pub is fairly grotty (altough in the winter that can add to a 'homely' atmosphere). The staff are slow and rarely smile. The toilets were feckin awful - they were then refurbished and were pretty decent.. now they've fallen into disrepair again (although they don't smell like they did yet!). The 'food' was just an excuse for a late license. The place has apparently recently installed some air condition, but you'd never know it - It's one of the smokiest pubs I know - even when the place is virtually empty it's amazing how bad it gets!

So, go for the film quiz and keep an eye out for the random events, but it's really not worth it on a 'normal' night.

5 Jan 2006 11:45

The Old White Lion, East Finchley

Great place since the refurb. Gone 'upmarket' without going to 'yuppy pub'. The non-smoking room is great - spacious with plenty of sofas/table. And the food is
(for most menu items) really good for pub food.

5 Jan 2006 11:24