The Ranelagh, Bounds Green

In the last 8-10 months this pub has really improved. Firstly, it is much easier to get served, and the service is more friendly and less surly. Secondly, the food is definitely on the up - the menu is a bit samey and needs to change more often and respond to seasonal ingredients a bit more, but on the other hand, portion sizes are better and whilst it is not a real gastropub, neither is it Wetherspoons. Things I don't like about this pub are that sometimes every table seems to have a 'reserved' sign for half an hour ago on it, and no-one sitting at it. Also sometimes the tv or music can be very noisy in the back part of the pub and make the entire pub unbearable. Other than that I can really see that the management are working at trying to improve this pub, and for that reason, I will continue to give it a go.

23 Sep 2012 01:04

The Famous Cock Tavern, Islington

This is a convenient pub next to the tube - I sometimes go here with a friend on the way home from work. It is not particularly nice, but not completely grim, although I have never dared to eat there. It is heaving on match nights, but then you expect that in Islington. As other people have commented, the pub is full of handbag and wallet thieves. Do not let go of your bag here, ever, and do not even put it next to you on a seat, even if you are holding the strap. Keep it on your lap or it *will* go....I speak from experience as over the years I've had my bag and wallet stolen here....

7 Dec 2008 13:54

The Ranelagh, Bounds Green

Whilst this is the best pub in the area, and I too welcomed it when it was gastro-pubified, I can't help but feel that the Ranelagh has never lived up to its true potential. I am prepared to pay that bit more for drinks in a pleasant surrounding, and I can't complain about the Ranelagh's offerings here. The service is usually pleasant, but can be a bit dozy, and at busy hours it is understaffed. The food, however, is variable in the extreme. I have been served with potato wedges that look like they have been reheated over the week, and are a deep brown/black burnt colour (they went back), fish finger sandwiches that are one day served on really fresh bread and accompanied by lots of salad, and the next are on a soggy bap with no salad, and burgers that are enormously variable in quality. Why do I go back? It is the nearest pub to my home, and I am always hopeful that it will have somehow been improved....if the landlord/landlady is reading this - I would visit the Ranelagh ten times more than I currently do if you attended to the quality of service and the food!

7 Nov 2008 19:13