The North London Tavern, Kilburn

As with the other places owned by realpubs, (the local Masons Arms for example) this is a good example of how to change an old drinking house into a "gastropub" without completely destroying its charm and character. I have lived in Kilburn for several years (just doors away from the NLT - it is my local) and this is without doubt the best pub in the area, (although some of the newer arrivals over in Kensal Rise certainly present stiff competition in terms of food), beating the Black Lion and the Westbury hands down. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere buzzy, the clientele ecclectic and civilised, the real ale well conditioned, and the food (usually) good. The only shortcomings are that the outside area only sees the sun after 5pm, and even then only on one side - but this makes it great for after work beers in the summer; and also the wine list - although this has improved recently, there is still too much emphasis on the New World and organic and biodynamic wines. The house is decent, but frankly their top of the range bottles (which are only about 2x the house price) are not a whole lot better.

23 Feb 2009 10:41