The Ranelagh, Bounds Green

This having been my local since before I could drink, I know what it used to be like. It was ok but slowly regressed to being a bit of a hole, although one with a couple of pool tables at least. It was taken over and given a quick once over (to resemble the Maid of Muswell - the same chain no doubt), the vagrants moved on and decent beers put on. And suddenly, from a cheap �2 a pint we've since had to pay near on �4 a pint since (and �4.25 a pint just a couple of nights ago). This is Bounds Green, not Upper Street. The prices are not justified either by numbers of staff (as people have said, there are hardly ever many), or by what must be low overheads. However, there are no other local pubs. The Springfield up the road is what the Ranelagh used to be, and if one day someone decides to decorate the place and keep the prices sensible then i'd rather go there. For such a large catchment area there are NO local pubs. The Maid of Muswell would be the next one, and that's just a copy of here - although it's a better pub and i've no idea what the beer costs because it's not an issue.

I can't say I use this pub very often now. If i'm going to spend that sort of money i'd rather go somewhere decent. It's just been redecorated too, and I can't say I like it. It went from dark and moody to a bit tacky and bright - it looks more like the old ranelagh. As I say, it's a shame, this is my local...

27 May 2011 11:04