The Oakdale Arms, Harringay

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end

19 Mar 2011 22:55

The Nelson, Wood Green

I have been using this place as my local for well over twenty years now, and every landlord has had their good and bad points, as does this one. Usually they start off being keen on the job and willing to serve, but after a while they become slipshod and leave the running up to the bar-staff. For want of a better name call it 'The Nelson Syndrome' and it gets to everyone in the end. Some sooner than later. Billy has been here longer than most and it now shows in attitude and service, both of which have declined from very good beginnings. At one point this pub had three regular real ales on sale, including a mild, with an occasional guest ale. Mind you this was a few years back when real ale was becoming popular once again. Again last night (a Monday) there was none with scant chance of having any before the weekend! This place still has a lot of potential which has still yet to be recognized and released, and in my opinion will not do so if it continues to focuses so much on football and fizz to the exclusion of other interests. I am told that there is no demand for real ale in this place. Well if it is not on offer there will be no demand as people will have gone elsewhere. A self fulfilling prophecy that much confused thinking is based upon. The other pubs in the area that still continue to sell real ale have bums on seats and are earning money. The other pubs also sell food.
I could continue but looking at some of the previous posts I find that they cover most of the salient points that I would like to make.
This is a pub that needs a bit of direction.

8 Sep 2010 19:03

The Occasional Half, Palmers Green

I remember this one when it was a plumbing shop. Very disappointed when it turned into a pub but I got over it. I mean, why did we need another pub around here! Haven't times changed!
Great staff who have for the most part been working there for several years and know how to do the job. In the last few weeks the relief manager has been better than most perminate landlords of other pubs. As for landlord of this pub, the Occasional Half, he is definitely OK. Usually one real ale on, sometimes two, and mostly well kept, with no problem in taking back a dodgy pint. I find this a friendly pub that is welcoming and receptive to all. Easy disabled access with a disabled toilet that is clean, although the standard toilets need a bit of a makeover, and I am told that the women�s side is a total load of whatever. On this basis I have to mark them down more than I would like to.

7 Sep 2010 17:23

Ye Olde Gate Inne, Brassington

This is a nice pub with several interconnected rooms each with its own character. On our first visit in the middle of August there was a log fire going in the room nearest the kitchen, this is also the darkest and perhaps the most romantic. It was not that the pub was itself cold, just that the weather was. The next night and until the end of the week there were two fires going. It's nice to see a place that looks after it's customers with a real fire or two even when it's counter intuitive to do it in the middle of summer. The beer was very good, with two real ales on every night, and the food excellent although a bit gastro for my liking (i.e. smallish portions artistically arranged. But more than adequate really). If you really want filling up go for the Beef & Ale pie although the pork was some of the best I have ever had. There is no sweet on the menu which is to the good if you have a partner that is a bit too fond of the chocolate stuff. The staff were, with perhaps the exception of one, friendly and attentive but not pushy. If I were to got there again I would avoid Friday evenings as the centre bar filled up with the local middle aged Hooray Henrys and faux gentry. But what the heck, they live there, although it drove us and another party out. Would I recommend it? Yes, but get there early to get a seat as it fills up quite quickly. There is another pub in the village called The Miners Arms.

7 Sep 2010 17:17