The NW1, Camden

I had one of the most surprising nights of recent memory in this place.

I was having a bit of girl trouble, feeling a bit down, and met a mate at the bar to watch the football. We sank a couple of beers, watched Liverpool lose, then had another beer and spent an hour minding our own business and discussing life.

Then the manager fronts up, puffs out his chest, and says, 'Have you got a problem with me?' I didn't know the guy. I'd had nothing to do with him all night. I said I didn't have a problem with him. 'Have you got a problem with this pub?' he said. I had no idea what he was talking about. 'Umm, what?' Then he proceeded to let rip with the insults. He said I'd been 'walking around with my nose in the air, being rude to staff.' Then he said I'd been 'failing to acknowledge' - which is a little catchphrase I still don't understand.

For some reason I told him I was 'a bit depressed' and was 'just having a quiet drink.' Then he let rip again, telling me I was banned, I should finish my drink and get out. Pressed for an explanation he said I didn't 'fit the profile' of the pub, and I should 'go and be depressed somewhere else.'

It was like when the wrong player gets red carded for something nobody except the referee comprehends, and he just stares at the ref saying 'Me? Umm... Why? You sure? Me??'

The Thai food they sell is decent.

7 Oct 2010 12:53