Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Tufnell Park, London, United Kingdom

Big Red - Best chilli nachos - ever! by BiggseyMalone

BiggseyMalone — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:44:03 +0000

Review by BiggseyMalone

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7609 6662

Great rock pub, pretty dingy lighting and a great jukebox, lots of Bruce Springsteen, Led Zep, Pink Floyd etc.

We live in South West London, quite a long way away but always make the journey specifically for the chilli nachos - seriously unbeatable. Always end up staying far too late, spending copious amounts on both the pool table and jukebox but well worth it.

If I lived closer we would eat those nachos at least twice a week!Great rock pub, pretty dingy lighting and a great jukebox, lots of Bruce Springsteen, Led Zep, Pink Floyd etc.

We live in South West London, quite a long way away but always make the journey specifically for the chilli nachos - seriously unbeatable. Always end up staying far too late, spending copious amounts on both the pool table and jukebox but well worth it.

If I lived closer we would eat those nachos at least twice a week!

The Grand Union - by adamt

adamt — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:23:05 +0000

Review by adamt

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 1837

Website: http://www.grandunioncamden.co.uK

Tags: cool, relaxed, friendly

What a great place, I went down on a Friday night after work, they call it Friday Club and it's aimed at the local businesses then carrying on all night, there were dj's from 6 playing great tunes and very lively and happy bar staff. We had a burger meal for 4.99 that was great. I will definitely be going again and would recommend it to anyone who can make it.What a great place, I went down on a Friday night after work, they call it Friday Club and it's aimed at the local businesses then carrying on all night, there were dj's from 6 playing great tunes and very lively and happy bar staff. We had a burger meal for 4.99 that was great. I will definitely be going again and would recommend it to anyone who can make it.

The Bull & Last - by sokratis

sokratis — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:34:10 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7267 3641

Tags: food, mediterranean, vegetarian dishes

Bull & Last pub quiz on Sunday was excellent. We came third, but only by a whisker. It was the biblical references that cost us the 3 bottles of wine second prize. Still very friendly atmosphere and the freshest pint of San Miguel I've had in a while. The bavette steak was ok, but next time I'm trying the beef pie.Bull & Last pub quiz on Sunday was excellent. We came third, but only by a whisker. It was the biblical references that cost us the 3 bottles of wine second prize. Still very friendly atmosphere and the freshest pint of San Miguel I've had in a while. The bavette steak was ok, but next time I'm trying the beef pie.

The Gaff - Goth Heaven by stantoncarlisle

stantoncarlisle — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:10:49 +0000

Review by stantoncarlisle

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7609 3063

Tags: goth

Absolutely amazing. With bar decor by artist Vince Ray, this is more like some rockers pad on MTV's Cribs and it's on the Holloway Road! Vince Ray is the underground legend who's designed most of the best Tattoo places in London and The Gaff pub is easily his most integrated yet. Forget Tracy Emin, Damien Hirst and con-ceptual art - this guy can actual draw, he's funny, ironic and politically incorrect. Ray is Britain's number one commercial artist and his style melds the best from vintage Psychotronic movies, Fetish & Kink(Ooh-la-la) and the world inhabited by Lux and Ivy of the Cramps. The Bar is lined with blood red Chesterfield seats. The walls painted black. Whaddya expect from a Goth Tavern and this self-styled purveyor of 21st century retro glam, goth, twisted humour and kinky stuff? Maturity & good taste - never! Hand made coffin shaped, stenciled Posters on the wall cover every possible fun movie sub genre from shock, schlock Sci-Fi, Blood Mania. Gore, Black Magic and kinky fun. There's even a shiny metal sign with a slick & quirky devil, as well as custom made mirrors with similar themes. The bar is dotted with hanging skeletons and skulls. Very nicely done, the whole bar has a sense of lightness and fun - no taint of heavyweight doom and gloom here. Unbelievable that a bar this well designed should be near the tangled and woolly Nags Head! Could become a place of pilgrimage for the dark-clothed ones.Absolutely amazing. With bar decor by artist Vince Ray, this is more like some rockers pad on MTV's Cribs and it's on the Holloway Road! Vince Ray is the underground legend who's designed most of the best Tattoo places in London and The Gaff pub is easily his most integrated yet. Forget Tracy Emin, Damien Hirst and con-ceptual art - this guy can actual draw, he's funny, ironic and politically incorrect. Ray is Britain's number one commercial artist and his style melds the best from vintage Psychotronic movies, Fetish & Kink(Ooh-la-la) and the world inhabited by Lux and Ivy of the Cramps. The Bar is lined with blood red Chesterfield seats. The walls painted black. Whaddya expect from a Goth Tavern and this self-styled purveyor of 21st century retro glam, goth, twisted humour and kinky stuff? Maturity & good taste - never! Hand made coffin shaped, stenciled Posters on the wall cover every possible fun movie sub genre from shock, schlock Sci-Fi, Blood Mania. Gore, Black Magic and kinky fun. There's even a shiny metal sign with a slick & quirky devil, as well as custom made mirrors with similar themes. The bar is dotted with hanging skeletons and skulls. Very nicely done, the whole bar has a sense of lightness and fun - no taint of heavyweight doom and gloom here. Unbelievable that a bar this well designed should be near the tangled and woolly Nags Head! Could become a place of pilgrimage for the dark-clothed ones.

The Holloway - by kittylyst

kittylyst — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 11:13:29 +0000

Review by kittylyst

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7607 5364

Very much a local's pub - sport shown, very restricted choice of drinks, pub-circuit duos quite often.

Not somewhere I'd go on a weekend night - it always seems a bit lairy walking past, but during the week it can be quite nice when quiet - both staff and customers surprisingly friendly at lunchtime.Very much a local's pub - sport shown, very restricted choice of drinks, pub-circuit duos quite often.

Not somewhere I'd go on a weekend night - it always seems a bit lairy walking past, but during the week it can be quite nice when quiet - both staff and customers surprisingly friendly at lunchtime.

The Pineapple - Fruity by curlyfries

curlyfries — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:28:40 +0000

Review by curlyfries

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 6422

Tags: independent pub, relaxed, friendly

It's only taken me a year but I have finally come round to the The Pineapple refurb, in a 'I've started ignoring my fancy new shoes ripping apart my comfortable old bunions' sort of a way. I loved this pub, loved it just exactly as it was, and then they went and slapped fancy swirly gold wallpaper all over it and started serving some fairly average Thai food. Still, the same old locals still prop up the same old bar (and thank god they kept the bar), the fires continue to roar away happily as people cram themselves onto the tables and so it remains a friendly happy little place to be on a Friday night (if you're not in the conservatory, that is, and if you avoid looking at the wallpaper), which at least goes to prove that it's people that make a place. And at least they put all the pineapples back up.It's only taken me a year but I have finally come round to the The Pineapple refurb, in a 'I've started ignoring my fancy new shoes ripping apart my comfortable old bunions' sort of a way. I loved this pub, loved it just exactly as it was, and then they went and slapped fancy swirly gold wallpaper all over it and started serving some fairly average Thai food. Still, the same old locals still prop up the same old bar (and thank god they kept the bar), the fires continue to roar away happily as people cram themselves onto the tables and so it remains a friendly happy little place to be on a Friday night (if you're not in the conservatory, that is, and if you avoid looking at the wallpaper), which at least goes to prove that it's people that make a place. And at least they put all the pineapples back up.

The Landseer - OK I Suppose by kittylyst

kittylyst — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 07:55:43 +0000

Review by kittylyst

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7263 4658

Website: http://thelandseer.com/

Tags: relaxed, friendly, trendy

Not really sure what all the fuss is about, personally.

A fairly bland "gastro" (although the food, while passable, is not really of a standard to deserve the tag) pub.

Selection of drinks is what you'd expect for a pub in its bracket - ie a couple of bog standard real ales, more emphasis paid to the "premium" lagers.

Staff are overly laidback, to the point of approaching rude in some cases, and I've experienced a "too cool for school attitude" from both customers and staff more than once.Not really sure what all the fuss is about, personally.

A fairly bland "gastro" (although the food, while passable, is not really of a standard to deserve the tag) pub.

Selection of drinks is what you'd expect for a pub in its bracket - ie a couple of bog standard real ales, more emphasis paid to the "premium" lagers.

Staff are overly laidback, to the point of approaching rude in some cases, and I've experienced a "too cool for school attitude" from both customers and staff more than once.

The Junction Tavern - One of my favourites... by curlyfries

curlyfries — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:35:34 +0000

Review by curlyfries

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7485 9400

Website: http://www.uniquepubs.com

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

I met my other half here, so The Junction Tavern's got a gold star for that alone. Nauseating anecdotes aside, however, this place is a corker.

I've never eaten in the restaurant bit but I've sunk many an Addlestone's and eaten many a perfectly-cooked piece of meat in the back half of the bar, the conservatory and the garden (where I once nearly got killed by a full can of coke flying over the wall from the hand of a rogue child). The staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful and the food is divine - even when I don't think I can fit in another mouthful, I'll always find room for the crumble. Meals are not easy on the pocket, admittedly, but you certainly get what you pay for and the food is fresh, seasonal and beautifully thought out and executed.

I've never had anything faintly resembling a bad time here. It's a first rate choice for a quiet pint, a sociable Saturday night out or a leisurely Sunday dinner. Love it.I met my other half here, so The Junction Tavern's got a gold star for that alone. Nauseating anecdotes aside, however, this place is a corker.

I've never eaten in the restaurant bit but I've sunk many an Addlestone's and eaten many a perfectly-cooked piece of meat in the back half of the bar, the conservatory and the garden (where I once nearly got killed by a full can of coke flying over the wall from the hand of a rogue child). The staff are all incredibly friendly and helpful and the food is divine - even when I don't think I can fit in another mouthful, I'll always find room for the crumble. Meals are not easy on the pocket, admittedly, but you certainly get what you pay for and the food is fresh, seasonal and beautifully thought out and executed.

I've never had anything faintly resembling a bad time here. It's a first rate choice for a quiet pint, a sociable Saturday night out or a leisurely Sunday dinner. Love it.

The Vine - Cosy winter spot by curlyfries

curlyfries — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:35:18 +0000

Review by curlyfries

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7209 0038

Website: http://www.thevinelondon.co.uk/

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

I've been to The Vine a few times and if you're after a nice warm spot by the fire to read the Sunday papers, you can't go wrong. The music isn't bad, and the staff are friendly too, offering us a couple of different ales to sample before we ordered a pint of one of them.

But having a wee tipple is really all the place is now good for: the food is just awful. I like my lamb to be considerably less than bone dry when it's roasted, and a burger is JUST NOT MEANT TO BE SERVED IN FANCY ITALIAN BREAD, especially if it's going to cost you 11 quid (I really don't know why I bothered going back to try a second dish).

So go forth to The Vine, have a cider, an ale, a whisky or a glass of wine, even splash out on a bag of crisps before settling down to fall asleep on a sofa; but whatever happens, however drunk or hungry you get, do not ask for the menu.I've been to The Vine a few times and if you're after a nice warm spot by the fire to read the Sunday papers, you can't go wrong. The music isn't bad, and the staff are friendly too, offering us a couple of different ales to sample before we ordered a pint of one of them.

But having a wee tipple is really all the place is now good for: the food is just awful. I like my lamb to be considerably less than bone dry when it's roasted, and a burger is JUST NOT MEANT TO BE SERVED IN FANCY ITALIAN BREAD, especially if it's going to cost you 11 quid (I really don't know why I bothered going back to try a second dish).

So go forth to The Vine, have a cider, an ale, a whisky or a glass of wine, even splash out on a bag of crisps before settling down to fall asleep on a sofa; but whatever happens, however drunk or hungry you get, do not ask for the menu.

The Oxford - Friendly Local by KateD07

KateD07 — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:00:26 +0000

Review by KateD07

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 3521

Website: http://www.realpubs.co.uk

Tags: gastro pub, food, real ale

Great cosy local pub with a fab quiz on a Tuesday night. Food is the usual fare at average London prices. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and there's always a great atmosphere with the sense that people have come in to catch up with friends and wind down from their day at work.Great cosy local pub with a fab quiz on a Tuesday night. Food is the usual fare at average London prices. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and there's always a great atmosphere with the sense that people have come in to catch up with friends and wind down from their day at work.

Holloway Castle - refurbish by gino

gino — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:10:14 +0000

Review by gino

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7609 1600

Tags: jazz, live music, cool

i used to go to this pub and it was a big surprise when i entered again because it is under new ownership and it went from a relatively poor condition to a more sophisticated and upmarket place. They have done the gardens and the interior, they also have two big plasma tvs with a mainstage which contains an overhead projector and is commonly used for social events. and soon it will contain an italian restaurant.
it's well worth paying a visits, i give it high regards.
8/10i used to go to this pub and it was a big surprise when i entered again because it is under new ownership and it went from a relatively poor condition to a more sophisticated and upmarket place. They have done the gardens and the interior, they also have two big plasma tvs with a mainstage which contains an overhead projector and is commonly used for social events. and soon it will contain an italian restaurant.
it's well worth paying a visits, i give it high regards.
8/10

Nambucca - by thamshere

thamshere — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:12:38 +0000

Review by thamshere

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7272 7366

Tags: live music, bar, pub

Nice, big pub with a lot of space. Good for bands. Gets very lively at the weekend. Drinks are slightly above average prices for the area and it can be too noisy.Nice, big pub with a lot of space. Good for bands. Gets very lively at the weekend. Drinks are slightly above average prices for the area and it can be too noisy.

Monkey Chews - nice local bar by gilka

gilka — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:16:31 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7267 6406

Website: http://www.monkeychews.com

Tags: live music, dark, cool

Went there on one of the first sunny day of May 2008...
It was nice to sit outside for a change! We ordered chicken which was very tasty. There was no connection between the name and the place... I wonder why it is called Monkey Chews...It was Wednesday evening and there weren't many people around.
Went there on one of the first sunny day of May 2008...
It was nice to sit outside for a change! We ordered chicken which was very tasty. There was no connection between the name and the place... I wonder why it is called Monkey Chews...It was Wednesday evening and there weren't many people around.

The Assembly House - One of the best in the area by pgt38

pgt38 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:40:45 +0000

Review by pgt38

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7485 2031

Website: http://www.greenekingpubs.co.uk

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes

The Assembly House is a deceptively large and spacious pub on Chalk Farm Road. Behind the front well lit front bar is a second much larger area at the rear.

Due to its close proximity to the Kentish Town Forum (formerly the Town and Country Club) every time I have been there it has been very busy. Despite this the bar staff have always done an excellent job of ensuring everyone is served as quickly as possible.
Itâ¬"s a shame it not local to me a I am sure that it would be an excellent venue at other times.

Worth a visit if you are in the area.
The Assembly House is a deceptively large and spacious pub on Chalk Farm Road. Behind the front well lit front bar is a second much larger area at the rear.

Due to its close proximity to the Kentish Town Forum (formerly the Town and Country Club) every time I have been there it has been very busy. Despite this the bar staff have always done an excellent job of ensuring everyone is served as quickly as possible.
Itâ¬"s a shame it not local to me a I am sure that it would be an excellent venue at other times.

Worth a visit if you are in the area.

The Gloucester Arms - Shite by sully

sully — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:19:08 +0000

Review by sully

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7485 3227

Tags: live music, pool tables

What a shite hole of a bar! Staff very unfriendly and rude and as for that barmaid she was suppin' cider all night as she served. I'd give this place a skip if I were you!!! What a shite hole of a bar! Staff very unfriendly and rude and as for that barmaid she was suppin' cider all night as she served. I'd give this place a skip if I were you!!!