Uk Barblog

The Bald Faced Stag (East Finchley - London)

The Bald Faced Stag

Where has this gastro pub gone? Only about an eighth of it is still a pub apparently - the rest is a platofmr restaurant - laid bare and sorry at the back of this establishment. The selection of drinks however is quite good and the vibe is relaxed but up-beat with a road-side garden outside and close access to the tube if you are willign to navigate the short wlak up the hill in East Finshley. Prices are a little steep and there is not really enough seating to go around.

Overall the place has been done over to be a respectable dining venue- more than a bar really and for that it gets slapped with a 6/10. I like that they serve bowls of whitebait alongside olives and nuts though!

The Catcher in the Rye (Finchley Central - London)

The Catcher in the Rye

This pub is a short stretch up the high street from Finchley Central Station and then suddenly it appears right at the side of the road. Apparently this pub has recently had a refit from a more traditional a shady image and now presents a couple of small tables outside with two entrances. These lead onto a bar with a rather loud barwoman present. She seems to set the tone of the place- "we come from a rough background we doesn't take any BS now, the bar is right here in your face - order your drink already and stop dawdling". The taps are all plain steel coloured and if you couldn't read what was written on the pumps you'd be without a beer - needless to say they don't do cider! The rest of the pub arcs around the bar in two paths. One cul-de-sac's into the front window in the top corner while the other side leads through a darkened way to a beer garden out back.

Overall the place has character (for what is clearly a gastro) but it is a little small and really needs to replace the riddles on the walls with Finchley Central wanted posters - to maintain its long standing image as the punter's pub in these parts, else its the fairy pub among the wolves and with nothing but bottled cider a 4/10

The 3 Oceans (Finchley - London)

The 3 Oceans

From outside this looks like a giant advert on the side of a wall for what is inside. Inside the place is all about looks, there is a swank bar swept around a corner of a very well lit lounge. There are 70's half cut shell chairs in leather around small impractical tables in the middle of the room while on a platform surrounding them are restaurant tables and MTV music videos of Asian origin displayed on the walls. The bar, we were told, was off limits to crowds and instead we had to make do with a waitressing service. The cocktails were quite pricey at £5.50 each but we picked a few nice sounding ones and sat back to relax. The wait was over half an hour for a total of five cocktails and a pint and the place had NO OTHER PEOPLE in it. Appauled we just got up and went over the road to autumn house.

Overall the place feels like having a romantic meal on a theatre stage, a bright showcase where the waitress is nothing more than a prop and unable to actually bring drinks thus 2/10. 

The Malt and Hops (Finchley - London)

The Malt and Hops

A traditional pub with pool table, well stocked bar and very friendly bar staff, has a flavour of Barnet's old Green Man in it with the small flourescent signs on the bar highlighting the bottles on offer. At the backend is a dart board and the tables are assorted of the wooden variety. At £2.80 a pint and £2.50 a shot and mixer it is a little expensive for a pub this far north and this far from a tube station. The sections of the pub are sperated by stain glass, which has obviously been broken in places where it is missing. Thinking about it and looking around it does feel dodgy. All the clientell appear to be congregated, although they are of different ages and hanging on each other in a sort of uneasy gang-like brotherhood felt easily by the outsider. It feels like a fight could very easily kick off in here but my attention is turned to the couple of Tvs showing the sport.

Despite the uneasy feeling it is generally a very pleasent pub and a decent size within with a comfortable pub-like feel even if the "naughty boys of finchley" really do "operate" in here. Overall 6/10.

The Safari Club (Finchley - London)

The Safari Club

Not impressed by the picture? Well with just some taxonomy on the back wall consisting of two antelopes and a reindeer and no trees in sight, this apparent themed bar-come-asian-restaurant feels more like some kind of social club with smoking outright banned from the small room itself, extraditing those smokers to a plastic covered canopy just beyond the back french doors. The place appears to be poulated by a few young asian men and the piped music breaks the silence but with long awkward pauses between songs. Drinks are about £2.70 a pint with not a bad selection. The staff are friendly enough but if you are after some family run (or rundown) social club (or curry club) head down here and your bound to get into the spirit of the jungle.

Ok could you tell i was being sarcastic? Only 3/10.

The Joiners Arms (Finchley - London)

The Joiners Arms

Approaching this pub in Finchley central one comes across a small beer garden out the front and instantly the booming voices of lads on the piss. Once past the bouncers and inside; you walk along a long shiny wooden wall and this breezes off to a bar on the left. On the right are a couple of pool tables but the bar is the best feature, its really rather cheap for the area at £1.90 a pint and the bar staff are fast to serve if a little rude. Towards the back is an eating area followed by a large beer garden with picnioc tables and sinking stones. The garden backs onto high walls so you feel like your getting drunk in a prison. the beer tastes quite watered down and its gets very busy early on. From the noise and atmosphere this place generates you would assume it is rather a rough pub but you would be wrong it is a nice atmosphere once inside.

Overall I am undecided about this pub, its a little bit of good with a little bit of bad so 5/10. The speakers in the garden is a nice touch though.

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The 3 Horse shoes (Whetstone - London)

The 3 Horse shoes

Not the place for a stag do! I'll say that much and I'd know I went here for just that-my stepdad's Stag do. The place is basically a cosy pub nested on a semi-busy junction into London. It is made up of two room which arc around the bar and a secluded beer garden at the back which has only views of concrete walls and an iron fence. The actual bar is served by a pleasent troop- appears to be family run and theres even the option to have ur beer served in a traditional beer mug. Unfortunately there is no proper cider on tap so I am not a happy man, in fact the abr in general is badly stocked. The room to the left of the bar is pretty much a lounge with traditional wooden look and feelin a quite homely tavern feel while the other side of the bar seems a little more sports oriantated with tv screens and the like. The music is indie mainly and you can even sit outside the front and take in mouthfuls of lovely london toxic air!

Overall 5/10. It is a nice atmosphere but it is a little crammed with poor accessibility from the tube.

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Finchley Golf Club Bar (Mill Hill - London)

Finchley Golf Club Bar

Well to be fair theres not much in the way of drinking around some of those country spots dotted around London so the odd golf club should do the trick when thirsty in the summer. This particularly grand venue plays host to some of the nicest holes in London but lets not get carried away- its the drinking i'm here for and its just the place to go with a wealthy uncle. The bar is split between a function room and the main bar/clubhouse area which is full of very relaxed couches, carpets, retired folk milling about the fireplace and all would look fitting in slippers. To say the least its very homely with nice views of the course. The alcohol is a little expensive and the staff are all foreigners but the place does have some character.

Overall a dashing 5/10. Super out of the way and members only :( despite good looks and monicles.

The Central (Finchley - London)

The Central

You come through the doors of the place that looks like a sort of annexing from outside and very un-publike. The room opens up in front of you as a range of seating and a long bar to the right. Going to the bar I find it a little expensive at £2.40 a pint but the money clearly going on their entertainment which consists of a few widescreen plasma screens and a number of arcade and fruit machines. The floor feels odd under foot sort of like a stage and the long tables make you feel like you are in Wagamama's. The atmosphere is hazy- its too bright because of the large windows in the corner and its rather smokey. Although the bar staff are friendly its your bog-standard sports bar full of old men and chavs. The music is poppy and there are also cocktails available at about a fiver a glass.

Overall a pretty crap atmosphere but a nice range of things to do inside - 4/10.

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The Orange Tree (Totteridge - London)

The Orange Tree

Looks lovely doesn't it? Well yes it is lovely, situated on the edge of a meadow and by the road which runs through totteridge, how could a restaurant/bar really do badly in this prime location on a summers day? Well to start off with it is a stretch from any public transport so it leaves alcohol off the menu for many drivers and subsequently leaves the car park too full to park with a half mile of the place. Upon entry it sort of feels like you have entered an expensive holiday resort- marble floors old men and women in tight summer attire and young, wealthy and prude individuals lounging on the leather armchairs which surround small rounded tables beside the bar and off into a drinking area. It isn't too expensive however- about £3 a pint and they do a nice pint of beer. There is of course fine food I am told and lots of copper in the newly refurbished decor. Agreeably it would be excellent for a summer wedding but poor for a Saturday night drink.

Overall is difficult to find fault with this place, they have done it up a treat and if it were a little cheaper it would be far more appealing; as such a 6/10.

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The Wishing Well (Finchley- London)

The Wishing Well

The wishing well has a family vibe to it even on weekend evenings out. The pub is well equipped with seating and games machines with no waiting times at the bar. The place is a little more expensive than the other in the surrounding area and plays popular music and is crammed with a crowd of 50-somethings. The bar staff arent as friendly as I have encoutnered elsewhere and the atmosphere is not exactly alive. It has a very festive feel to it but thats as far as it goes in terms of enthusiasm and character. One drink and I was off, wasn't impressed with the toilets either but notabley a huge front door that someone in a wheelchair might appreciate.

Overall a middle-ground 5/10.

Purple Rain (Finchley- London)

Purple Rain

On planet earth a compass needle is pulled to north by the magnetism of the planet's core. In Finchley, all of the youth (which normally parading the streets during the day, poised with guns ablazing, blingbling, trainers and adidas suited up vehicles) are magnetically drawn to Purple Rain at night. Its a bar-come club situated on the highstreet and a total waste of time for a visit from the average punter. Expect to queue outside for half an hour even when the place is empty, pay almost £3 a pint and have your evening ruined by the painful glare of cheap jewellery and booty calls. Ultimately poor although the music is good and the place has been done up rather well in terms of decor.

Overall 2/10. Completely out of place for Finchley but great if your 15 and wearing a £400 tracksuit.

Finchley Rugby Club (Finchley - London)

Finchley Rugby Club

Not open as a bar for public drinking as a rule but if you pop over to see a match or happen to have friends that have hired out the use of the club-house your bound to enjoy yourself. The place is small and friendly, the drinks are relatively inexpensive and the staff are very liniant with allowing you to have awander around the grounds with bottle in hand and chug a brew with mates in the stands at the dead of night. Actually its too small to really hire out for a big party but I would recommend it for some smaller special occasions as I understand you can get a good deal on putting money behind the bar as well.

Overall 5/10. So so but not a pub to visit on any old night out. Private parties only please or really really fun drinks with da rugby lads. I big you up.

The Erris Tavern (Finchley - London)

The Erris Tavern

Although looking much like a green grocers from the outside it is actually larger inside that you might expect from a local pub and make sure you get in before eleven thirty on a saturday for a lock-in. It is by far the most Irish pub I think I've ever been in, in London. Everything from the green decor to the jukebox playing only the most classic of irish hits provides a hearty atmosphere in which to enjoy your guiness and fine whisky. Bar staff are very friendly and the drinks are about a tenner for two pints and two shots.

6/10 too pricey and small to be anything outstanding but great for one or two at the weekend with close friends.

The Elephant Inn (Finchley - London)

The Elephant Inn

I like to think of this pub as a huge North London secret. As enormous as it appears it disappears on the high street. Accessible from Finchley Central tube and quite a way up the road it is literally a town hall of a pub with a 360degree bar in the middle. The place is never more than a third full and as such theres always plenty of seating as well as dart boards and loads of wide screen TVs. The staff are friendly, the drinks are about average price at £2 a pint and the crowd is mainly of older men but it really works. Would definitely go back and spend all evening here. The music is never too loud to converse, always a pleasure.

Overall a terrific 8/10. A rating I'd never normally give a pub!

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Toolans (Finchley - London)

Toolans

Situated in North Finchley this bar looks more like a manicuring salon from the outside but reveals itself to be an all-rounded popular bar. It feels somewhat australian themed with loud varied music. They serve flavoured schnapps by the shot for about £2.50 each and pints are about £2.20 of which there are a wide variety. Serving times are fast and even for a saturday night there were seats even though the place was moderately full. I'd happily spend an evening in here and can see the appeal, very comfortable.

Overall a satisfying 7/10. No complaints and very friendly bar staff.

Chimi Changa Bar & Restaurant (Finchley - London)

Chimi Changa Bar & Restaurant

Low lights and candles and exotic mexican food and oh so delicious that a three hour meal turns into a banquet. Not so much a bar as a restaurant but amazing all the same that it had to be reviewed. The prices are a bit high compared to nandos next door but its well worth it and I give it top marks indeed. A well crowded with leather suites and seats and comfortable staff with a good array of wines, perhaps could do with a few more cocktails- more of a bar area and a later opening time. No complaints otherwise.

Overall a moreish 7/10. Bravo!

Bar Original @Hollywood Bowl (Finchley - London)

Bar Original @Hollywood Bowl

A pretty plain bar in an ordinary bowling alley. it has its music jukebox and quiz machine slike any other and the screams of kids and strikes being thwacked in the distance doesnt make the best of this environment but its OK. The drinks are quite a good price and there is adiquzt seating. The toilets are hurricaned in urine though and utterly utterly filthy so go to nandos opposite to empty your bladder.

Overall an uncool 3/10.

Old White Lion (Finchley - London)

Old White Lion

Situated beside East Finchley station, this rather large pub is shadowed by a large bridge that makes it way over head and darkens the outside of the building. Inside is a spacious ariy environment with quiet music with the building split into two areas. The left side of the front door is more spacious and accommodating with a closer promxitimity to the bar. There is plenty of seating and fast servign times even if it is a little on the expensive side.

Overall a simple 5/10.

O'Neills (Finchley - London)

O'Neills - Finchley

This is not the best oNeills i have ever been to although it gets more and more packed everytime i return. This particular branch has a lot of live music from tribute badns to the likes of shakira and celine dion so it really draws the females out ina  crowd. The drink prices are OK if you can ever get to the bar at about £8 for a four pint pitcher of fosters. The bar staff are nice when you can see them over the swamping crowd and surprising the toilets are up a flight of stairs on the back wall so if you want to stagger out of them with sick dribbling down your nose the whole pub will see you make a run for the exit.

No room to dance and uncomfortabely crammed this place gets a fairly poor 6/10.

Woodside Park Club (Finchley - London)

Woodside Park Club
If you should hap[pen to be invited to a private party at Woodside Park Club (or members club) as it is known, I would not advise it. Apparently in its 1980/1970's hayday it was a bustling theatrical centre with crowds showing up from all around for drama and drinks. Now it is a merely a stage and a hall. I did not even see a bar and turned up with an invitation in by best "members-club" outfit. So no alcohol, no music and no fun. Simply, go there to leave your screaming children in an abandoned hallway. Its a creche for unemployed donkeys.

Overall 0/10.

GK2 Asian Bar (Finchley - London)

GK2 Asian Bar
This brand new bar warrented a look I felt but it took some blagging to get in around the bouncers who acted like the place was very exclusive. It is essebtially a new age indian restaurant with a bar. very socialable and feuling the asian social scene in the area. It is clearly a much needed establishment because it is packed and the food looked amazing. The drinks were quite expensive and the children running round your feet are nightmarish. The toilets are glorified but thats probably becaue they havent been used yet. Probably a good place to go for a curry and drinks after without stepping outside.

Overall 5/10

The Tally Ho (Finchley - London)

The Tally Ho (Wetherspoons)


this centerpiece of North Finchley looks large and magnificent from the outside. Insie is a little more confusing. There is a front garden with garden tables and inside a lounge area but then the pub breaks into two. A little confusing when drinking perhaps but in all i think this place is fairly small and its popularity has greatly increased o0ver the last few years so that now ever night of the week it is crammed full and the service at the bar is dire and slow. The prices always make up for it but where the music? and wheres a spare seat?

Overall 6/10. Its a good warmup pub for a night out but i'm glad its not my local.

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The Griffin (Whetstone - London)

The Griffin
Now this pub is a bit of a surprise. Its very small looking from the outside and not in a particularly good location but go inside and you get a small and cosy feel inside. the bar staff arent all that special and the wait for drinks isnt great but its not very well known that its truely a summer pub and out in the back garden there must be an acre of picnic tables and swings at the very end. Pleanty of seating therefore for a big party on a pub crawl.

Overall 7/10 for this delightful surprise.

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The Bull and Butcher (Whetstone - London)

The Bull and Butcher
It hasnt changed all these years, you have a Bar/booth area as you enter from the front and they serve wine and shots as good deals and the service is fast. Then you can descend the stairs into a small pit of snooker tables (there are about 3 i think -maybe more, i forget.) Then at the back theres a small beer garden. I hear the crowds in here get a bit rowdy and its an infamous mark of the place since the felix and firkin shut in Barnet.

I didnt mind it and overall it gets a 7/10 in my opinion!

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The Black Bull (Whetstone - London)

The Black Bull (Part of the ember inn group)

The Black bull is a beautiful atmosphere and although far from being cheap it clearly makes it up with leather couches, open fires and a very contempory style. The bar staff are attractive and there are staged quizes on Wednesdays and Sundays to win up to £300 on the night. This particular venue has a large garden although it is often difficult to park nearby as it does get very popular at the weekends.

Overall the Black Bull gets a 7/10.

The Haven (Whetsone - London)

The Haven

A Bar restaurant combo of the highest quality and totally out of place in Whetstone, it really belongs in Knightsbridge. Red carpets, suits, chandleirs and absolutely no cider at the bar (Disgraceful-i know). The music is sauve and sheek, classical and poetic with the occational acoustic piece from the 70's. So expensive though, i couldnt afford more than bar olives! Which were very very nice. They also do special events and the owner is a true character.

I give this place a 8/10 because its gorgeous but a little small and way too expensive for my taste.

Autumn House (Finchley - London)

Autumn House

Autumn house has carpet and ropes outside, big burley bouncers who look mean and 'orrible but the nicest bunch of bar staff you ever did see. Its a fairly small bar serving drinks at quite an expensive range. I felt that the sparkling wine was the best bet at £10 a bottle being that the beer was about £3 a pint. There is a booming dance floor as well as a quite couch area. The music is sort of RnB popular HIphop and the like but it was a nice place, not too rowdy but gets a bit overcrowded on a friday night.

Lets give this one a 5/10 just cos its a nice change from whatever else is availble in North Finchley :S

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