The Oxford, Kentish Town  

Owned by the same people who tarted up the North London Tavern in Kilburn. And as a result, this one's very much in keeping with a standard gastropub arrangement: bar area at the front, open plan kitchen at the side, dining area at the back and the giant blackboard menu on the rear wall. It's probably not the market they're after, but this one does a decent enough job for a drink both before and after a gig at The Forum. With decent beer on the pumps and a good menu, it's definitely doing what it does best, and the friendly and prompt service is worth the effort. It's got lots of regular events going on, including live music, regular quiz night and DJ nights, and is obviously attracting a diverse clienteles from families to gig-goers. Worth a look, even if you're just going to a gig.