The Canonbury, Highbury  

The return of the Canonbury and its sun-drenched beer garden, the envy of most pubs in London, should have had us searching for superlatives. It is then with regret that after an almost three-year hiatus the experience left us considering waiting that long for another visit. The garden remains the jewel in the crown, even if part of it has been paved over, and for those lucky enough to grab a table is a good spot to while away an afternoon. It just isn't worth considering for a quick pint. We waited over 20 minutes at the bar, even though only a dozen people were waiting before us, as the numerous staff dallied and dawdled. Two of them were heard to admit to not knowing how to change a barrel and another wasn't exactly full of apologies when a customer questioned the speed of service. Our joy at being served was tempered by a bill of almost 7 pounds for two ales. The lagers cost considerably more. Much of the interior is now reserved for dining, leaving a smallish indoor area for drinking, and it lacks any features of interest. Even showing an old Humphrey Bogart movie couldn't lift us out of the doldrums.

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