Tally Ho, North Finchley  

It seems that when J. D. Wetherspoon puts a pub in an actual pub building, it fares marginally better - atmospherically - than those converted from carpet shops and the like. The Tally Ho is no exception. It's a massive place, easily holding a wide mix of clientele, all actively avoiding each other, hiding out in different areas. Upstairs finds the family section, while downstairs offers more exiting choices: in the far room, hoards of young geezers and girls congregate for cheap weekend drinks, before hitting the nearby 'Autumn House' and sitting out in front are the old lone men, drinking away their pensions. It's up to the far left section to hold the most varied mix of customers. The alternative to all this fun is the garden - left only to those who enjoy carbon monoxide with their beer. As an aside, this branch includes the rare sight of some non-standard Wetherspoon furnishings - a couple of great carved wooden elephant-shaped chairs - don't let the regional manager find out, or they'll be gone. In summary: vaguely depressing.

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