The Maynard, Crouch End  

Like so many other places, back a couple of years ago this once popular locals' boozer was stripped out and transformed into a far more Crouch End friendly 'bar and dining room'. Sadly, it seems Greene King haven't learnt many lessons from the second generation of pub renovations (such as those done by M&B) and opted instead for the increasingly dated All Bar One look. As such, comfort and atmosphere in this large space have gone the same way as the 'arms' in the name. Sure there's a nice looking garden, couches, candles and three real ales, but the design flaws mean that when busy it becomes impersonal and rather depressing when quiet. We dithered about where to sit because no vacant seats were relaxing. It didn't help that on our first visit, although the place was only a quarter full, there was an hour long wait for food, but thankfully things have improved since then. Overall, with plenty of characterful pubs in the area, the Maynard seems distinctly uninspired.

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