Railway Tavern, Crouch End  

Until recently, the Railway Tavern was one of the last blokey boozers in Crouch End - a testament to big screen footy and cooking lager; we could only imagine what it might have been like in it's heyday, before the station alluded to in the name closed. However, after a change of ownership and a much needed revamp it's searching for a new, younger, more affluent demographic. Housed in a nice 1930s building, a large handful of original features have thankfully been retained, including a nice fireplace and the wooden panelling. Where the pool table once stood you can now find bar skittles, which may or may be for ironic purposes. There's not a great choice of ale but those in search of lager will have better luck, with an above average selection. Food, too, has made a welcome appearance, with sandwiches, main meals and tapas-style snacks all pretty good. Our last midweek visit found the pub not particularly busy, but we imagine it picks up on the weekend. Sadly this visit was cut short by the singing drunk man, left pretty much unchecked in his apparent attempt to get on X-factor. As such, we're knocking this one down to a two pint rating until we return (and preferably he goes).

reviewed:
27/08/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

real ale

seats out front, garden

children welcome

board games, shove ha'penny, skittles and draughts

disabled facilities

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