Tonight:
5°c
Critic rating
Cosy meets quirky at the Hemingford Arms
18 Nov 2008
Tucked away in affluent Barnsbury, the Hemingford Arms is a pleasant spot for a drink.
Its cosy interior has a plethora of objects hanging from the ceiling and on the walls: these include a set of hickory golf clubs, film posters, trumpets and the odd Methodist church sign.
The trinkets appear to be a genuine assortment of oddities rather than, as so often elsewhere, a cynical effort to give the place a forced quirkiness (though perhaps most disturbing was the male mannequin hanging over the gents loo with a sign pointing to said facilities).
Five beers are available on the hand pumps in addition to the usual range of draught beer, and reasonable Thai food is on offer. The downside is the service, which can range from adequate to rude.
You may also get the odd look from the regulars, but once you're in, it's not a problem, but it can feel a bit intimidating to start with.
NEAREST STATION: Caledonian Road and Barnsbury station
FEATURES: ATM, real ale - regular guest beers, live music, outdoor seating, quiz night Thursday, Sky TV
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
