Take a stroll around this residential patch of NW5 and what first strikes you are the friendly names of the local shops: Maria's Travel and Tours, Rita's Hair and Design and Susan's Mini-Market. As The Torriano is situated amidst such neighbourliness, expectations of a jolly local pub are raised high.

And after our most recent visit to the area, we're glad to say we encountered it.

It's a stripped out pub, which can look rather bare, but when it fills up its fine. A decent range of drinks to enjoy here, with things helped along by the friendly staff and punters.

The secluded sunken garden at the back looks a cracking place for the summer, and a real fire means winter times are adequately covered too. A neighbourly little boozer then; worth the wander from Kentish Town to track down.

STOP PRESS: We've recently heard that the Torriano is currently under serious threat from closure and conversion into (yet more) flats. A campaign is currently under way. It would be a crying pity if this were to happen as there are very few pubs in the area. We'll keep a close eye on developments.

CLIENTELE: locals
NEAREST STATION: Kentish Town station
FEATURES: real ales, outdoor seating, quiz night Monday