Faltering Fullback

It’s pretty hard to find a decent spot around Finsbury Park for drinking-in serene green views along with your pint. But down a quiet backstreet, this charming local boozer, drenched in ivy, has a rather magical garden out back with a many-tiered treehouse-cum-drinking-deck. The inside space is multi-layered too, with a couple of bars & a large back room complete with pool table. Sport is a passion here, & you can pick up a cue or watch the match on TV, but there’s also a well-stocked jukebox, a hotly contested weekly quiz & a wealth of ‘ceiling inspiration’ curios hanging up above, for quiet contemplation over a plate of Thai food. Wines, with some perfectly drinkable choices, are all under £15. The beer selection is adequate, served by bar staff practised at unhurried hospitality.