The Coronet, Holloway  

Depressing and amazing at the same time: these are the conflicting emotions you experience when you visit this Wetherspoons pub in an old converted cinema. The wonderful art deco exterior, the sweeping lobby (where the bar now sits) and the majesty of the main cinema area with it's 80 foot high ceiling sits at odds with the fact you're in a gloomy Wetherspoons. Choose the wrong time of day, or the wrong day of the week and it's filled with old men - one per table - quietly getting their fill of cheap booze; with prices this low one starts to wonder if the whole place isn't a loss leader. Promotional material is scattered everywhere, while the numerous menus on tables add to a sense of clutter which amplifies the contrast between you and the yawning chasm of nothingness above your head. Service is attentive enough, but some of the old fellas usually expect preferential treatment as it's likely that they spend more money and time here than you do. The old circle seating up above is sadly out of bounds, but then again, all day drinking sessions and 30 foot sheer drops probably don't mix.

reviewed:
15/6/2008

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