Junction Tavern, Kentish Town  

On the surface this seemed like another gastropub done by the book, with the book in question being "How to Make a Gastropub in 10 Easy Lessons". A wine list more expensive than local restaurants? Check. Large 'eating only' area? Check. Trendy young things trying to lounge nonchalantly? Check. This one does, however, fare better than some other North London casualties. The exterior and wood panelled drinking area have been left more or less in tact - so there's a dark, luxurious feeling to the place. A large back garden promises a pleasant alfresco experience for the summer and a heated conservatory a compromise for the other 49 weeks of the year. Unusually for a gastropub, not only has the Junction Tavern resisted the temptation to remove one of the nouns from the name and start calling itself a bar, it even has three real ales on tap (and fairly regular mini beer festivals). Certainly worth a visit if you're in the area, although you might need to book for the restaurant section at busy times.

reviewed:
24/08/2007

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

real ale - regular guest beers

beer garden

separate dining area

dogs welcome

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