Finbar's McGowan's, Neasden  

We don't know what it says about a pub when it still has a payphone, but it's one of the few novelties you'll spot in Finbar's, a vast Irish pub that fills the gap between Paddy Powers and the Vantage Pharmacy on Neasden Lane. For the rest, this place is chock full of Emerald Isle mementoes: tricolours, dangling shamrocks, old photos behind green mounts, a plethora of Guinness ads and, for music, a strong line in Shane MacGowan. There's also plenty to do: three pool tables, games machines, TVs and, for the campanologist, an excellent bell with which to ring last orders. For those who also want to drink there's a selection of nitrokeg beers and lagers, plus 'Baby Irish' cream-and-coffee liqueurs served in plastic shot glasses. Curiously for such a large pub (there's ample space and equipment for gigs and dancing), there were very few people about when we visited. We wonder whether that might, in part, be down to the pub's slightly bossy attitude: it has signs asking punters to leave quietly, others forbidding them from taking drugs on the premises, many in the window suggesting how you might vote in the general election, and at least one pointing out that all CCTV footage is stored. Still, it does sell Nobby's Nuts

reviewed:
12/10/2005

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

Sky and Setanta (big screen)

three pool tables

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