Wood Green pubs

Noted for its shopping, violence and bad pubs, Wood Green is not an area you would travel out to just for a drink.

The Jolly Anglers, 33 Station Road, Wood Green, N22 6UX

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Apparently now under new management

Reviewed by Doogal Bell, Dec 2006

As I enter, I am struck by the smell. The assault on the nostrils is reminiscent of old men's underpants and is not altogether unsurprising as I survey the grubby furnishings and only other customer. This is a large pub that extends back a long way and comes complete with a pool table, darts and a collection of video games/fruit machines. The doors to the beer garden have been opened in a futile attempt to ventilate the place. I buy myself a pint of Flowers and decide to grab a vacant seat as near to the beer garden as possible in the hope of finding some clean air. After some temporary respite, my cerebrum is rattled by a symphony of pneumatic drills emanating from the building site next door. They do reasonably priced food here, but as I peel my feet off the sticky carpet I quickly lose my appetite and turn my attentions to the surroundings. I survey the black and white photographs of Ye Olde Woode Greene featuring trolley buses and jolly men in flat caps adorning the walls. As I do so, an odd sound is perceptible in the quiet interludes between the construction noise. It seems that the music on the speakers has been robbed of its volume and bass leaving behind a vaguely rhythmic hissing sound. All the while I am aware that the pub has gradually filled with a cross section of surly looking men. Occasionally suspicious glances are thrown in my direction and I eyeing my empty pint glass I decide to leave.

Reviewed by Paul Melton, Apr 2005

Telephone: 020 8352 0031

Nearest station: Wood Green, Zone 3 (130 metres)