The Wenlock Arms, 26 Wenlock Road

Tube strikes can do odd things to people. I'm sure I wasn't the first person to find himself disgorged onto hitherto unexplored streets by an over-burdoned bus network. The Wenlock Arms, tucked away in the quiet streets between City Road and the Regents Canal, has a reputation for serving fine ales. Finding myself in the neighbourhood, I decided to seek it out. I wasn't disappointed. A blackboard on the wall displays both regular and guest ales together with their alchohol content and price. On this visit names included "Golden Ale" and "Wolf in Sheeps Clothing". The choice of regular ales would eclipse the selections of guest ales in most ordinary pubs. However this is no ordinary pub. As you would expect, this place is a Mecca for stereotypical ale fans complete with their wild facial hair and nervous ticks. However the prospect of quaffing some of the finest beer in North London has attracted a surprisingly mixed crowd. Proof indeed of the increasing popularity of real ale. Notable examples were a group of Aussies who seemed intent on sampling every pint in the house, and a woman who was a dead ringer for Ossie Osbourne. The highlight of the visit was a long conversation with an american ex-pat who was a Vietnam War veteran and former porn director. It seems the owners of the Wenlock have found the Philosopher's Stone of the pub world. Just turn up, grab a pint of ale and soak up the unique atmosphere. Fantastic.

---

All content © Random Pub Finder 2001-2010, website development by Doogal