I have been meaning to come here for many years after seeing some pictures of the place in Chris Hutt's excellent book "The Death of the English Pub" published in 1973 but second hand copies can be found cheaply on the internet. In that book it is cited as an example of the craze for corporate identity schemes where "Bass Charrington have painted all their pub doors red and planted illuminated box signs over the top". Fortunately the red paint and black box have gone but a large outdoor shelter and high hedge have spoiled the view. My North London Pub Guide just describes this pub as "no real ale" but that situation has improved and it is currently in the Good Beer Guide. I arrived soon after 12:00 opening and I got the impression that the staff were not ready for or expecting any customers until much later in the day, an enjoyable visit and a pub that I may well return to.