Beaconsfield

Bad beer, smelly pub, best avoided.

I’m not sure this pub really cares about real ale too much. They probably shouldn’t bother. There are too many pubs that have 1 predictable real ale on and that ale is in an average or worse condition. This is another pub like that. I thought it was just about drinkable but I heard many stronger opinions towards the negative.
So why would you come to this pub? Well the interior has some historical merit and it looks like it has a lot of TVs for the football matches. There is a pool table but I think I would get annoyed playing pool here as people going to the toilets have to keep walking past the table.
This pub refused to serve a friend, for no good reason. It is lucky to get 2 stars!

A huge, grand Victorian edifice, the interior of which has been stripped of the screens and partitions it must have once had, to provide a vast, single interior space.
It certainly has some grandeur, in a faded sort of way: six cast-​iron columns with Corinthian capitals hold up a heavily embossed ceiling (painted an odd dark green), and there are some etched mirrors, with original woodwork around the windows. There’s a large central bar, and what furniture there is hugs the walls, leaving acres of standing room on chintzy carpet.
They have a couple of hand-​pumps for real ale fans, but on my visit only had Fuller’s London Pride on, which was OK, but not at its best. Service was very friendly and efficient, though, with a full pint — no top-​ups required.
As others have said, it has lots of Sports TV screens, where I could watch (alas) Manchester City whop Bolton.
Overall, it’s not bad as a local, but I agree with others that there’s lots of untapped potential here…

This is my local and I’ve been going there for getting on twenty years. There was a period when I stopped going as it was getting rather rough even for my taste (I’m no snob). But after popping in a couple of years ago on the way home from college I realised that it was back to being a decent local boozer.
Things I like: —
You’re guaranteed that whatever match you want to see will be on.
The quiz on a Thursday is difficult, far more difficult than the Fullback’s, and thus is worth winning for the intellectual satisfaction, if not for financial gain!
The bar staff generally remember who you are and will chat if you want to, but also have the sense to leave you to yourself if you’re not in the mood.
Pork scratchings. Proper hairy ones.
Improvements that could be made: —
Furnishings are a little frazzled!

The Beaconsfield was designed by JC Hill — the same guy who did the Salisbury and the Queen’s in Crouch End, and is actually quite an attractive pub that, as JPulfrey says, needs a kick up the arse. The deep green ceiling (why?!) is covered in ornate plasterwork, and the central island of a bar is really attractive.
Unfortunately the staff are generally a bit grumpy, the clientele variable, and the selection of proper beer is not great. There are big screens for watching the footy and a pool table which I have enjoyed from time to time. I hope this doesn’t make me scum! The few times I’ve been in the atmosphere has felt safe.
However, the area needs a sports pub, and as the nearest competitor is the revolting Queens Head up by Turnpike Lane, it is a useful venue. It’s also a good spot to nip in for a quick pint if you miss your Overground train from Harringay Green Lanes station and it’s cold and raining.

Ahhh, the Beaconsfield, this is proper old English pub. Beautiful décor, nice and roomy, surly landlady and a collection of oddities drinking; wonderful.
However the place could be so much better, there is a lack of care and when the football is on (this place has more screens than a bookies) it’s not all that pleasant. If the pool table (scum magnet) was removed and the football obsession calmed I’d frequent the place more often. There’s always room on other days and quizes and live music show there is some effort going in.
On the plus side there are a good selection of beers and some mighty fine pork scratchings. I’d not be ashamed to bring a relative here, but may stop just short of a partner. A perfectly good local that’s just aching for a kick up the arse.