I am only posting this review to bump up the ratings of this lovely pub in light of the outraged parents' character assassination above.

The garden is great, the heaters are a bonus, also a good selection of ales which the staff are happy to let you try before you buy. An open fire, a few odd cats, a few odd pictures of cats, a range of books I never thought I'd read - yeah, I've had some great nights in the Nag's Head.

Maybe not ideal for children owners but it's only fair to give a balanced view of a grand boozer.

James

The staff and owners are family-unfriendly to a point I find depressing and plain weird. Case in point: my partner and I and two month old son in a pram were instructed to leave the front garden immediately (“I'd like you to leave now“) for staying slightly longer than their 7.30pm cut-off. Strange thing is, this evening was a special celebration for a local cat that had just passed away, beloved of our family, and we'd popped down specially to have a pint. Surely a wake would be one occasion you'd think they'd let relax the rules by a minute or two just to let us finish out pints? Damn, you'd be wrong. It seems strange that the owners are more concerned about hustling kids in prams off the premises than nurturing good relations with the locals. We wouldn't have gone down if it wasn't for the special occasion, so as a point of principle, and to play along with what seemed to me a ridiculous rule, I wandered back on my tod and asked for the quid I'd put in the collection box back. The landlady calmly gave it to me and explained that she had to keep the ground rules so strict to stop people taking liberties. Understood, but if strict enforcement of the ground rules is more important than cutting local families an inch of slack, you have to wonder about their priorities. No wonder there's such a weird atmosphere in there. Beer OK, constant acid jazz/trip hop muzak, watch out for the rules on signs everywhere, and they put furry table clothes on the tables for some reason.

I recommend The Castle in the Village for family-friendly service, each time we've been there, they couldn't have done more to accommodate us. Better music also.

AVOID AVOID AVOID! If you don't want children in your pub/garden then put signs up saying so. Signs as we entered told us children were allowed in garden until 7.30 and to leave pushchairs in the alleyway. We sat in the furthest most corner where the two 3year old's in our party played and laughed but not in an excessive manner as to disturb other drinkers in the garden. We were approached after purchasing our drinks by in my opinion the rudest landlord in London who demanded in a very angry, aggressive and nasty tone that he, and I quote directly " I don't want to hear your kid's laughing, I don't want them moving or talking. I don't even want them in my pub or garden. I want them quiet sitting down in a chair" After speaking to friends who've visited this pub they have had similar experiences with the landlord/lady. Several have commented on the managements weird and erratic behaviour and lack of social skills for people in there position.

The Nag's Head is a great little pub. I love the live music but have yet to witness the belly dancing?! The atmosphere at this pub is great - very friendly and most accomodating. Nag's Head is good for sunny afternoon drinking with your mates.