If you only dare enter one slightly dilapidated, fearsome looking boozer this winter, let it be this one.

The Venue
The Old King Johns Head is the remainder of what would have probably been a four up, four down before it was gutted to make way for a big square bar to be plonked in the middle of it. The decor has all the makings of the classic old boozer with its matching brown woods that almost seem to have been built from the same tree used for the tables, chairs, bar and doors. Matching brown woods are the new black and you can expect London Fashion Week to see a flurry of (matching) bark. There is a pool table by the right hand entrance that has the unusual luxury of unobstructed cuing from every angle, plus a jukebox to soundtrack your match. Robbie Williams seems to be a popular choice.

The Atmosphere
Saturday lunchtimes are usually home to the same tableau every week. The barman slumps against the bar in a strange regalia of tracksuit top and suit trousers with slippers to boot. He will clearly be feeling the effects of the night before but to his credit remains a very affable fellow. The stall immediately in front of the bar will be occupied by a die-hard fan of football that he and a few others watch on the comically arranged stage. The TV sits on a table that’s flanked by two large speakers breaking out of the company of brown wood in glorious technicolour. Everyone’s a local, but the atmosphere is friendly and if you’re looking for a pub with guaranteed space to watch a match then this is it.

The evening brings the locals out in force and you’re sure of a good time, although in this place you do get the feeling that a good time can turn into a mean time quite quickly. The pool table also attracts competitive gangs of pool sharks who swim around the bar with fins raised in shows of male bravado.

The Drink
The drinks won’t inspire a visit to the Old King Johns Head. The wine comes by the colour rather than the name, the spirits are merely of the usual standard and there isn’t much of a choice on tap. Stella and Kronenbourg can be found on draught.

The Last Word
The Old King Johns Head is a local pub with a following and has the simple pleasures of a clear view of football on a big screen and the even greater pleasure of Robbie Williams on the jukebox from time to time. Paradise.

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