A short walk away from Hendon tube station is this quaint little Irish pub. It may not be to everyone’s liking but it has something to offer sports fans.

The Venue
Not very traditional in appearance, The Bodhran could easily be mistaken for the local curry house. However, the board outside the front door confirms that a pub of a sporting nature lies within. As you walk through the front doors you might have to adjust your senses slightly as it may not be quite what you were expecting. There is definitely an illusion of size as, once inside, the floor space is surprisingly large and the tables and chairs have been strategically positioned to give a sense of openness so you don’t ever feel cramped.

Tables run along the wall to your right with a long L-shaped bar along the wall on the left. You’ll find a large plasma screen behind the bar, a smaller one hanging on the wall opposite and a third large plasma at the far end of the pub. Each screen is tuned into a different sporting channel so you’ll never get caught out when the two games you’ve got money on clash. At the far end of the pub are a couple of fruit machines, a dartboard and a trophy cabinet displaying the silverware that some of the local teams have managed to pick up.

Being an Irish pub there are a lot of patriotic symbols around the place. You’ll find a little Irish flag behind the bar and an enormous mural of an Irish folk band on the wall opposite the bar. There are also various framed pictures of Irish drinks dotted around and, of course, a bodrhan (Irish drum) is stuck to the ceiling at the back of the venue. At the back of the pub you’ll come across further seating in another smaller room with several booths and a few normal tables and chairs. You’ll also find the generously sized sheltered beer garden and smoking area.

The Atmosphere
The Bodhran pulls in an older crowd - mostly men who can’t take their eyes of the sport. The atmosphere is pleasant and the sounds of Magic FM working in tandem with the pint in your hand means that any tension you’ve picked up throughout the day soon dissipates along with your chosen drink. When a big game is on this place fills up quickly, but you shouldn’t have a problem witnessing your team grab victory with both hands.

The Drink
There are plenty of drinks to be had at The Bodrhan including John Smiths, Fosters, Guinness, Budweiser, Strongbow, Carlsberg, Bulmers and Kronenberg on tap as well as a decent selection of bottled lagers.

The Last Word
If you’re a man of sports and you live in Hendon check out The Bodhran. It’ll probably become your second home.

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