A North London pub with a country feel, the Maid of Muswell invites you in and ensures you won't want to leave.

The Venue
A large metal cow and a pleasant exterior greet you as you approach the Maid of Muswell. The exterior is complemented by a fair amount of wooden benches around the front and a small, hidden away garden at the back. Although the pub is on a busy main road the noise never seems to be a problem.

The interior is decked out with a selection of dark wooden tables and chairs, dim lamps, and long wooden bar set against the side wall. The moody feel to the decoration is offset by a colourful selection of cushions and throws accompanied by a fantastic set of chandeliers which give the pub a sitting room feel.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is the only thing that prevents this pub from achieving a five out of five stars rating. Whilst the general atmosphere is very relaxed and the clientele ranges from the young to the very old the bar staff can unfortunately be quite unfriendly and if you are a first-timer to the Maid of Muswell you may well come away feeling as though the service was quite poor.

However, it is important to note that this is a minor blemish on an excellent pub and after going there regularly enough to be recognised by the staff you will no doubt be greeted with a welcoming smile. The music is often alternative but not intrusive and although the pub is definitely aiming at an upmarket crowd, the general feel is not pretentious.

The Food
A recently revamped menu consists mainly of sandwiches, burgers and gastro pub delights such as posh fish and chips and sausage and mash. The prices are reasonable but the portions are not that generous with focus on quality not quantity. The pub prides itself on its Sunday Roast and although it is quite pricey you get a full roast with all the trimmings served from midday till around 10pm, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. In the summer months the pub also has a highly recommended barbecue in the evenings.

The Drink
The drinks list at the Maid of Muswell is extensive with several wines and beers that you will struggle to find elsewhere. The wine list is a nice, fairly well priced selection and the beers on tap are generally very good. Real ales, a selection of German and Belgian blond beers, and some fruit beers are all delicious. Pricing of drinks reflects the pub's aim to attract an upmarket crowd, with a pint of lager costing around £3.

The Last Word
A relaxed country pub in the north of London that is fun in the summer and cosy in the winter. The range of drinks and the different nights held at the pub including a weekly quiz night and music evenings, make the Maid of Muswell definitely worth a visit but if you look young, make sure you take some identification.

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