This unassuming pub offers a pint of beer and televised live sporting events in a no-frills, upbeat environment.

The Venue
Located a stone’s throw from Angel tube, the Lord Wolseley - on the corner of Penton Street and White Lion Street - is a world away from the bustle of cosmopolitan Upper Street. The outside of the pub is pretty with hanging baskets and freshly painted green signs. There’s a good amount of space outside for smokers and picnic benches. A nice touch are the signs welcoming you in, making you feel this place isn’t going to be too ‘local’.

Inside, the decor is a bit dated and it does smell a little like it could do with an airing. The bar holds a small corner with fruit machines nestling against it. To the left is a raised dining area with dark wooden furniture and bright red walls, which makes for an oppressive look all-round. On the ground level there are a few brown leather sofas, all of which are pointed at a large flat screen TV. It doesn’t take a genius to realise that this a football pub through-and-through. There’s a handwritten sign telling you what matches they plan to air and when.

The Atmosphere
The Lord Wolseley is obviously filled with regulars, and whilst you’ll get a welcome if you’re not local they might be a little surprised to see you. It mostly seems to be filled with middleaged men gathered together to chat, relax, have a beer and perhaps catch a game. This may well mean the locals have taken all the best seats (but that’s the perk of being a regular) on the sofas, so you’ll be relegated to the back dining room. However, because everyone here is just kicking back and having a good time, you’ll find the easygoing mood contagious. It’s not for everyone, and be advised this isn’t the place for cocktails and high-heels, but it is a traditional boozer with the friendly mood to match.

The Food
The Wolseley serves up an impressive array of Thai food, cooked by a friendly Thai lady who also helps out behind the bar. Although you’re not going to find exciting Asian-fusion cuisine here, the portions are healthy and the prices aren’t too bad, either.

The Drink
It’s pretty bog-standard here: wine, mixers, beer, bottles. There aren’t any flaming shots or rare whiskys – but they’d be pretty out of place here anyway, and probably not taken advantage of. What is on offer is a standard house white, which is quaffable, and a nice range of beers on draught including Fosters, Guinness and also Strongbow for cider lovers.

The Last Word
The Lord Wolseley is a decent, unassuming boozer with a heavy emphasis on football. It’s not a bad choice for enjoying a game with friends and a few pints.

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