Picture of Faltering Fullback, N4 3HB

Historical version 9 of Faltering Fullback, N4 3HB (view current version)

A pub which seems to enjoy cult status within the distinctive locale of Stroud Green (not too far a walk from Finsbury Park Station), which thrives on independent businesses such as this one.

Set on a corner of two quiet residential roads, this place is something of a tardis. It wasn't until toxophilite's third visit that he realised just how big it really is! Beyond the small intimate front bar, with a bizarre assortment of objects hanging from the ceiling, are two side bars; and beyond these is a huge 'back room' where major sporting events are shown (including, obviously, rugby matches). There is also a two-level outdoor seating deck behind the pub.

The side rooms are quite dark, one of which has a large round table with plenty of seating, as well as some comfy little booths. The back room is a large barn-like space with trestle tables and benches lining the room, and a pool table at the back. Outdoors, the downstairs is sheltered from the elements, but only offers high tables with stool seating. The upper deck has a ring of picnic tables, allowing plenty of people to sit outside when it's sunny, and it appears that they are working to extend it further.

There are real ales on tap in addition to the usual selection of lager, draught beer and Guinness. They have five handpulls, but only two appear to be in use, both of which had London Pride on a May 2009 visit. Draught lagers include Leffe, Hoegaarden and Staropramen. There are additional lager taps serving the outdoor seating area (but just basic options).

Food is served every evening between 6:30pm-10:30pm, as well as Sunday lunchtime from 1pm-3:30pm. The evening menu photos, like many other pubs in the area, is Thai, and usually fairly good value for money, if not particularly great quality. In May 2009, Ewan's side dish of fried bean curd (£3.20) photo was presented with an oily dipping sauce and generally lacked flavour. Kake's prawn kra prow (£6.90 including rice) photo did include a few slivers of holy basil, but was completely devoid of chilli, and the prawns tasted slightly muddy, as if they hadn't been cleaned properly. bob's red curry (£5.50 including rice) photo was perhaps the best of the lot; he described it as "slightly warming" and "decent enough". Kake's overall impression was that this is Thai food heavily dumbed down for pubgoers, a shame when places like the Churchill have proved there's a market for the decent stuff.

On a Sunday Ewan visited in June 2009, there were no Sunday roasts on offer, but they had some basic replacements such as rump steak or sausage sandwiches, tabbouleh with sausages, salt beef bagel, and a vegetarian option which was a pitta stuffed with roast vegetables, salad and grilled halloumi cheese (£4.50), with potato salad on the side for an additional 50p. This was perfectly decent, simple and filling.

There is a good pub quiz, which is possibly still running, on Tuesdays.

See also:

Last visited by Ewan and others, 7 June 2009. Opening hours and food times taken from the pub website, May 2008.
OS X co-ord: 531204 OS Y co-ord: 187193 (Latitude: 51.567849 Longitude: -0.106727)
This is version 9 (as of 2009-06-08 09:45:29). View current version. List all versions.