New tenants took over April 2024 - Mike and Shaunessey Mclean. See
https://www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/two-tortoises-walk-into-a-pub
Changed in 2022 to a managed Stonegate pub which has seen a reduction in the cask range. A long time has passed since it was the Branch Pub of the Year. Seem to be 2 cask beers on - Sharp's Doom Bar might rotate with the 2 listed.
Very popular real ale and gastro-pub, CAMRA North London Branch Pub Of The Year 2008/09. Appears as a restaurant from the main road with the pub to the rear, boasting two connected drinking areas, conservatory and award winning beer garden.
Ornate interior with wood panelling and large mirrors. Quality food menu available, pre-booking advised for dining area. Family and dog friendly. Heated and covered outside smoking area.
Historic Interest
Mid 19th century public house (1885) on corner of Fortess Road and Lady Somerset Road. Restrained elevations to main building and richly decorated shopfront to both elevations with pilasters, foliate capitals, pediments to main entrances and Courage Brewery identifiers above canted corner entrance
One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest
Listed status: Not listed
Built in 1885, some original Victorian splendour survives in the right hand bar area, including an ornate bar counter and wall panelling.
The right hand bar area has a fine canted forward bar counter with decorative brackets, a row of fielded panelling along the top which protrudes somewhat, and a foot rail around the bottom. Two carved wooden pillars hold up a three sectioned decorative plasterwork ceiling around which there is a deep frieze and cornice. Within the panelling on the rear wall are large plain mirrors, and the same wall has an impressive carved mahogany fireplace with a bowed mantelpiece featuring a carved head. However, the bar-back is modern, and unfortunately all the panelling on that wall, as well as the fireplace, have been painted dark green. The front area of the pub that is effectively now a kitchen and dining area has all modern fittings.
This Pub serves no changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Junction Tavern, London