With a W2 postcode but side doors in NW1, this is a mid-Victorian corner pub, rebuilt in 1867 with etched bow windows and a marbled facade. Being adjacent to an underground station and on one of London’s busiest main roads, it has a fair passing trade. This is the oldest surviving licensed premises on Edgware Road, dating from 1720; it now has a backpacker hostel upstairs. Quiz night Wednesdays. Two handpumps; at least one ale is on offer normally and one pump may serve cider. The food offering is largely burgers.

Residents of the hostel & their bona fide guests may drink alcohol at any time, otherwise alcohol is not sold before 10am Monday to Saturday or noon on Sunday. NB the hours given are the bar hours, but at date of this entry the pub has pavement A-boards advertising breakfast from 8am to noon. This is, possibly, summer-only. The giant Ei pubs group bought a 51% stake in operator PubLove in April 2017.