The Quays, Archway  

The exterior of The Quays is certainly interesting. Views through the windows are blocked by shelves of old bottles, while uplighters illuminate the blue walls in a tacky alternating spectrum of colour. The interior is also unusual, with three distinct areas, including a front bar adorned with etched mirrors and ornate woodwork, a balcony bar and a back section featuring a huge ten foot screen. Coupled with two plasma screens it verged on 'sports bar' territory, but it also has regular live music and DJs - apparently until 4 in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays. On our last visit however it was fairly quiet barring a few regulars and friendly staff. Conversely, on weekend nights a young crowd descends and it gets pretty lively, as it does when big matches are shown. Ultimately, this is a pub which appeals to different people at different times for different reasons - so time your visit well. The only thing that put us off was the sign on the door exhorting us to "remove all hats" before entering. Probably means hoods, too.

reviewed:
24/10/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

Sky TV (big and small screens)

outdoor seating in front

regular live music events

disabled facilities

djs

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