Tarmon Free House London in Islington

Cheapest pints I ever found in London, never tried anything else, but the pints pass the vibe check

🚇 King Cross St Pancras 🍺 £3.50 Fosters An Oldschool Cally Boozer. The Tarmon is located at the southern end of Caledonian Road in Barnsbury, Islington. The nearest Tube is Kings Cross, it’s a fifteen minute walk to get here. This pub was originally called The Duke of Richmond and built in 1851. The pub’s name changed to The Tarmon in 1984, it is named after a rural village in Donegal Ireland. This is a no frills simply decorated one bar pub where the original fixtures and fittings have long been removed. The bar is set out in a ‘U’ shape that wraps around an unusual looking servery which has radiators attached to the front and a perspex screen above the counter. The walls are painted white and have the odd mirror and poster adorning them. The seating is plentiful, around the perimeter you’ll find long banquettes and low level tables and chairs. The pub boasts a much used Jukebox and lots of screens to watch live sport. The beer lineup was a straightforward selection of basic beers, cider and Guinness. I decided on a Fosters, my pint was decent and only cost £3.50, it’s been a while since there was a 3 in this paragraph. This is a wet-led pub that doesn’t serve food. I visited this pub back in December last year and thought I’d have another look a couple of weeks ago. I arrived early evening, the atmosphere was upbeat and lively with a local tight knit crowd in attendance. The pub was fairly busy with a good mix of punters of all ages. The Jukebox received many a visit, a random selection of Glen Campbell, Deacon Blue and The Stylistics came on during my stay here. One thing that was great to see was a group of fellas sat around a table playing dominoes, I’ve not seen this for a very long time. The service was great, the two ladies behind the bar were warm, welcoming and friendly. This is a proper oldschool boozer that’s a little rough around the edges, which is my kinda pub. For what the pub lacks in looks, it more than makes up for in community spirit and soul. If you fancy visiting a true London community pub, put The Tarmon on your list. ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 19.04.24

A simple roadside, community pub showing live football and horse racing on the tellys. An unusual bar with something akin to Post Office serving hatches with glass panels above and bizarrely, radiators below. 3 beer pumps but no cask ales currently on offer. Still a friendly and caring place!

There's a good reason it sells beer at £3.50 a pint. Very much a local's place that has long since lost it's charm. Felt a bit edgy on a second visit so I left them to it. I won't hurry back. They won't miss me.

Old man's pub but lively no food or outdoor service but ok for a quick pint.