The Alexandra

Small, cosy pub with strongly local flavour and a loyal Irish following.

You could easily miss it walking past, as it has a small and very un-pub like frontage, and it's right next to a petrol station. Inside, there's a small room with a bar and a small, traditionally-furnished raised seating area at the back. There's a small patio at the side and a larger patio at the rear. There's a large TV screen, which seems to alternate between horse-racing and TV news.

On our visit, it was a freezing cold day, but it was nice to see a fire going (even if it was gas-fired). Very friendly staff, too - the main downer for me is the lack of real ale, but most regulars seemed to be happy with Guinness.

I can see it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a refreshing change from some of the pretensions of other places in this part of north London.

The pub is amazing the people are friendly the service is great the johns smiths is in a different league if you drink to much of that try the Guinness its lovely. My name is Daclon Scott I am one of the regulars in this little gem you will notice me, I am the small ginger guy who annoys everyone. I love a pint at 8.00 am with the hairy boy and Noel my best friends. Its so nice at this time, a paper, a pint of John Smiths and the hairy boy and Noel boy beside me. The Alexandra is the most enjoyable pub I have ever drunk in but like a choosen few it is difficult for me to get access to other pubs in the area for various reasons. The new beer garden to the rear is great, with nice lights state of the art TV sound etc. I enjoy this pubs because it has more men than anywere else I have been so I feel at home looking at men and annoying everyone that I see. I strongly advise the next time your are in East Finchley call in a lovely experience and pub.