A traditional pub close to Kentish Town station, specialising in real ale and quality pies. It takes its name from an old naval practice in which sailors would surreptitiously drink liquor from a cask through a straw - a tradition apparently borne from crew members sucking up the brandy preserving Nelson's body following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar. It's also known as sucking - or bleeding - the monkey.
The drinks here - sneaky or otherwise - aren't limited to brandy. It's a CAMRA-affiliated pub, so real ale is more than a bit of a pull. They promise to always have on tap at least two beers that have been brewed within 30 miles of the front door. Keep an eye out for local brewery showcases, too.
The menu features sunday roasts, light bites and burgers alongside traditional British dishes such as bangers and mash made with Gloucester Old Spot sausages, or fish and chips with beer batter made from their own cask ale.