This is a theme pub with a difference - the theme actually bears a connection to the landscape it inhabits as it's right next to the canal. In the back of the pub is a reconstruction of the inside of a barge with sloping wood panelled walls and there's even a winding spiral staircase leading to a couple of tables by the towpath. A converted bank, now packed with sofas, the Grand Banks has light and simple decor. Try starters such as Jerusalem artichoke risotto and, for a main, grilled prawns with chilli or roast monkfish with mussels. Customers today include besuited estate agents and scantily-clad representatives of Camden's indie music scene all Monkees style haircuts and tattooed ankles.
Food is better than average offering the likes of smoked haddock mornay and beef bourguignon .
The decor is vaguely Tex Mex, with plenty of colourful props such as bi-planes and old tea tin signs scattered about and an unpretentious atmosphere. On Sunday there's a comedy try-out night, from raw recruits to more experienced comics, to get invaluable stage experience. The cocktail menu promises a 'fresh new direction', but the charm of this, tiny, unflashy bar just off busy Upper Street lies in its straightforward exposition of the simple pleasures of social drinking. It is elegantly decked out with dark wood floors, duck egg blue walls, antique fittings and a high, gold painted ceiling bedecked with a pair of chandeliers. There's a cosy little garden out back.