‘The Swimmer’ turned out to be an apt name for our destination last Wednesday, as by the time we arrived, North London was underwater. We were in the area to see the second leg of the Women’s Champions League quarter final at the Emirates, which not only presented us the chance to cheer on the Arsenal Women’s team, but also check out some new pubs in an area of London we have yet to explore fully.
The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms proved to be a more than comfortable refuge from the deluge, with a cosy interior, an inviting menu, and an impressive draught beer selection. In fact, The Swimmer has the unique distinction of being the only bar in London (that I’ve seen!) to sells Brugse Zot on tap. For those who are unfamiliar, Brugse Zot is a strong, Belgian ale that has a lightly sweet, malty flavour. The only downside is it’s served in an enormous, branded tulip glass that can make you feel like a customer at Medieval Times. Needless to say, I returned to my table from the bar slightly self-conscious about my choice.
The menu similarly contained a lot to recommend it, with small plates that ranged from Moroccan bean soup to spicy cod croquettes, plus an entire section of the menu dedicated to vegan and vegetarian dishes. We opted for a ‘mini meze’ served with falafel and a baked camembert. While it didn’t disappoint, I’d definitely be interested in sampling some of their other tempting dishes the next time I’m in the neighbourhood.
While the Swimmer’s decor isn’t immediately remarkable, it was quietly charming with a healthy mix of antique furniture, including two-tiered “double dolphin” poseur tables (top-tier designed for empty glasses to aid collection) and a mounted juke box on the wall. The look is completed by swimming memorabilia, apparently collected by the owner, who is a big fan of the sport. It evokes a timeless aesthetic that lets the pub speak for itself, allowing atmosphere to naturally build, instead of trying to force a clichéd pub pastiche.
The next time you’re alighting at Finsbury Park, we highly recommend you carve out some time for a pint!
Beer selection: 5.5/7
Food selection: 5.5/7
Ambience: 5/7
Aesthetic: 5/7
IPQ: 5/7
Overall: 74.29