Great Northern Railway Tavern, c1920

Comment by Richard Woods on October 11, 2019 at 17:09

What is wonderful is that it is still there and looking terrific. 

https://tinyurl.com/y4qnjqt6

Comment by Derek Reynolds on February 12, 2020 at 18:11

I no longer live in Wood Green having left when I got married in 1968, but I was born there, and brought up in Redvers Road, with a view from my tiny bedroom window over the gardens and through the gap where Buller Road met the High Road such that I could see the clock face on the public library.

My Grandfather (who passed before my birth) was a Blacksmith, and at one time worked at the 'forge' as we knew it, at Jones & Willis in Hornsey. Clearly this was behind the tavern above. Back in 1966, I applied for a job with what was then Wood Green and Hornsey Borough Council in their Health Dept. And the depot I was assigned to was right there - in the same place my Grandfather worked, or within spitting distance I'm sure - at the Hornsey Dust Destruction plant.

Part of our job was to de-bug bedding, clothes and soft furnishings from houses that had been infested with lice and such. This was accomplished by putting all into a large cylinder with a pressure tight door at one end, rails and racks for items inside, close all in and screw tight the door. Steam was then forced in under pressure for so long, then released and vacuumed. This process was cycled three times to ensure nothing remained alive. Not something the general public would have been aware of, but there it is - or was of course! All part of the Council depot buildings tucked away behind the tavern.

Comment by andrew simmonds on October 20, 2020 at 7:29

Our Scout Hut was at the bottom of the lane to the right of the pub. I think it was 71st. North London scout group. Great evenings in the scouts with all the instruction in things practical, generously supplemented by two, no less, snooker tables. We also had our own old furniture lorry for Scout camp. I moved abroad with my family after about a year or so and I joined the scouts there. Nowhere near as good i'm afraid. I don't think any of it is there anymore but great memories.

Comment by tim p on February 15, 2023 at 19:04

And as it looks now

Comment by John Shulver on February 6, 2024 at 17:38

Not too bad then !!  Still recognisable and seemingly preserved.

Comment by Richard Woods on February 7, 2024 at 11:28

I have just realised that the wonderful Smithfield Refrigerator sign is still in place. Sadly the company was wound up in the 70s. 

Comment by Adam Morris on February 9, 2024 at 10:42

I live down Cross Lane, I’ve seen it go from waste land through to the building of flats. The garages on the right hand side have all gone now and more flats are being built on the land. The music studio (as it is now) is still there…for the moment. The yellow 1950s festival of Britain design tiles are still there, hopefully for some time too!

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