We were informed that the pub would be closed for refurbishment for a few weeks from August 12th but have now been told that it will remain open; the planned refurbishment has been postponed until next year.

An impressive corner pub retaining many late-Victorian fittings, notably a series of framed waterclour paitings of local scenes, several full-height timber and etched glass partitions, an old circular bar counter with a surviving section of snob screens and a number of baffles.

A visitor reports - "A visit on Friday evening (03/02/23) revealed: Salopian - Shropshire Gold, Fullers - London Pride, Vocation - Heart & Soul, Willy - Crafty Fox. However, all the pumps were adorned with 'Coming Soon' tags. If they can't get a cask beer up and running at this time of the week, are these pumps permanently tagged thus?" On a subsequnt visit in March 2024 - "Of the various pumps on show only one was available, Fuller's London Pride. Doom Bar & Adnams Southwold were badged but not available."

Built in 1875, the year Alexandra Palace opened. It became the Starting Gate in 1858 when a racecourse was started in Alexandra Park. Much of the interior dates from an 1899 refit, including partitions radiating from the island bar, the different bits served by six external doors. Modern side room with pizza oven. Now M&B, ex-Allied, Spirit, Orchid.