24/12/2006 Christmas Eve in Barnet

Subject	Christmas Eve in Barnet
PostedDate	12/24/2006
	I wasn't sure where to go locally for the traditional Chrismas Eve pissup this year.  Old favourite haunt the Cat & Lantern is dead in the water these days and seems to be 'under new management' every few months - the beer has gone right downhill and there is no live music anymore.  There didn't seem to be anything else of interest happening in Barnet until I found out that popular local band Three were playing at the Misty Moon (formerly the Moon Under Water) in the High Street. It was free to get in as well so that was where we all went. This is another local pub that at one time had a reputation for decent beer, but has gone up and down over the years with various changes of management.  It's been refurbished a couple of times too, and is often the case - not for the better. There is more room in the back of the pub for a band now though, so it's not all bad. The beer is nothing special these days, but the atmosphere in there on Christmas Eve was quite nice and the music was good. Christmas Eve used to be a good night in the local pubs - always busy, a good atmosphere and pretty similar to New Year's Eve - it seems to have died off quite a bit the last few years though. Nearly all the pubs I passed on my way to High Barnet seemed virtually empty - the Moon seemed to be the only place with a band playing, so maybe that had something to do with it?  Anyway, we definitely seemed to make the right choice on this occasion and had quite an enjoyable evening. The band are excellent musicians, and appear to play for the love of music rather than just for the money - some other cover bands could take note. A well known local pub band singer managed to blag his way into the band's set and sing a few songs - as he seems to with nearly every other band at every opportunity. He is actually a pretty good singer and fronts his own blues/rock band, but he certainly wasn't on his usual form tonight, and it showed. Three played well as they usually do, and well known local singer/guitarist Dave Cox and his band played a good selection of songs - including 'Brand New Cadillac' as covered by The Clash (and my band) - a song which actually has a strong local connection. Three are also the only 3 piece band I have seen attempt to cover 'Sweet Child O Mine' so respect is due for that as well - Dave having to be three members of G'N'R at the same time! It's the Hendrix and Red Hot Chilli Peppers material where this band really shine though. I'll have to keep an eye open for more live music at this pub... It turned out quite a good night - probably my best Christmas Eve in Barnet for a couple of years.

PS: This pub has shut.