Should a Cork-owned*** (see footnote) pub be named after a Grecian hero, you would automatically assume it’d be Narcissus. But no! As this pub lies on Hercules Street, Holloway, this explains the mythical moniker for this very Irish pub. No Irish man though would successfully complete 12 tasks: after the first 2 they’d have an awful thirst and then sure look it ,only go for the 1 but then someome would turn up and we’ll have them tasks finished next Friday no bother.

I visit the Hercules with temperatures in the 30’s, so despite lying in front of a vandalised BT phonebox, it feels like abroad. Such is the heat , I am forced to go inside, due to Irishness . Also to get away from a topless man showing off his tattoos.
They serve Murphys at £4.80 a go, a bargain in anyone’s book. Aways go for the Murphys is my tip- its an age old logical truism; If you see Murphys,then you know the pub will be good: you know the Murphys will be good because the pub has decided to serve Murphys. They also have Taytos and the old school Guinness pumps . Tick and tick

The pub is very much an Arsenal pub, the Gooners historically the team of the Irish in London, but like the team and the city itself, the influence of the Irish has shifted greatly since its zenith in the 70’s and 80’s Its hard to pine for Niall Quinn when you’ve witnessed Dennis Bergkamp. That said, it is very much a local pub and the clientele is a mix of locals, youths, and aul ones. The bar staff consists of 1 gal who remembers everyones orders by heart. Legend.
The pub itself a very nice , open spot and bonus points for the Irish proverbs on the walls by the window, which reads :

“Aithníonn Ciaróg Ciaróg eile” – or in the queens tongue- “A beetle recognises another Beetle”

This beetle recognises this beetle, if you get me. So a grand evening in a grand spot , only soured by having to face the Herculean task of getting on the tube home in 32 degree heat .

*** Turns out it’s not a Cork pub at all , but a a Roscommon one. What is it about Roscommon that it has some of the finest in London? The Auld Shilleleagh, Mannions, and now here. I will leave my comments about Cork though as I enjoy them.