Andy Bird has been hailed a local hero, having prised this cherished historic Tufnell Park taproom from the talons of circling predators, the vin carrion crow developers that are pecking away at London’s precious pub heritage. Like his previous rescue projects, The Chesham Arms and Nelson’s Head, born-again backstreet boozer ‘The Darty’ - with its salvaged furniture, prosaic potted plants, car boot sale curios and no-frills decor that was last hot circa black and white TV - is the antithesis of the current crop of heavily choreographed retro-moderne Mockney gastropubs. Laid-back dudes dispense pints by Redemption, Hammerton, Hackney Brewery and, from further afield, Dark Star and The Wild Beer Co plus Nor’Hop among a range of quality ambers from Bristolian craft brew boys’ Moor. Having achieved community asset of value status, the local pub’s new kitchen fired up a few weeks ago and is already causing a stir in the Sunday Roast League Table - as well as offering a mix of classic London comfort food - burgers, bangers, fish suppers and traditional bar snacks across the week - expect Andy’s new bird to really take off.