Faltering Fullback

The Faltering Fullback occupies 19 Perth Road in Finsbury Park, a pub building dating to the 19th century that traded under the name Sir Walter Scott before its 1994 rename. Patrick Fitzsimons became landlord in 2001, and with backing from his parents turned what had been a quiet backstreet boozer into a busier neighbourhood spot built around sport and live music. His younger brother Mikey joined as general manager in 2015, and the pub remains under Fitzsimons family management. The interior retains historic features recognised by CAMRA as being of regional importance, giving the pub a different character from newly fitted-out bars nearby. It draws a mixed crowd of regulars and match-day visitors, particularly for rugby and football broadcasts. The family's West Limerick roots inform the pub's Irish sporting calendar.