The Arts Depot, Nether Street, N12 (on the roundabout on Tally Ho Corner - the big white building!)

Oh dear! It was a bit of a disaster. I have been a full supporter of the AD since its construction - delighted that an art house was metaphorically on my doorstep - www.artsdepot.co.uk

Firstly the place was empty. Yes it's the middle of the summer holidays but there are plenty of people 'buzzing' 'round Finchley...

I took the escalators to the cafe/bar and had to ring a bell. It was a cow bell. I rang it! My cafe latte took 10 minutes to make by two people. There was no queue. I gave a £20 note to find that they had no change but subsequently was given £18.40 in coins. There were no healthy snacks (or Banoffee pie!).

Caffe Latte (2). It was really strong. The froth was good but the coffee tasted over roasted.

Ambience (1): There were two toddlers enjoying themselves with their mums in the play area, but the acoustics bounce off the walls and floor which gave me a headache. There are free copies of the Independent newspaper.

Stayability (1): See above. I had to leave ASAP. However, there is a faux leather sofa you can sit on and plenty of empty tables and chairs.

Accessibility (5*): Accessible to all.

Laptop friendly: I didn't wish to find out - as head was pounding.

Footnote: I think it's a shame that this art centre isn't utilised to its full potential. A shame for Barnet. A shame for Art. A shame for Coffee. A shame for Me!