The two tributaries of the Fleet merge under Quinns pub at the junction of Hawley St and Kentish Town Road. So I thought this might suggest an ideal early pub-stop. but according to Beer In The Evening:
"avoid like the plague!!!... ragged female owner totally abused the barman...on inspection the place is filthy, bar flies swarm the counter, the glasses are grubby and water stained, toilets reeked of urine. a couple next to us ordered food and barely touched it, only to get abused by the landlady on collection of the plates. this place needs to be inspected to see if it's up to legal requirements...