North London

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

News

Read news about pubs and campaigning issues affecting Real Ale and Pubs both in the Branch area and further afield.

  • Stingo arrives on Cask until Xmas Saturday 30 November 2024


    Should you be in the vicinity of the Cittie of York...

    Samuel Smith Brewery has announced they will be selling Yorkshire Stingo (abv 8%) from now until Xmas in cask at 4 of their London Pubs - Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, Chandos, The Duke of York and the Cittie of York, the latter being a pub in the North London Branch area.

    They state that after fermentation the beer is filled into oak casts, matured in brewery cellars, then sent out to the pubs and served from oak cask.

    Enjoy!

  • Cask Ale Week at Ye Olde Mitre Monday 23 September 2024

    Since its changing over to Greene King, Harrison Smith and the team at Ye Olde Mitre Inne (58 High Street, Chipping Barnet, EN5 5SJ), have tried their best to continue providing an excellent range of cask ale. This year Ye Olde Mitre Inne are trying to take it one step further and are running a cask ale week between September 19th - September 29th. During this week they will aim to utilise 10 of their 12 handpumps at once, offering the biggest selection they have had in a while. Additionally, during this week, CAMRA members will be able to get 20% off all ale.

  • Oxford Beer Festivals Friday 7 June 2024

    Not CAMRA, but in the next couple of weeks, there are two great things going down. Please come yourself or suggest to those you know who like beer.


    22nd June. Oxford. Change Is Brewing. Not CAMRA, but Tap Social, the hosts, are a fantastic social enterprise and there will be more cask than before, but the keg that they and guests do is fantastic. A very positive small brewery event (15 brewers present) with a nice vibe. (Short bus hop from Oxford station or 20 min walk). Check out the Change is Brewing 2024 website for further details.



    29 June. Oxford. Charlbury Beer Festival. It’s not CAMRA but one of the UK’s biggest 1 day festivals (for local charities) and beers picked by Matt from the Oxford branch. Music and it hosts the world Aunt Sally Championship. Charlbury station is opposite the event (3 mins walk) and on the Paddington/Oxford/Worcester line, so easy from London (and many other palces). Check out the Charlbury Beer Festival website for further details.


    Oxford is a great place to visit. If these events don’t suit we’re always happy to host visitors who like a beer, so let us know if you want to visit.

  • Much loved Stoke Newington pub gets a reprieve Wednesday 27 March 2024



    The Rochester Castle, 143-145 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 0NY in Stoke Newington, is to remain open after Wetherspoon’s has withdrawn its sale.

    The Rochester Castle

    Colin Coyne, North London CAMRA Branch Chairman, said, “This is great news. The Rochester Castle is a much loved community pub in an area that is not well known for cask beer pubs. Although it looks as if the other Wetherspoon’s pubs listed for sale earlier this year still remain on the market, this change of mind by Wetherspoon’s is really welcome”.

    Colin added, “So much was the opposition to the proposal to sell, a local petition against its closure had 1,359 signatures. The branch is very much looking forward to sharing a celebratory pint or two with the locals!”

    The Rochester Castle is full of history. There has been a pub on the site since 1702, being rebuilt in1893 and is Grade II listed. It is also the oldest remaining Wetherspoon’s pub opening back in 1982. Before then it was a music pub hosting people such as Ian Drury and the Blockheads and Gary Numan. The pub is exuberantly decorated dating from the height of the 'Gin Palace' phase of pub building. Its features include glazed tiling with arabesque-enriched pilasters and mirrors: figurative panels depicting the Seasons and to the rear, a top-lit extension.

    For further information, contact Colin Coyne - CAMRA North London Branch Chairman: ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc, or the Rochester Castle 020 7249 6016.

    Extra facts

    • CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 150,000 members.
    • CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.
    • The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2 and has almost 700 pubs in it.
  • Maidenhead Beer and Cider Festival Monday 18 March 2024

    Here's one for your diary

    NMCC Sports Bar, Summerleaze Park, Off Summerleaze Road, Maidenhead SL6 8SP
    Click HERE for info on how to get there.

  • Victorian pub in Kentish Town wins CAMRA North London Pub of the Season Monday 19 February 2024



    The Gipsy Queen in Malden Road, NW5 has won CAMRA North London’s Winter Pub of the Season 2023/24 beating hundreds of other pubs in the area.

    "Gipsy Queen POTS Winter 2024 - Colin Coyne & pub Mgr Derek"



    Colin Coyne, Branch Chairman, said, “Members voted for the Gipsy Queen to win this accolade based on its great beer and its community focused ethos. The team have thought creatively as to what local people want. Not only does this independent pub offer a great selection of cask and keg craft beer from around the world, but it’s also running a number of events from the more usual pub quizzes to Movie/TV show screenings and comedy. The pub is also planning to have workspace available every morning Monday to Friday and, being independent, the Gipsy Queen is able to work with, and support, other independent businesses. It’s a worthy winner”.

    The Gipsy Queen’s operators also run the Victoria Stakes in Muswell Hill.

    "Gipsy Queen POTS Winter 2024 - pub Mgr Derek & team"



    Ruben, the Operations Manager said, “We’re ecstatic to win this award and we can only hope to continue our work to live up to this prestigious title so generously bestowed on us by the great people of CAMRA”. There has been a pub on this site since the seventeenth century. Originally constructed as a coach house, it had the most expensive and lavish stables of their day. Its former ballroom and political salon attracted the “Holland House set” and the premises have been a place of eating, drinking and merriment for over 200 years. The current pub was built in 1843.

    As well as the main bar area, the pub has an outside seated area at the back and the Studio upstairs is the venue for events. Food is supplied by residencies and currently Konbini Kids are supplying a Japanese menu.

    For further information, contact Colin Coyne - CAMRA North London Branch Chairman: ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc ; or Gipsy Queen: 020 3092 0598.

    Extra facts

    • This award is determined by CAMRA members voting for pubs in North London selling real ale.
    • The pub’s address is 166 Malden Rd, London NW5 4BS; website: https://thegipsyqueennw5.co.uk
    • CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 150,000 members.
    • CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.
    • The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2 and has almost 700 pubs in it.
  • Islington Locals’ Pub win prestigious Cider Award! Monday 22 January 2024

    The community owned King Charles I in N1, has been awarded North London CAMRA’s Cider Pub of the Year after a vote by CAMRA members.

    Colin Coyne, Chairman of CAMRA’s North London Branch, said, “The King Charles I is one of the leading lights for real cider in North London, selling a range of products from small independent cider makers, which is quite rare in London. It’s an honest to goodness gem of a pub, very friendly and welcoming and is a real community asset; a back-street local serving workers and residents and just far enough from King's Cross to avoid mass tourism. However, less than ten years ago, the pub was at risk from developers but in 2015 there was a buy-out by regulars of the pub in a 20-year lease deal. Since then, the pub has gone from strength to strength. We are delighted to be supporting such a great community pub by giving them this Award and to recognise their commitment to cider”.

    King Charles 1 - Cider Pub of the Year 2024 - Colin Coyne & KC1 Team

    King Charles 1 - Asset of Community Value Plaque

    Colin added, “And it is not just CAMRA who value the King Charles I. This charming pub was given an Asset of Community Value (ACV) award in August 2021. Islington Council stated that the building is used to ‘further the social well-being and social interests of the local community’. This is reflected in the fact that they are a valued and loved music venue, hosting a number of live events including ad hoc jamming sessions. The King Charles I also pride themselves on being LGBTQIA+ friendly. Add to this that the pub is unusual in that it doesn’t sell food, allowing customers to order food from the variety of menus from nearby restaurants, thereby supporting other local businesses and you really do have a pub that is ingrained in the local community”.

    This is not the first time the pub has won a CAMRA award. In 2022 it was the Runner-up in CAMRA North London Branch’s Pub of the Year competition.

    Lukas, the Manager of King Charles I said. "From everyone at the King Charles I, we are very appreciative of all the CAMRA members and committee who help keep our real ales and ciders pouring! Here's to many more awards ... Thanks to you from all of us".

    King Charles 1 - Cider Pub of the Year 2024 - Colin Coyne & Manager Lukas

    Sue Smallwood, from the King Charles I Shareholders Group added, "I am so proud of our precious local, it's staff and loyal customers ... and of our latest award! We would all like to thank CAMRA North London for their continued support through thick and thin and especially to Chairman, Colin Coyne. for his advice, enthusiasm and shared passion for the King Charles I . Long may we reign”.

    For further information, contact Colin Coyne - CAMRA North London Branch Chairman: ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc or King Charles I: 020 7837 7758

    Extra facts

    • CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

    • The King Charles I is a small, cosy wood-panelled single room pub in a Georgian building, with knick-knacks including African masks.

    • The pub’s address is 55-57 Northdown Street London N1 9BL; website: https://kingcharles1st.co.uk

    • CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 180,000 members.

    • CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.

    • The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2, and has almost 700 pubs in it.

  • Tottenham’s community pub gets third place in CAMRA’s North London Branch’s poll for the Pub of Pubs! Monday 15 January 2024



    CAMRA’s North London Branch has been running its Pub of the Year Competition since 1993. The Branch is now in its 50th year and so they thought it would be great to celebrate pubs by running a Pub of Pubs’ Competition. This featured all the pubs that have won the Pub of the Year over the thirty years the Competition has run. CAMRA members voted and awarded The Antwerp Arms third place.

    Antwerp Arms - Pub of Pubs 2023 - Colin Coyne and Antwerp staff

    Branch Chairman, Colin Coyne, said,” This award is a celebration of great pubs, all of whom believe they are there to support their community. But in these times with soaring bills and continuing shortages of staff, even the best pubs are up against it. We need to support our pubs more than ever and we hope this Award goes a little way to do so by promoting some of the best pubs in London”

    Colin added “It’s pleasing that fourteen of sixteen pubs, who won a Pub of the Year Award, are still in existence and selling cask beer. The Antwerp was threatened with demolition in 2013, and was only saved thanks to a concerted campaign by locals, supported by CAMRA, to save it. The Antwerp made its first entry into CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide in 2018 and has been a regular ever since”.

    Colin added, “This competition is a reflection of great community pubs so it seems very appropriate that the Antwerp has taken third place. It’s been serving local people since 1822 and long may it continue. The first and second places in the competition went to two pubs in Kentish Town: The Pineapple and the Southampton Arms. Like the Antwerp, both of these pubs had been under threat of closure and both are well loved and supported by their community”.

    Extra facts

    • The local community and CAMRA campaigners came together in 2013 to prevent developers taking action. The Antwerp Arms Association was set up, raising funds through shares and a grant from the Social Investment Bank. This enabled the pub to be purchased two years later. It’s a great example of local people taking ownership of and doing something to keep what they value. The Antwerp Arms is the only community owned pub in North London.

    • The pub is run by the Antwerp Arms Association, which has just over 400 Shareholders who elect a small Management Committee at the AGM every September. There is a full time manager and part time staff to run the operational side of the business but volunteers help with community work, maintenance, and gardening.

    • 16 pubs have won CAMRA North London’s much sought after Pub of the Year Award. Sadly, we have lost two: Bree Louise near Euston, thanks to HS2 and the Oakdale Tavern, which fell to the developer's wrecking ball in 2011, despite a campaign by local residents and CAMRA to save this well-loved community pub.

    • The Pineapple was the winner and it’s full address is 51 Leverton Street, NW5 2NX; opening times 12.00-11 Mon-Sat; 12-10.30pm Sun. Nearest station is Kentish Town

    • The Southampton Arms, which placed second, is at 139 Highgate Road, NW5 1LE; 07958 780073; website: www.thesouthamptonarms.co.uk

    • The other pubs were:

    • CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 150,000 members.

    • CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.

    • The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2, and has almost 700 pubs in it.

  • Kentish Town pubs top the poll in CAMRA’s North London Branch’s Pub of Pubs! Tuesday 12 December 2023



    CAMRA’s North London Branch’s has been running its Pub of the Year Competition since 1993. The Branch is now in its 50th year and so they thought it would be great to celebrate pubs by running a Pub of Pubs’ Competition. This featured all the pubs that have won the Pub of the Year over the thirty years the Competition has run. CAMRA members voted the Pineapple, in Leverton Street the winner, followed by the Southampton Arms in Highgate Road.

    Pineapple - Pub of Pubs 2023 - Colin Coyne and Pineapple staff

    Branch Chairman, Colin Coyne, said,” This award is a celebration of great pubs, all of whom believe they are there to support their community. But in these times with soaring bills and continuing shortages of staff, even the best pubs are up against it. We need to support our pubs more than ever and we hope this Award goes a little way to do so by promoting some of the best pubs in London”.

    Colin added “It’s pleasing that fourteen of sixteen pubs, who won a Pub of the Year Award, are still in existence and selling cask beer. And it seems appropriate that the winning pub, the Pineapple, was a pub that closed in 2002 and was only saved thanks to a concerted campaign by locals and CAMRA to save it. It even managed to come back after a fire in 2010! It’s a pub that has consistently sold great beer; its first appearance in the Good Beer Guide back in 1980 testifies to this and its warm welcome”.

    Rob, the manager of the Pineapple was delighted with the Award. He said, “I am very honoured to have received this prestigious award. It’s a testament to the staff over the years and the ongoing support we have received from CAMRA and may it continue for many years to come”.

    Pineapple - Pub of Pubs 2023 - Colin Coyne and Rob the Manager

    The second place, the Southampton Arms, is another pub that has come back from almost the brink. Peter Holt and his partner, Jo, took the pub on 2009. When the pub won CAMRA’s Regional Pub of the Year in 2011, Peter said, ‘It was pretty awful. The previous landlady had been ill and so the pub had not been maintained. We initially walked away but it was a lovely building. I love old pubs and a small pub is better; you don’t need many people to give it atmosphere’.

    Southampton Arms - Pub of Pubs 2023 runner up

    Peter recounted the sticky carpets, fruit machines and woodchip wallpaper with a grimace but called in friends to help him refurbish the pub, even reclaiming the garden from the wheelie bins and rubbish dump. Colin said “Like the Pineapple, the Southampton is a regular entry into CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide and is also known for its community approach; it too welcomes everyone. And the pub is a destination for cider drinkers, winning CAMRA’s North London Cider Pub of Year three times. It’s very worthy of its runner’s up place”.

    Extra facts

    • The pub placed third was the Antwerp Arms in Tottenham. This is another pub that was almost lost. The Georgian building has been serving local people since 1822. In 2013, the pub faced demolition before the local community and CAMRA campaigners came together to prevent the developers taking action. The Antwerp Arms Association was set up, raising funds through shares and a grant from the Social Investment Bank. This enabled the pub to be purchased two years later. It’s a great example of local people taking ownership of and doing something to keep what they value. The Antwerp Arms is the only community owned pub in North London.

    • 16 pubs have won CAMRA North London much sought after Pub of the Year Award. Sadly, we have lost two: Bree Louise near Euston, thanks to HS2 and the Oakdale Tavern, which fell to the developer's wrecking ball in 2011, despite a campaign by local residents and CAMRA to save this well-loved community

    • The other pubs were:

    • The Pineapple’s full address is 51 Leverton Street, NW5 2NX; opening times 12.00-11 Mon-Sat; 12-10.30pm Sun. Nearest station is Kentish Town. Website: www.thepineapplepubnw5.com/

    • The Southampton Arms is at 139 Highgate Road, NW5 1LE; 07958 780073; website: www.thesouthamptonarms.co.uk

    • CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 150,000 members.

    • CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.

    • The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2, and has almost 700 pubs in it.

  • Brent Councillors try to save Harlesden Royal Oak pub Monday 6 November 2023


    Royal Oak Pub - May 2020

    Nick Pring, the director of Urban Pubs & Bars announced on Friday 3 November that The Royal Oak would be closing its doors for good due to “incurring significant losses” over the past few years. But Brent Councillors Matt Kelcher, Mili Patel and Jumbo Chan are to hold an “urgent meeting” to discuss how the pub might be saved. It's good to see the interest from the councillors.

  • Good Beer Guide 2024 now available! Tuesday 17 October 2023

    Copies of the Good Beer Guide can be purchased online from CAMRA BOOKS - cost is £15.99 + postage for non-members, £13.99 + postage for members.

    With space for less than 40 North London pubs in the Good Beer Guide - out of the hundreds in the North London Branch's area to choose from - picking the pubs is always a hard choice. It is therefore a real accolade to the pub, and the quality of the beer it keeps, to get into the Guide. So it is no wonder that the pubs are always delighted to find out that they are in it! Here are a few of this year's recipients:

    The Beaten Docket The Beaten Docket Doric Arch Doric Arch Euston Tap Euston Tap Pineapple Pineapple The Snooty Fox Snooty Fox Southampton Arms Southampton Arms Scottish Stores Scottish Stores

    If you are a member, you can help make the choice by submitting National Beer Scores. For more details see the CAMRA National Beer Scoring System webpage.

  • Redemption Brewery celebrate their 10th Anniversary Tuesday 3 October 2023

    John Cryne reports:

    On Thursday, 29 September 2023, a great evening was had by all at The Queen's Head in Acton Street, CAMRA North London's 2022 Pub of the Year to celebrate the Redemption Brewery's 10th Anniversary. There was only one small problem - Redemption was founded in 2010, being the first brewery in Tottenham for almost 100 years. But as Covid put a kibosh on a lot of other things, so it also scuppered the planned celebrations that would have been held in 2020. So this was a somewhat belated if much anticipated event..

    This picture features founder Andy Moffat (in grey shirt on the left), next to him is Dom Barton from Redemption and next to him is Tash from Mother Kelly's/Queen's Head, the evening's hosts. The bar staff to the right of the pic feature as does our own Dave Marsh!Pictured: founder Andy Moffat (in grey shirt on the left). Next to him is Dom Barton from Redemption and next to him is Tash from Mother Kelly's/Queen's Head (the evening's hosts). The bar staff to the right of the pic feature as does our own Dave Marsh!

    But, using the old adage it is never too late, friends gathered in the pub for a wonderful evening celebration where three cask beers from the brewery were being poured at a very fast rate. Redemption Trinity is a permanent at the Good Beer Guide listed Queen's Head and CAMRA members receive a 10% discount of all cask beers.

    From left to right: your's truly (John Cryne) raising a glass, next Richard Dinwoodie (grey shirt and braces) from Tap East Brewery, CAMRA Branch Chairman Colin Coyne, Dave Marsh (can't keep him out!), in blue shirt Mike Hill also from Tap East and very front right Andy Moffat and Dom Barton of Redemption.Pictured from left to right: yours truly (John Cryne) raising a glass. Next is Richard Dinwoodie (grey shirt and braces) from Tap East Brewery; CAMRA Branch Chairman Colin Coyne; Dave Marsh (can't keep him out!). In the blue shirt is Mike Hill also from Tap East and very front right Andy Moffat and Dom Barton of Redemption.

    We look forward to the next 10 years - or perhaps I should say 7 and a bit years!

  • Black Lion Kilburn wins Historic England Conservation Award Sunday 3 September 2023


    CAMRA has just unveiled the winners of its prestigious Pub Design Awards, which recognise the most innovative new projects of architecture, design and conservation in British pubs across the country. Winning the Historic England Conservation Award (sponsored by Historic England, which is given for work which conserves the pub’s architectural features, whilst updating its facilities) is The Black Lion in Kilburn.

    See the CAMRA Press Release for the Pub Designs Award for further details.

    The Black lion from the outside.The Black Lion - Kilburn

            Hot off the Press!

              Check out the following articles about the awards in the press:

              Morning Advertiser

              Kilburn Times

              This is Local London

              Time Out

              KNEWS.MEDIA




    Laura Emson - CAMRA's Awards Director - presents the award to Martin Harley (centre) owner of London Village Inns which owns The Black Lion
    The Black Lion Team

  • Saved Islington pub wins local CAMRA award Thursday 24 August 2023

    August 2023

    Last summer, The Compton Arms in Islington looked like it might lose its licence. After a feisty campaign led by locals, and supported by CAMRA, the pub’s licence was retained with minor changes and now the pub has been rewarded by the North London Branch of CAMRA with the Summer Pub of the Season Award.

    Summer Pub of the Season 2023 Presentation of Award to The Compton Arms

    Colin Coyne, Chair of North London CAMRA, said “We are delighted to celebrate the success of the 2022 campaign to fight the changes wanted by a handful of residents and to make this award to the team at the Compton Arms for running such a great pub. It is not for nothing that this pub inspired George Orwell’s Perfect Pub essay”.

    Colin then added, “George Orwell described his perfect pub as somewhere the clientele go there for conversation as much as for the beer. And he also said ‘If you are asked why you favour a particular public-house, it would seem natural to put the beer first, but the thing that most appeals to me about the Moon Under Water is what people call its ‘atmosphere’. I think we all agree that the Compton Arms has that in spades. It truly is a local landmark and long may it stay that way”.

    The Compton Arms is a small, attractive, cottage style building, in a narrow side street dating; it dates from the 18th century. The main part of the pub is a narrow bare-boarded area, with bottle glass-panelled windows to the street. To the rear of the bar is a smaller dining area and there is also a lower lounge area that leads to a pleasant patio courtyard. The pub is independently owned by Nick Stephens, (Locals Club Ltd) who also has the Gun in East London.

    Summer Pub of the Season Award to The Compton Arms

    The award was handed over by Colin to Tom, the assistant manager who said “We’d like to thank the North London branch of CAMRA for this Award and the recognition it brings to the pub”.

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082, ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc. Compton Arms 020 7354 8473.

      Extra Facts

    1. CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 150,000 members.

    2. CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.

    3. The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2, and has almost 700 pubs in it.

    4. The essay referred to appeared in the London Evening Standard in 1946 and it was in this article that Orwell described the mythical Moon Under Water as the perfect pub, a name that was subsequently used by Wetherspoon’s for some of their pubs. George Orwell's son Richard Blair joined the fight to save the Compton and appealed to the Council to maintain it as a vibrant pub.

    5. The full address of the Compton Arms is 4 Compton Avenue, London N1 2XD

    6. Opening hours are currently Monday closed; 3pm to 11pm Tuesday to Thursday; 3pm – midnight Friday; noon – midnight Saturday; noon -10.30pm Sunday

    7. For more details on the pub, visit: https://www.comptonarms.co.uk/

  • William IV, Shepherdess Walk, N1 reopening Sunday 20 August 2023

    There were works going on inside William IV on Shepherdess Walk, N1 yesterday (19 Aug 2023). It looks like it will be reopening soon, which is good news. CAMRA Pub Protection objected to the loss of the function room on the first floor, but permission was granted in Feb 2022 - Planning Application 2021/0064 : Change of use at 1st & 2nd floor levels from Public House (Sui Generis) to residential. CAMRA are disappointed at the loss of what was previously an upstairs function room, but are pleased that the pub will soon be reopening.

    William IV - 19 Aug 2023

  • The Arsenal Tavern changes its name to Brook Gate Saturday 19 August 2023

    The Arsenal Tavern in Blackstock Road, Finsbury Park – a stone’s throw from Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium – will now be known as Brook Gate . It has long been established as a local, traditional pub and proud supporter of the club, but according to Stonegate Group, “The community hub now has a new direction”. Further details of what Stonegate Group have planned can be found HERE. As reported in the Islington Tribune, the “go-to haunt for the Gunners fans on match days has changed its name to attract a different kind of crowd” (the full Islington Tribune article can be found HERE.

    The Arsenal Tavern as was

    Arsenal Tavern before being renamed to Brook Gate

  • Quadruple Success for Tapping the Admiral! Saturday 22 April 2023

    Tapping the Admiral, near Kentish Town West Station, has been awarded Pub of the Year by the North London Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale for the fourth time.

    Colin Coyne, North London Branch Chairman, said, 'This is the fourth time that the pub has taken this Award. The first time was 2013 and they made it a second in 2015 and a third in 2018. It just goes to show that you can’t keep a good pub down!'

    From left to right, Colin Coyne, Freddie Eken Odong, Josh Freeborn and pub owners Paul Davies and Kirk McGrath.

    He added 'The award was instigated by CAMRA to promote good pubs that serve the community and the Tapping the Admiral is an excellent example of that, with their knowledgeable staff welcoming regulars and strangers alike. This pub, originally known as the Trafalgar, was closed down and remained shut for four years and it became almost derelict. It reopened in 2011. With 20+ pubs closing every week, it is a case of use it or lose it and it's great to see a pub go from strength to strength. It’s well supported by locals and pubs need all the support they can get'.

    Josh Freeborn and Freddie Eken Odong, the pub’s joint managers, said “This is a community pub that is made so by everybody who drinks here, from the staff to the locals who make it so. We are all friends who like to drink. This is a golden age for real ale across the country and London is at the heart of that. We’re very proud and grateful to CAMRA to win this pinnacle of awards.”

    The runners up were the Southampton Arms, also in Kentish Town, and the Magdala in Hampstead.

    The Award was handed over to Josh and Freddie by Colin Coyne at a celebration on 18th April.

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082, ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc or Tapping the Admiral: 020 7267 6118, moc.liamg@larimdaehtgnippat

  • Guest Speaker arranged for 2023 Branch AGM Friday 21 April 2023

    We are delighted that the guest speaker at this year’s AGM is Richard Reeve, the owner and founder of the Little Green Dragon Micro Pub in Winchmore Hill. Richard, a CAMRA member, opened the Little Green Dragon in August 2017 having been inspired by cycling to over 100 micro pubs for charity during 2015.

    Richard Reeve sat outside The Little Green Dragon.

    The Little Green Dragon has since won Enfield & Barnet Pub of the Year 5 times and was also judged Greater London Pub of the Year in 2018. So come and join us to hear about the highs and lows of running a micro pub.

    For full details of AGM at

    https://northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=194046

  • Join us for CAMRA London 50th birthday celebration Monday 10 April 2023

    Back in 1973, CAMRA in London founded three branches: North & East, West and South. To commemorate this milestone, CAMRA North London are inviting beer drinkers to join them for an afternoon's celebration on Saturday 24th June.

    Come along to have an afternoon with like minded people and enjoy the company and beer in the downstairs bar at the Penderel's Oak in High Holborn. Snacks will be provided (a small fee is being charged to cover the cost of this). Non members welcome.

    Timing: 2pm to 5.30pm

    Everyone will be entered into a free raffle - thanks to CAMRA London's many friends. There are some amazing prizes:

    • £50 voucher to spend in a Fuller's pub • Brewer for the Day at Beerblefish Brewery • Brewer for the Day at Tap East Brewery • Brewery tour for two people to Fuller's Brewery • Brewery tour for two people to Signature Brew • Sambrook’s Brewery and Heritage Centre Tour for two people • £25 voucher to be spent in a Portobello pub. • £25 voucher for Signal Brewery's Tap Room. • £10 Tap Room voucher for Bohem Brewery • £10 Tap Room voucher for Distortion Brewing • £10 Tap Room voucher for Mondo Brewing • £10 Tap Room voucher for Muswell Hillbilly Brewers • £10 Tap Room voucher for Signature Brew • £10 Tap Room voucher for Tap East Brewery • £10 Tap Room voucher for Wimbledon Brewery

    In addition, Muswell Hillbilly Brewers are offering 20% off to CAMRA members on bottles and casks from their Tap Room during the month of June.

    To get your tickets go to:

    https://tinyurl.com/CAMRALondonbash

  • Kilburn’s Grade II* pub wins local CAMRA award Tuesday 24 January 2023

    The Black Lion in Kilburn is one of London’s most stunning pubs. It’s probably worthy of being called a ‘gin palace’ and now this Grade II* building has been acknowledged, not for its gin, but for its beer. The North London Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale has awarded the Black Lion the Winter Pub of the Season Award choosing it from hundreds of real ale pubs in the Branch area.

    David, London Village Inns’ General Manager (left) accepts the Award from Branch Chairman, Colin Coyne

    Colin Coyne, Chair of North London CAMRA, said “London Village Inns took over the pub last year and it’s a real pleasure to see what they have done for the pub. They have spruced up its fantastic interior with its rich ceiling, etched and cut glass and four splendid copper relief panels; it’s a real treat for the eyes. They also have installed new handpumps selling cask beer from breweries in London and the South East, making it a treat for the palate as well. We are delighted to make this award to the Black Lion team for running such a great pub and bringing life to the north part of the High Road”.

    CAMRA Members celebrate the Award in the usual fashion.

    Spending on the Black Lion has also included the kitchen and dining room plus an outside seating area and investment is continuing with twelve boutique bedrooms due to open in 2023.

    David, London Village Inns’ General Manager said “We feel so honoured to have won the North London CAMRA’s award for Pub of the Season. When we reopened The Black Lion, it was our mission to make sure not only did we create a beautiful pub that serves amazing food and beers. But we wanted to also create a welcoming atmosphere for all of our customers. We really hope you all enjoy the pub as much as we do. Thanks again North London CAMRA”.

    The Black lion from the outside.

    London Village Inns are no strangers to running pubs. They operating six thriving diverse pubs in addition to the Black Lion; all are in London and all bar one is in North London (it’s in Brixton).

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082, ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc. Black Lion 020 3876 8204

    Extra Facts 1. CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 140,000 members.

    2. CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.       

    3. The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2, and has almost 700 pubs in it.

    4. The full address of the Black Lion is 274 Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, London, NW6 2BY

    5. The pub dates from 1898 and is listed by CAMRA as having an historic pub interior of national importance as well as being Grade II* listed by Historic England.

    6. Opening hours are currently 4pm to midnight Monday- Friday; noon – midnight Saturday; noon -11pm Sunday

    7. For more details on the pub, visit: https://blacklionkilburn.co.uk/

    8. London Village Inns also run the Wrestlers (Highgate), Rose & Crown (Stoke Newington), Jolly Butchers (Stoke Newington), Brownswood (Green Lanes), Crown & Anchor (Brixton) and the Westbury (Wood Green).

  • Snooty Fox beer festival 2nd - 5th March Sunday 22 January 2023

    Flyer for the next Snooty Fox beer festival, from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th March.

  • Backstreet WC1 pub gets first listing in CAMRA’s 50th Good Beer Guide Monday 14 November 2022

    A welcoming backstreet pub has made it into CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide for the very first time. McGlynn’s, an early 19th century pub in Whildbourne Street, WC1, Which is Grade II listed, has finally made it into the Guide after many years of selling cask beer.

    Colin Coyne, Chair of North London CAMRA, said “This a traditional, friendly corner pub of the type London has been losing over recent years. What’s more, it is an independent pub i.e. not owned by a brewery or pub chain and we don’t have many of those in London! It’s a great pleasure that we are celebrating the pub’s entry into this year’s Guide, particularly as it’s the 50th edition of the UK’s best selling beer and pub guide”.

    Colin added, “The pubs in our area are monitored by our volunteers throughout the year. We can only put 37 pubs from our Branch area into the Guide, so it’s a great achievement by McGlynn’s.”

    Peter Jackson of Southwark Brewery to the left and manager Liam Birney to the right celebrate with Branch Chairman Colin Coyne on the pub's inclusion in CAMRA's 50th Good Beer Guide..

    In total, the Good Beer Guide 2023 details 292 pubs in London chosen for their excellent real ale by independent CAMRA members. This is more than double the 115 pubs that appeared in the 1974 edition. There has also been a big improvement in the number of breweries. . Although London lost eleven in the last year, there were five new breweries opening, bringing the total to 127. A huge change from the eight breweries listed in 1974, demonstrating the burgeoning beer scene in London.

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082, ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc. McGlynn’s:  020 7916 9816 moc.esuoheerfsnnylgcm@tcatnoc

    1. The North London branch of CAMRA covers most of the North London postcodes plus WC1 and parts of WC2, and has almost 700 pubs in it.

    2. The first edition of the Guide featured eight breweries; most were household names such as Charrington, Courage, Trumans, Watneys, Whitbread and Young and, of course, Guinness, who had a huge site in Park Royal. All these breweries have all disappeared, with Guinness the only one to still have their own breweries.

    3. The full address of McGlynn’s is 1-5 Whidbourne St, London WC1H

    4. Opening hours are Noon-11pm Monday- Saturday; Noon -5pm Sunday

    5. For more details on the pub, visit: www.mcglynnsfreehouse.com

  • Hampstead’s infamous pub gets first listing in CAMRA’s 50th Good Beer Guide Monday 7 November 2022

    Many pubs have macabre stories associated them and the Magdala near Hampstead Heath Station is certainly in that bracket!

    The pub is infamous for its association with Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in England, for shooting her lover to death outside the pub on Easter Sunday 1955. After winning CAMRA’s North London Pub of the Season in the summer, its latest claim to fame is as an entry into CAMRA’s famous Good Beer Guide for the very first time and what a year to do it in. This is because CAMRA is celebrating the 50th edition of the Good Beer Guide.

    The team behind the bar display their Good Beer Guide 2023 to celebrate their listing.

    Colin Coyne, Chair of North London CAMRA, said ‘This pub was closed for at least five years and we were concerned that it would never open again. This is despite the efforts of locals to get the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value. The new owners, Twickenham Green Taverns, are experienced pub owners. They have really invested in this pub, which dates back to the inter war years. It has included a careful restoration of the wooden panelling throughout the ground floor bar and dining areas. The new sections of wood blend with the original panelling in the bar area at the back of the pub. It’s resulted in a lovely looking establishment with a range of terrific well kept beer. It really is a pleasure to see them rewarded for all their hard work”.

    Colin added, “We can only put 37 pubs from our branch area into the Guide, so it’s a great achievement. The situation regarding cask in Hampstead is a far cry from 1974 when the Guide was first published. We only two pubs listed in the Guide, which were the only ones at that time selling cask beer. We now have around 18. A big improvement”.

    There has also been a big improvement in the number of breweries. . Although London lost eleven in the last year, there were five new breweries opening, bringing the total to 127. A huge change from the eight breweries listed in 1974, demonstrating the burgeoning beer scene in London.

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082, ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc. Magada: 020 7433 8322, ku.oc.aladgameht@olleh

  • Golden Lion, Camden needs help! Wednesday 7 September 2022

    You could say this about many pubs currently but we thought it very worthwhile to share the pub's comments to highlight the problems being faced across the hospitality business.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    *IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT*

    Friends – We are sad to announce that we will need to make some changes to our offering to save the pub due to the current energy price crisis. Since July we have seen our electricity price increase 453%. So, to ensure that the business can sustain these prices we have to sadly cut back some elements of our day-to-day trading.

    As of next week we will not be able to serve food 7 days a week as we would need to sell 100 extra meals a day to meet the energy costs and we don’t see that happening. Instead, we will soldier on with our ever-popular Sunday roasts as we simply couldn’t imagine the pub without roasts!

    We will continue to make our kitchen available for pre-ordered functions and of course, Christmas parties but we just can’t afford to keep the kitchen ticking over day by day. Sadly, we will also be limiting our trading hours to help keep the electricity meter from having a fit.

    From Monday you will find us open:

    Monday – Friday from 3pm-9.30pm (we’ll stay open later if there is a crowd!) Saturday 1-9pm and Sunday 1-7pm (again, we’ll stay open later if there is a crowd!)

    We absolutely hate having to do this, but we have been left with no choice due to an absentee government and ridiculous energy prices fuelled by a war in Europe and protectionism.

    Make no mistake, for pubs and other businesses this is as serious and dangerous as the covid closures but without a smidge of support from the government.

    However, rest assured The Golden Lion will continue to be here for you and these measures are temporary until the crisis reaches a resolution.

    Want to make a difference? Help us out by writing to our MP Keir Starmer and ask him to put pressure on the government. ku.tnemailrap@ycneutitsnoc.remrats.riek

  • Compton Arms under threat Wednesday 24 August 2022

    Four local residents are challenging the pub's license - but local MP Emily Thornberry explains why that should be rejected. And the good news is that is was rejected!!

    Read more here

    https://www.timeout.com/uk/news/one-of-the-best-pubs-in-the-uk-could-soon-be-forced-to-shut-081922

    Local MP Emily Thornberry offers her support to The Compton Arms.

  • Hampstead’s infamous pub wins local CAMRA award Monday 15 August 2022

    Many pubs have macabre stories associated them and the Magdala near Hampstead Heath Station is certainly in that bracket!

    The pub is infamous for its association with Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in England, for shooting her lover to death outside the pub on Easter Sunday 1955. However, its latest claim to fame, as the winner of CAMRA’s North London Pub of the Season, is a lot more positive.

    Colin Coyne presents the Award to Rob Chappell and his team.

    Colin Coyne, Chair of North London CAMRA, said ‘This pub was closed for at least five years and we were concerned that it would never open again. This is despite the efforts of locals to get the pub listed as an Asset of Community Value. The new owners, Twickenham Green Taverns, are experienced pub owners. They have really invested in this pub, which dates back to the inter war years. It has included a careful restoration of the wooden panelling throughout the ground floor bar and dining areas. The new sections of wood blend with the original panelling in the bar area at the back of the pub. It’s resulted in a lovely looking establishment with a range of terrific well kept beer. It really is a pleasure to give them this award for all their hard work”.

    Rob Chappell and his team accepted the award in August. He said “We are delighted to have received this award. We have only been going a year and we are grateful for all the support CAMRA has given us”.

    In 2014, this dog friendly pub was sold by Punch to an offshore property developer and its future became threatened. Local activists succeeded in getting it listed as an Asset of Community Value. It re-opened briefly in summer 2015 but soon closed again.

    The association with Ruth Ellis is not the only association with famous people. The pub’s first incarnation was in 1885 and it was named after Robert Cornelis Napier, 1st Baron Napier of Magdala, who died five years after the pub was built. He held many high profile posts including Commander-in-Chief, India; Governor of Gibraltar and has associations with London. Two years after the pub was built, he became Constable of the Tower of London. He died in 1890 and is buried in St Paul’s Cathedral.

    So an interesting local, named after an interesting man with lots of interesting committed locals who are intent (as CAMRA is) in seeing a healthy future for this pub.

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082, ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc. Magada: 020 7433 8322, ku.oc.aladgameht@olleh

    https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6068/magdala-london

  • Snooty Fox Fest incl Beer & Snacks Tasting Monday 13 June 2022

    Often when you visit a pub, you eat snacks but have you ever thought about which beer goes best with which snack? This is your chance to find out more - and there are many more snacks than crisps!

    Snooty Fox Beer Festival July 2022

    This fun session will team 5 beers with 5 different snacks - all talked through by Beer Tutor, British Guild of Beer Writers member and Master Trainer, Christine Cryne.

    The tasting is at the Snooty Fox, which has won CAMRA's North London Pub of the Year twice. The event starts at 7.30pm and will last about 90 minutes.

    Tickets at https://tckty.camra.org.uk/e/65/beer-snacks-tutored-tasting

  • N1 pub gets runner up in CAMRA North London’s top pub awards Thursday 2 June 2022

    Islington pub, King Charles I has come runner up to the in North London’s Pub of the Year competition.

    Colin Coyne, North London's Branch Chairman said “The Award is determined by CAMRA members voting for a short list of pubs in North London selling real ale and appearing in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. The King Charles I has often appeared in our short list and so it’s great that their consistency for serving good cask beer has finally been recognised”.

    Pub Manager Ayub Wade (right) accepts the Award from Branch Chairman Colin Coyne.

    Colin then added “We are also delighted to be supporting a community owned pub. Back in 2015, a collection of local residents and people with a strong connection with this pub, bought the 20 year lease. It’s a lovely small, cosy wood-panelled single room pub in a Georgian building, which was rebuilt in the inter war years. We are also pleased that in August 202, Islington Council agreed the building is used to ‘further the social wellbeing and social interests of the local community’ and so it was listed as an Asset of Community Value I think we can all drink to that!”

    The King Charles I is unusual in that it doesn’t sell food, allowing customers to order food from the variety of menus from nearby restaurants, supporting other local businesses. They are also proud to host a number of live events and to be LGBTQIA+ friendly.

    Plaque celebrating community ownership and being an Asset of Community Value.

    Ayub Wade (Pub Manager) said ““We’re so grateful to CAMRA for this award, we are a community owned back street boozer - here for the community - come visit!”

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082; or King Charles I: 020 7837 7758

    Facts      1. The pub’s full address is 55-57 Northdown Street, Pentonville, N1 9BL; Opening Times are noon -11pm except Friday when the pub closes at midnight. 2. More details about the pub can be found at: https://kingcharles1st.co.uk/

  • Antwerp Arms - invite to 7th Birthday celebration Thursday 26 May 2022

    Antwerp Arms 7th Birthday

    on 3rd June

  • Kentish Town pubs make it a clean sweep in CAMRA North London’s top cider pub awards Saturday 7 May 2022

    The Southampton Arms in Kentish Town has won North London’s Cider Pub of the Year competition for the fourth time and the Tapping the Admiral (just down the road) has received the runner up award.

    Chairman Colin Coyne presents the Award while enjoying a pint!.

    Colin Coyne, North London's Branch Chairman said “The Award is determined by CAMRA members voting for a short list of pubs selling real cider in North London. The Southampton has appeared on the short list on numerous occasions and has now won it for a fourth time reflecting its commitment to good traditional cider”.

    Colin then added “It’s very unusual to have two pubs near each other selling real cider so we were delighted when another Kentish Town pub, Tapping the Admiral, came a close second in the voting. There is no doubt that Kentish Town really is the place to come for people with discerning palates looking for excellent cider from independent producers”.

    Nick, the manager of the Southampton Arms, said “We are delighted, honoured and humbled to win best pub but a pub is only as good as the people who drink in it. So lashings of thank you to all our lovely punters. We would be nothing without you”.

    The Southampton Arms is a traditional ale house with an old wooden bar, with the walls adorned with old memorabilia. The main thrust of this pub is conversation and good cider (and beer) and the set up of tables makes it almost impossible not to make new acquaintances. It attracts people from all walks of life; from students to grandparents, all are welcome.

    Peter Holt, the driver behind the Southampton, wanted a different pub, downplaying the spirits, lager and wine to concentrate on real ales and ciders from small independent producers. He also wanted the food to complement the pub and came up with the memorable description of their pub: ‘Ale, Cider, Meat’. No gastro dishes, just good bar snacks, pork pies, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, roast pork in baps plus veggie options.

    The Tapping the Admiral is another traditional pub with a similar ethos of welcoming all. Resuscitated after being closed for a number of years (it had only a partial ceiling), it reopened in 2011 and went on to win CAMRA North London’s Pub of the Year three times but this is its first award for cider.

    For further information contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082; moc.liamg@tlohretep, 07375 755539; Tapping the Admiral: 020 7267 6118.

    Extra facts

    1. CAMRA’s North London Cider Pub of the Year is chosen from a number of pubs shortlisted by CAMRA’s local branch. The pub will now be put forward for CAMRA’s London Cider Pub of the Year where this pub will be judged against others from around the Capital.

    2. The Southampton Arms won the North London Cider Pub of the Year in 2010, 2017 and 2019. It also won CAMRA’s all London Cider Pub of the Year in 2011. Peter has been at the Southampton since the end of 2009.

    3. The Southampton Arms is at 139 Highgate Road, NW5 1LE; close to Gospel Oak Overground. Website: www.thesouthamptonarms.co.uk. Opening times are: 12-11 Mon-Thu; 12-Midnight Fri & Sat; 12-10.30 Sun.

    4. The Tapping the Admiral’s full address is 77 Castle Road, NW1 8SU; opening times 12.00-11 Mon, Tues; 12-12 Wed -Sat; 12-11 Sun. The pub is near Kentish Town West station. Website: www.tappingtheadmiral.com.

  • Carlton Tavern comes back from the dead to win top Award Sunday 17 April 2022

    Destroyed by so-called developers, and now reconstructed by order of Westminster Council, CAMRA members from at least 9 different CAMRA Branches celebrate the Carlton Tavern winning the 2022 West London Pub of the Year Award.

    CAMRA members from across the country celebrate the Carlton's winning 2022 West London Pub of the Year.

    A site now nationally-famous to CAMRA members; after being illegally demolished the developer was forced by Westminster Council to rebuild this pub brick by brick. The architect was Francis J. Potter, working from original plans.

    Much was salvaged from the wreckage of the old pub, including tiles, reusable bricks and the original bar and fireplaces, and some of the decorative ceilings were also rescued.

    The opportunity was taken to redesign the internal layout by moving the kitchen to the basement, which had previously been used as changing rooms for a local hockey team. The inside is quite roomy, stretching around the bar to a dining room at the back. Outside is a garden/patio area also used for dining in summer.

    The new pub showcases the best brewers and distillers in London, alongside a fresh, seasonal menu in the new dining room. The ale offerings include a house bitter from Anspach & Hobday.

    The pub is halfway between Kilburn Park and Maida Vale tube stations (33a Carlton Vale Kilburn, NW6 5EU) and the area to the south is affluent, with the pub clientele reflecting that.

  • Queen's Head, Acton Street wins 2022 Pub of the Year Award Saturday 16 April 2022

    The Queen’s Head in Acton Street WC1 has finally won North London CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2022.

    This prestigious award is given by the North London Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, as a result of a vote open to all its 1400 local CAMRA members.

    Colin Coyne, Branch Chairman, said, “This pub has previously won our branch’s Cider Pub of the Year twice (2013 and 2016) but never before managed to win the branch Pub of the Year, despite being shortlisted a number of times … that is, until now!”

    Pete Czubala manager at The Queen's Head (left) receives the 2022 Pub of the Year Award from Branch Chairman Colin Coyne.

    Colin continued: “It’s a lovely late Georgian building, grade 2 listed, with a number of original Victorian features and is well worth coming to look at along, and, of course, to try its excellent range of real ales. It’s well known for serving one of the best pints of Trinity, brewed by Tottenham’s Redemption Brewery and at only 3% ABV, it’s remarkably tasty and worth a visit to the Queen’s Head for that alone”.

    The Queen’s Head is a single bar pub with etched mirrors, a splendid bay window, a fine back gantry, floor tiling, blue wall tiles (listed), lamps, a lovely fireplace, a lantern and a mixture of old, non-matching tables and chairs, which gives it an eclectic charm, added to by a piano which is made use of every Thursday from 8pm.

    On receiving the award, Pete Czubala from the Queen’s Head said “"We're thrilled to be awarded Pub Of The Year. We take huge pride in creating a welcoming space at our inner city pub with delicious drinks to be enjoyed. We work hard to make it the much loved haunt for locals, commuters and beer lovers it has become. It feels great to come out of the pandemic with an award that reflects our efforts”.

    The pub is independently run with a sister pub in Bermondsey, the Simon the Tanner.

    Queen's Head outside view

  • The Antwerp Arms is hosting its first Beer Festival! Thursday 14 April 2022

    The Antwerp Arms is hosting its first Beer Festival! So Pre-Order your Tickets NOW! - Join us from the 29th April to the 2nd May 2022 and enjoy some Local & Regional Beer!

    Pre-ordering Tickets is Completely Free & Secures a ticket for yourself - However you will have to purchase your tickets on the day. Register for Beer Festival Tickets.

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-antwerp-arms-beer-festival-tickets-311289604587?utm_campaign=f87f5b764b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_04_06_01_13&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Spurs+Associates&utm_term=0_21599f4f34-f87f5b764b-585533073

    Purchase Your Tickets from the Team at The Antwerp.

    Paid Tickets Available:

    6 Half Pints & Stamp Card - £12.50 (Get 6 Half Pints for £12.50 and save yourself £2.50 for the 4 days) CAMRA Members - £10

    12 Half Pints & Stamp Card - £25 (Get 12 Half Pints for £25 and save save yourself £5 for the 4 days) CAMRA Members - £20

    Hog Roast Available

    Gin Bar

    T&C's Apply

  • Easter at The Pineapple - Easter Sunday Wednesday 6 April 2022

    "Our Easter festival is back with a ????bang!???? We are raising money for charities helping Ukranians on the ground in Warsaw, so stay tuned for auction and raffle prizes and enter to show your support! We will also be holding our regular activities, so bring your best bonnets, homemade pies and kids for an egg hunt!

    The beer festival will be running out back as usual while the kids are off finding chocolate ????

    Join us! We’ve missed hosting our favourite event of the year.

    Easter at The Pineapple

  • Polls open for Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year Thursday 10 February 2022

    We are pleased to inform you that the polls are now open to decide on the North London Branch's

    1. Overall Pub of the Year

    2. Cider Pub of the Year

    This time around none of the candidates in the overall Pub of the Year have previously won the Award so we will have a new champion. These awards are really welcomed in the trade and we would like as many members as possible to take a little time to vote.

    The full details of the candidates and the voting form can be found here - Section 3 is for the overall Pub of the Year, Section 4 for the Cider Pub of the Year

    https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/82JWQMM

    Voting closes on 26th Feb so, if you do not know the pubs, there is time to visit them. Only CAMRA Members are eligible to vote.

    Many thanks

    Pub of the Year Candidates

    Lamb, N7 https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5678/lamb-london

    King Charles I, N1 https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5551/king-charles-i-london

    Queens Head, WC1; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6344/queens-head-london

    St John's Tavern, N19; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5873/st-johns-tavern-london

    Swan, WC1; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6305/swan-london

    Cider Pub of the Year Candidates

    Lady Mildmay, N1; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5477/lady-mildmay-london

    Queens Head, WC1; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6344/queens-head-london

    Southampton, NW5; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6089/southampton-arms-kentish-town

    Southampton, NW5; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6089/southampton-arms-kentish-town

    Tapping the Admiral, NW1; https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6020/tapping-the-admiral-london

  • The Old White Bear is OPEN! Sunday 19 December 2021

    AFTER 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AND 15 DAYS, THE DOORS TO THE PUB FINALLY REOPENED ON WEDNESDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2021

    https://www.oldwhitebear.com/

  • Winter Beer Tasting with Christine Cryne Friday 12 November 2021

    Details have just been announced of a Tasting Event at The Beerblefish Brewery on the evening of Monday 6th December - details can be found here along with how to get tickets

    Winter Beer Tasting

    https://northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=149231

  • North London Branch Lockdown Hero award for The Alpaca Thursday 4 November 2021

    The Alpaca (84-86 Essex Rd, Islington, London N1 8LU) is an independently run pub with an excellent range of local beers, ciders and great food

    Lucas Owen (left) and team receive Award from Colin Coyne (right)

    Lockdown Hero Award Alpaca

    It is a friendly, neighbourhood pub - and a real focal point for the local community

    During lockdown we all suffered ... and some pubs and outlets, like the Alpaca rose to the challenge, as it was essential in providing an outlet for takeaways for real ale enthusiasts, in a time when real ale was scarce and good quality real ale even scarcer

    The Alpaca provided take-away real ale at reasonable prices and was able to use their initiative to source this from various different suppliers (such as the Goodness Brewery in Wood Green amongst others)

    They kept the flag flying with regards real ale and were very flexible about collection times during the pandemic

    The Lockdown Hero award is given to those that have gone above and beyond with their efforts for the local community and to help others in a time of lockdown.

    The recipient of these prestigious awards is nominated and voted for by our CAMRA branch members, who recognise the champions who rose to the challenge ... and we really appreciate all their efforts to keep real ale alive and available for the local community

    Well done to Lucas Owen and his team at the Alpaca for winning the CAMRA NL Branch Lockdown Local Hero award for all your services to the community during lockdown ... much appreciated!

    Lucas Owen with their well deserved Award.

    To the Alpaca ... may you live long, survive and thrive - cheers!

    The award was presented to Lucas and Lola Owen by Colin Coyne, Chairman of CAMRA North London Branch.

  • Real ale festival at the Oxford tavern Tuesday 12 October 2021

    For full details click here

    Real Ale Festival at the Oxford Tavern

  • Antwerp Arms wins CAMRA London Hero of Heroes Sunday 19 September 2021

    The Antwerp Arms Association in Tottenham has won CAMRA’s Greater London Hero of Heroes Award for all the efforts they have done during lockdown for their local community and including their food bank. Geoff Strawbridge, London CAMRA’s Regional Director said “The people running pubs, clubs and breweries have been doing some amazing stuff locally to support their communities during the pandemic. CAMRA’s London branches have been handing out ‘Lockdown Hero Awards’ to reflect and acknowledge their work. The objective was to give these heroes an even greater profile. The Hero of Heroes was chosen from all of these worthy award winners”.

    From left to right - Martin Burrows, Haringey Mayor Councillor Adam Jogee, Geoff Strawbridge and Colin Coyne.

    Colin Coyne, Chair of CAMRA’s North London Branch, commented “A community association run pub, the Antwerp Arms became part of the Tottenham Foodbank and Felix Project initiatives helping the most needy during lockdown and the pandemic. Although the pub was itself closed to the public during lockdown, they gathered together as a collective and using their own committee, volunteers, kitchens and resources became a vital part of the community providing food packages during these very difficult times. Since the pandemic started, they have cooked over 10,000 meals, and over the Christmas period alone, their volunteers had created and delivered over 400 Xmas hampers to the most vulnerable in the local community!”

    The Antwerp Arms is CAMRA North London’s current Branch Pub of the Year.

    Martin Burrows, Chair of the Antwerp Arms Association, was delighted at the news: “Everyone I have spoken to was very chuffed. We’d like to thank CAMRA for this Award but our biggest thank you goes to our volunteers. There were over 60 of them that helped with everything from cooking to deliveries. They helped us keep out community alive”.

    Locals and guests toast the Hero of Heroes London Lockdown Award.

    This is a link to a video with more information on the Antwerp Arms Association Foodbank project   https://fb.watch/5ITBY9AVT3/  

  • Lamb's A Lockdown Hero Saturday 11 September 2021

    Ade Clark and his team (Sam and Rox) at The Lamb on Holloway Road was presented with a Lockdown Hero Award this week.

    Ade Clarke (right) accepts the Award from Branch Chairman, Colin Coyne.

    In his presentation speech, Branch Chairman Colin Coyne extolled their virtues of being such a community asset and an outlet / showcase for local artists and especially musicians ... praised that they kept true to Real Ale on cask using LocAle breweries. He also commented on the success of their crowd funding campaign and how the community gathered together to support them and how they'd reached their target in order to stay solvent.

    Colin really stressed the crucial role community pubs have on their local area and how, by working TOGETHER we can all make things happen and can save great pubs like the Lamb for the community.

    Colin closed by presenting the Lockdown Hero award to Ade Clarke and his team and thanked them for their great efforts and warm welcome, wishing them continued success in the future.

    https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5678/lamb-london

  • King Charles I now listed as an Asset of Community Value Monday 6 September 2021

    See

    http://islingtontribune.com/article/cheers-village-local-is-saved-from-developers

    Details of the pub can be found here

    https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5551/king-charles-i-london

  • An end of an Era at The Calthorpe Arms Thursday 19 August 2021

    After 32 years at the helm, Adrian Larner, landlord of the Calthrope Arms in Gray’s Inn Road WC1 is stepping down this autumn.

    Adrian Larner (centre front) accepts his Award from CAMRA members.

    Adrian started at the Calthorpe as a manager for, what was then, Young’s Brewery, before taking a tenancy, which he continued with Young’s Pub Company long after the Brewery was sold. The pub is an eclectic mix of professionals, including journalists from the nearby Channel 5, and locals. But the one thing they all could all agree was on the quality of the beer; under Adrian’s watch, the pub had appeared in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 31 times (it’s been renowned for the serving one of the best pints of Young’s Ordinary in the Capital).

    The Award in full.

    The pub has always been part of the community, hosting various groups in the upstairs room. As well as CAMRA, it offered a venue to the Burnley Football Supporters Club amongst many, many others.

    Adrian will be very much missed by CAMRA’s North London Branch and they marked the occasion by handing over a certificate of thanks at their recent AGM.

  • Tollington gets ACV Status Saturday 26 June 2021

    http://islingtontribune.com/article/pub-gets-protection-as-manager-fights-on

  • Extra help for Islington pubs and music, comedy, theatre and dance venues affected by Covid-19 restrictions Thursday 27 May 2021

    Islington Council is today (Tuesday, 25 May) launching extra financial help for pubs and music, comedy, theatre and dance venues hit by Covid-19 restrictions.

    Full details at

    https://www.islington.media/news/extra-help-for-islington-pubs-and-music-comedy-theatre-and-dance-venues-affected-by-covid-19-restrictions

  • Well done to the Antwerp Arms ... a true community pub .... Saturday 20 March 2021

    Well done to the Antwerp Arms ... a true community pub ....

    https://fb.watch/4lEP_Pidci/

  • NW2 Brewery gets Lockdown Hero Award Friday 4 December 2020

    CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has just awarded Moncada Brewery its very own Lockdown Hero Award.

    The Award is just one of a handful that are being given out by the North London Branch of CAMRA for pubs and breweries that have supported the community during the pandemic.

    left to right: Nigel Tarn (Brewery Manager), Robin Murphy (Brewer), Gareth Hilton (Head Brewer), John Cryne (CAMRA) and Julio Moncada (owner)

    John Cryne, CAMRA’s Brewery Liaison Officer for Moncada, said, “It’s a really hard time for pubs and breweries at the moment and London being in Tier 2 has added to the pressure. We are all missing using the pubs in a normal, social fashion. It’s great to acknowledge what people such as Julio Moncada and his team have been doing to keep people supplied with their beer; Julio even does the deliveries himself”.

    Photo, left to right: Nigel Tarn (Brewery Manager), Robin Murphy (Brewer), Gareth Hilton (Head Brewer), John Cryne (CAMRA) and Julio Moncada (owner)

  • 21/11/2020 Lockdown Hero Award Presentation Sunday 22 November 2020

    Branch Chairman Colin Coyne (left) presents the Award to Andy Moffat.

    Andy Moffat - Redemption Brewery receiving our first LOCKDOWN HERO award from Colin Coyne Chairman of the CAMRA North London branch for all the great efforts they have made for the community (Tottenham Foodbank Collection Hub and offering take-away school packed lunches) and for the brewing industry (take away offerings and pubs support) during lockdown.

    Andy Moffat with his Award

  • Brave Crouch Hill pub wins CAMRA North London’s top cider pub award Wednesday 21 October 2020

    Despite these odd times, the Brave Sir Robin in Crouch Hill has something to celebrate as the pub has won the Campaign for Real Ale North London Branch’s Cider Pub of the Year competition for 2020.

    Archie Oxenbould (left) accepts the Award from Branch Chairman Colin Coyne with masked and unmasked CAMRA members on hand.

    Colin Coyne, North London's Branch Chairman explained ‘The Award is determined by CAMRA members voting for a short list of pubs selling real cider in North London. The Brave Sir Robin has gone from strength to strength since it was taken on by Brothers Theo and Ben Caudell and Chris Hurd, who co-founded Carouse, their small pub company. The trio have a track record of running great community pubs; they also have the Rose & Crown in Kentish Town’.

    The building that hosts the Brave Sir Robin has gone through various usages. At one time, it was a post office and, in the 1930’s, a grocery shop. It finally became a pub in 1983 and was an early conversion by JD Wetherspoon when it was known as Marler’s Bar. Since then it had numerous names including Hopsmiths, when it was run by the now closed London brewery, Late Knights. But that wasn’t the only closed brewery to own the pub; Tolly Cobbold of Ipswich purchased it from JD Wetherspoon when they departed in the late 1980’s.

    Colin elucidated 'The pub has changed hands so many times, it would be great for the community if this pub had some stability and continued to be successful. We hope that this Award is the start of many’.

    It's the Award that counts!

    He then added ‘Due to the Corona Virus and social distancing rules, which naturally has impacted on numbers, the pub has had to adjust what it is selling so the current cider range is reduced. But we feel that in these difficult times for pubs, we want to give all support we can. Just three years ago, this pub had been closed for a year and was occupied by squatters. So this Award is given in recognition of what the owners have done and what we are sure they will do again in the future’.

    The Brave Sir Robin is a small corner pub made cosy by soft globe lighting and candles with a mix of seating, from booths to sofas, which offer a welcome to diners and drinkers alike. In usual times, it has an extensive range of draught ciders, craft keg and casks served in halves, two thirds or pints. The current food menu has an emphasis on burgers and chicken and is available daily.

    The Award was presented by CAMRA North London Branch Chairman Colin Coyne to Shift Manager Archie Oxenbould outside the Brave Sir Robin pub on Thurs 15th October 2020.

    For further information contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082, ku.gro.armac.nodnolhtron@namriahc ; or Brave Sir Robin: (020) 7018 3830

    Extra facts

    1. CAMRA’s North London Cider Pub of the Year is chosen from a number of pubs shortlisted by CAMRA’s local branch. The pub will now be put forward for CAMRA’s London Cider Pub of the Year where this pub will be judged against others from around the Capital.

    2. The Brave Sir Robin is at 29 Crouch Hill, Stroud Green, N4 4AP; website: https://www.bravesirrobin.co.uk

    3. The name of pub comes from the name of a knight in film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. A featured song said ‘He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp, Or to have his eyes gouged out, and his elbows broken; To have his kneecaps split, and his body burned away; And his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Robin!’ Despite the fact he ran away from every dangerous encounter!

    4. Opening times are: 4-11 Mon-Thu; 3-12 Fri; 12-12 Sat; 12-10.30 Sun

    5. Food is available 4-10 Mon –Thu; 3-10 Fri; 12-10 Sat; 12-9 Sun

    6. CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with around 200 volunteer branches across the UK and over 190,000 members.

    7. CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.

  • North London Branch AGM Date announced Monday 12 October 2020

    The NLD Branch of CAMRA will be holding its postponed 2020 AGM on the evening of Tuesday 17th November in an on-line format. More details will follow.

  • Bob Steel remembered Friday 11 September 2020

    With great sadness we report the passing of Bob Steel, aged 65. In CAMRA Bob is best known for his successful books of pub walks, the first of which dealt with London and came out in 2006, followed by Edinburgh, the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and South East. These brought together both his professional career (he was a geography teacher) and his personal interests as a keen rambler, cyclist, conservationist and supporter of green issues.

    Bob leading a walking group

    For most of his life Bob was based at Carshalton in south London where was an active member of CAMRA’s Croydon & Sutton Branch. He organized 'AleTrail' weekends for a group to go walk and visit pubs with ideally both real ale and heritage credentials. The group usually met twice a year with Bob selecting the area and making all the arrangements. He oversaw the ordering for the Wallington Beer Festival for four years in the early 2000s and supported GBBF by guiding Monday night volunteers’ pub walks and manning the heritage pub stand. Our picture shows him leading one of his walks.

    Bob was passionate about pub heritage and incensed by what he saw as needless and insensitive change. As a south Londoner, he was particularly angered by the radical changes wrought by Young’s brewery, so much so that he designed and produced a ‘Young’s Tour of Destruction’ t-shirt modelled on the CAMRA-sanctioned 'Whitbread Tour of Destruction' brewery closure campaign of 30 years before. Here Bob paraded thirty pubs where the brewery’s savage activities dismayed him. Bob was a key player in saving the Hope, a Carshalton pub which seemed destined to become a restaurant in 2010. He was a shareholder in ‘48 West Limited’ (named after its address) which eventually purchased the freehold in 2015, made sensitive improvements, and carried the pub from strength to strength, winning prizes, including CAMRA’s Greater London Pub of the Year.

    After retirement, he and his wife Jacqui moved to the village of Downton just south of Salisbury in 2015. Here continued to support the real ale cause as well as green politics and environmental issues both locally and back in Carshalton. He will be greatly missed by Jacqui and his many friends.

    Geoff Brandwood

    He walked the miles so we could drink good beer!
  • Never too late to get your Pub Of The Year Award! Thursday 13 August 2020

    Peter Passam receives the Award from Colin Coyne (right)

    The oldest working pub in N17 has won the ‘golden gong’ for cask beer pubs in North London. The community owned Antwerp Arms (known locally as the ‘Annie’) has scooped theNorth London Branch of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2020 beating hundreds of pubs to this prestigious award.

    The Award is given by the North London Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale,as a result of by a vote open to 1600 local CAMRA members.

    .

    Colin Coyne, NL Branch Chairman, said, 'This Georgian building has been serving local people since 1822. In 2013, the pub faced demolition before the local community and CAMRA campaigners came together to preventthe developers taking action. The Antwerp Arms Association was set up, raising funds through shares and a grant from the Social Investment Bank. This enabled the pub to be purchased two years later. It’s a great example of local people taking ownership of and doing something to keep what they value. The Antwerp Arms is the only community owned pub in North London and it’s a really worthy winner’.

    Antwerp Arm’s General Manager Peter Passam said ‘We are absolutely thrilled to receive this great honour from CAMRA. As a Community Pub we are committed to being a friendly and welcoming place run by our community FOR our community’.

    The pub is run by the Antwerp Arms Association, which has just over 400 Shareholders who elect a small Management Committee at the AGM every September. There is a full time manager and part time staff to run the operational side of the business but volunteers help with community work, maintenance, and gardening. The pub offers free space for local groups and the community for meetings and events as well as getting involved in a number of local initiatives, often working with partners such as the Friends of Bruce Castle Park to improve the local park, CRUTCH Haringey to host Community lunches and picnics for those in need and the local community choir for Christmas socials. But it’s not only adults that the pub welcomes; it’s both family and dog friendly, aided by the garden for warmer weather!

    The presentation took place at the Antwerp Arms (observing social distancing!) on Weds 5th Aug 2020

    Peter Passam with the Antwerp's Award

    For further details contact: Colin Coyne (CAMRA) 07973 831082; or Antwerp Arms: 020 8216 9289.

  • Bottle Up Gorgeous! Monday 30 March 2020

    Although many London brewers have moved to cans, there are still a number doing bottles and bottled conditioned beer at that.

    One such brewery is Gorgeous, based at the back of the Bull in Highgate. Alongside their cask and keg, they produce around ten hand crafted, hand filled bottled beers. Regardless of whether the beer is originally a cask or keg recipe, some is always put into bottles, all of which are unfiltered and unpasteurised.

    Joe, who took over from Reuben as head brewer last year, explained ‘All our bottled beers are vegan, except for Gravedigger (a milk stout). They represent about 20% of our output with the rest divided 50/50 between keg and cask beer. We stock them in the pub but the rest goes to restaurants, bottle shops and online suppliers such as EeBria and Beers of Europe’. Sam Laub, one of the brewery and pub owners added, ‘Last year we formed a relationship with John Lewis who took bottle packs as gifts for Christmas and it looks like this will continue. We are also currently in Eurostar’s Lounge at St Pancras’.

    Like many breweries Gorgeous are looking to ensure the consistency of their beer as well as looking for that 'fairy tale addition'. The latest brew offers a 'relaxing alternative' and came out of a conversation with a local CBD shop. The resulting beer, called ‘Grasshopper’, is definitely something out of the ordinary. The label states ‘Cannabidiol (CND) is reported to be pleasingly relaxing but most certainly won’t get you high’. Regardless of the ‘extra ingredient’, this 4.2% is a sessionable and approachable hazy golden ale with biscuit, piney and grassy notes finishing with some spicy bitterness. Have a look out for it this summer and it is likely to cheer you up!

    Currently delivering bottles for on-line deliveries see https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5621/bull-london

  • Antwerp Arms is our 2020 Pub of the Year Sunday 15 March 2020

    Congratulations to The Antwerp Arms 168-170 Church Road, Tottenham, N17 8AS in winning the CAMRA North London 2020 Pub of the Year Competition.

    https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5825/antwerp-arms-london

    https://northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=780

  • A pint of soya milk, please! Arsenal pub taken over by green anarchists Sunday 1 March 2020

    From the Islington Tribune, "ANARCHISTS are squatting in an iconic Holloway pub which was once a favourite for Arsenal fans having a beer before and after matches.

    The George pub, in Eden Grove off Holloway Road, has stood empty since landlord Peter Mara pulled the last pint there in 2018.

    More at - http://islingtontribune.com/article/a-pint-of-soya-milk-please-arsenal-pub-taken-over-by-green-anarchists

  • Camden’s hidden gem wins local CAMRA award Thursday 20 February 2020

    Many pubs off the main drag are suffering with low awareness and footfall often leading to their closure but nothing can be further from the truth for the Colonel Fawcett!

    Branch Chairman Colin Coyne (left) presents Paul Evans with the Award.

    Hidden down the back streets of Camden (but only a few minutes walk from Camden Road Station), this pub has gone from strength to strength since the small Tidalwave pub chain took on the pub in 2011. Finally, after several years of consistency, the pub has won recognition for the quality service and beer it provides by receiving North London CAMRA’s Pub of the Season, beating hundreds of other pubs in the area.

    Colin Coyne, Chair of North London CAMRA, said ‘What makes this pub successful is that it has tried to reach out to all parts of the community. Alongside its range of good real ales, it runs a comedy club, a pub quiz, live music and an infamous gin event once a year to celebrate the death of Colonel Fawcett. We wish the pub ongoing success for the future. It’s a great example how hidden gems can be successful with the right attitude’.

    Paul Evans, from Tidalwave, explained his views as to what else made pub was successful: ‘It’s all down to customer service, the way we interact and value the customer. Training and selecting the staff with the right attitude is key. It’s nice to be recognised that we are getting it right’.

    Dating back to 1843, the Colonel Fawcett was originally known as the Camden Arms, changing its name when Tidalwave took it over. Its name refers to Colonel Fawcett, who took part in the last fatal dual in England in 1873. He died upstairs in the pub and his ghost is reputed to still drink at the hostelry!

  • Campaigners can hold their heads up high on a battle well fought. Thursday 30 January 2020

    The 'Save The Queensbury' campaign was formed over 7 years ago after residents of Willesden Green were outraged to hear of the plans to demolish their local pub and replace it with a 10 storey block of flats. The Queensbury pub is a landmark Victorian building, at the gateway to the Mapesbury Conservation Area. The campaign group, led by Ian Elliott is independant of the pub. They have fought off 6 applications and 1 appeal to demolish their pub. However, in November 2019, Redbourne (the developer) won its appeal to demolish The Queensbury pub and erect 48 flats, but will include a new public house in the development.

    The Save The Queensbury group did however, win two major committments after the recent appeal. 1) The developer will have to return to Brent Council if they want to change from a pub to another use. This enables the public and local residents to scrutinise any plan to change use. 2) The developer has to work with Busy Rascals (the baby and toddler community group) to find them an alternative space if and when building work begins.

    When this process was started back 2012 a 10 storey tower and no pub was proposed, so in 2019 locals have ended up with a smaller block and commitment of a pub. This is a huge achievement from this community group, who has worked with many different local groups in both Brent and Camden and brought local councillors together to campaign to save the pub.

    Ian Ellitot from 'Save The Queensbury' attended the four day public enquiry in August, as a 'Rule 6' party and was cross examined by the developer's legal team who belittled the campaign, but they still stood strong. Despite losing the battle to save the pub, campaigners can hold their heads up high on a battle well fought.

    Please check their campaign website: http://savethequeensbury.info

  • CAMRA highlights pubs offering free Christmas dinners to those in need Monday 16 December 2019

    Christmas dinner… on the house

    CAMRA highlights pubs offering free Christmas dinners to those in need

    If you’re at a loose end this Christmas with no family or friends nearby, your local pub might be able to help.

    These pubs are offering Christmas dinner on the house to the elderly, vulnerable, lonely, or just anyone needing company this year.

    CAMRA’s National Chairman Nik Antona said: “These are shining examples of how pubs play a pivotal role in our local communities. Having a safe and welcoming place to celebrate Christmas can make a tremendous difference to a person’s mental health and well being, especially for those who would otherwise spend the holidays alone.

    “Pubs aren’t just for Christmas, and many of these pubs offer vital social events and services for their community year-round. That’s why we are running a campaign to highlight the important role that pubs play in combating social isolation and loneliness and celebrate the work they do at Christmas and beyond.

    Pubs dishing up a free Christmas dinner include:

    The Bull & Gate, London - will be offering 25 local residents in Kentish Town struggling with loneliness this Christmas a chance to get together for a free Christmas dinner. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6106/bull-gate-london

    The Pride of the Peaks, New Mill, Peak District - will be making and delivering 50 hampers and a two-course Christmas meal for the elderly community.

    Dorset Arms, Sussex - is hosting a ‘no one alone at Christmas’ campaign. Local people are invited to join them free of charge on Christmas Day and they will be asking pub patrons to fill a sock of essentials to drive their Christmas sock appeal for the homeless.

    Blue Bell Inn, Carlton - is hosting a Christmas lunch for local elderly residents who may be on their own over the festive period - this will include a small gift, a choir, a quiz and Irish bingo.

    The Red Lion, Brede - has invited anyone who is on their own at Christmas to join them for dinner. They will also host a locals Christmas dinner on Sunday 15th at a reduced cost. The owner says that “last year we had an elderly couple who had become too ill to join us, so my sous chef and myself drove to there house with a Christmas dinner each, knocked on the door and sang Christmas carols to them, much to their delight.”

    Salwey Arms, Shropshire - is offering a complimentary two-course Christmas Lunch for local Seniors that may not get the chance to socialise on December 18th.

    Hotham Arms, Yorkshire - is hosting an event on 17th December aimed at the elderly in the local community who may not have anyone to spend time with this festive period. They have arranged a meal of tomato soup, turkey and beef roast dinner with all the trimmings, followed by mince pies. Sherry is offered throughout and hot drinks will be provided after the meal. They also have 30 minutes of live music being performed by the Vintage Vocalist after the meal and are collecting gifts from the local community so all our guests can go home with a Christmas present.

    Harbour Bar Gourdon, Scotland - will be hosting a "Festive Feast with Friends" on Christmas Day which includes a free meal for anyone who might be alone on that day starting at 12. They then open the pub for regular customers at 3 pm to give the guests a chance to see more faces then they would otherwise.

    Kingslodge Inn, Durham - this pub offers Christmas lunch and entertainment for older people living alone. The pub also runs a regular lunch club throughout the year.

    Taffs Well Inn, Wales - provides a Christmas meal for those who would otherwise be spending the day alone.

  • Last orders at The Queensbury Friday 6 December 2019

    The developer (Redbourne) has won its appeal to demolish The Queensbury pub and erect 48 flats at 110 Walm Lane NW2. The Queensbury, as we know it, is to be demolished and replaced with a six storey box-shaped building with a metal roof which should include a new, glass-fronted public house.

    Go to http://savethequeensbury.info/ for more info.

  • Champion Beer of Britain - members please cast your vote Monday 7 October 2019

    Have you cast your vote for the next Champion Beer of Britain?

    The Champion Beer of Britain (CBoB) is one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world. It is the ultimate honour for UK brewers and has helped put many into the national spotlight. It is awarded every year at the Trade Session of the Great British Beer Festival.

    All CAMRA members are eligible to vote in the #CBOB competition and can vote for up to five beers per category. Is there a beer you love that you think merits next year’s prize? Or a brewery that deserves to be recognised? Make sure you cast your vote before the deadline of 1 November! Vote online today: https://cbob.camra.org.uk

  • Golden Lion in Camden - Pub of the Season Tuesday 20 August 2019

    The Golden Lion in Camden has won the North London Pub of the Season after being saved from closure five years ago. Colin Coyne, North London’s CAMRA Chairman, said ‘we are making this award in recognition of the fact that the Golden Lion is a fine example of the success that can be made of a pub that nearly closed. For more - Golden Lion Winter 2019 Pub of the Season

    Branch Chairman Colin Coyne (left) presents the Winter Pub of the Season Award to (left to right) Trevor (licensee), Dave Murhpy (owner) and Aaron (licensee)

  • John & Christine Cryne receive awards at Branch AGM Tuesday 16 July 2019

    At the Branch AGM in July outgoing Chairman, John Cryne, and the last-ever London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival Organiser, Christine Cryne received Achievement Awards from the Branch presented by incoming Chairman, Colin Coyne.

    Outgoing Branch Chairman John Cryne accepts an Achievement Award from incoming Chairman, Colin Coyne. The last-ever London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival Organiser, Christine Cryne, receives an Achievement Award from Branch Chairman, Colin Coyne.

  • Final farewell to the Bree Louise Wednesday 26 June 2019

    And so the end comes to a former Pub of the Year, final farewell to the Bree Louise

    Sad end to a once great pub - farewell Bree Louise

  • Southampton Arms - 2019 Cider Pub of the Year Award Thursday 23 May 2019

    Trad pub wins CAMRA North London’s top cider pub award for the third time. Branch Chairman John Cryne (left) presents Assistant Manager Kieron with the 2019 Cider Pub of the Year Award. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6089/southampton-arms-london

  • Holly Bush in Hampstead - member's discount Thursday 18 April 2019

    The Holly Bush in Hampstead now offers CAMRA members a 20% discount on cask beer. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6078/holly-bush-london

  • Snooty Fox wins 2019 Pub of the Year competition Thursday 18 April 2019

    Jonathan, John Cryne (CAMRA), Nicole and Al accept their Award. Snooty makes it a double By winning our 2019 Pub of the Year competition. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5619/snooty-fox-london

  • Lexington, Pentonville Road - LocAle & member's discount Wednesday 27 March 2019

    The Lexington at 96-98 Pentonville Road, N1 9JB is the latest pub to join CAMRA's LocAle scheme and also offers a 10% discount to members. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5560/lexington-london

  • West Berks Brewery announce 10% discount for members at their London pubs Thursday 21 March 2019

    West Berks Brewery announce 10% discount for members at their London pubs - so try a trip to Kentish Town https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6095/oxford-tavern-kentish-town while Camden's Golden Lion has joined the LocAle scheme https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5913/golden-lion-london

  • Alma, Chapel Market - Winter Pub of the Season Award Thursday 7 February 2019

    A local pub serving traders and visitors to London’s Chapel Market, Islington has won North London CAMRA’s Winter Pub of the Season Award. John Cryne, North London’s CAMRA Chairman, said ‘The Alma is truly a pub that is used to providing good beer to the local community." Chapel Market Pub wins local CAMRA Award Photo (left to right): Patrick Mulligan, Alastair Kracke, John Cryne and the pub team

  • Opening of The Lady Hamilton, Kentish Town Thursday 24 January 2019

    Great news on the opening of The Lady Hamilton, a welcome addition to the Kentish Town scene, now a member of the CAMRA LocAle scheme and offering members a 10% discount on cask. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6098/lady-hamilton-london

  • Queensbury in NW2 is under threat Wednesday 31 October 2018

    Once again developers are on the prowl the destroy one of NW2's few remaining pubs, go to Save The Queensbury website for details

    http://savethequeensbury.info/

    and info on a public consultation at St Gabriel’s Church Hall next Thursday 8th November. Consultation being their word!

  • Change of route for next week's Branch event Friday 7 September 2018

    Change of route for next week's Branch event.

    https://www.northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=67383

  • Landseer Arms in Upper Holloway is our Summer Pub of the Season Wednesday 15 August 2018

    The Landseer Arms in Upper Holloway is our Summer Pub of the Season. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5860/landseer-arms-london Steve Hall (left) accepts the Summer 2018 Pub of the Season Award from Branch Chairman, John Cryne.

  • London Pubs Group visits to Bow & Hertford Wednesday 15 August 2018

    Details of the London Pubs Group visits to Bow & Hertford are now available at - https://www.northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=758

  • Woodbine N5 and the Lord Clyde N1 join the LocAle scheme Thursday 19 July 2018

    Welcome to the LocAle scheme, the Woodbine N5 https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5618/woodbine-highbury and The Lord Clyde N1, https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5461/lord-clyde-london A full listing of all LoCale pubs can be found here - https://www.northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=781

  • Tapping the Admiral, near Kentish Town West Station, has been awarded Pub of the Year Tuesday 15 May 2018

    Tapping the Admiral makes it a Triple! Tapping the Admiral, near Kentish Town West Station, has been awarded Pub of the Year by the North London Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

    Phil Stewart (L) and Josh Freeborn (R) accept their 2018 North London Pub of the Year Award from John Cryne

    John Cryne, Branch Chairman, said, 'This is the third time that the pub has taken this Award. The first time was 2013 and they made it a second in 2015. It just goes to show that you can’t keep a good pub down!'

  • Oxford Tavern in Kentish Town has now re-opened under the ownership of the West Berks Brewery Monday 14 May 2018

    The Oxford Tavern in Kentish Town has now re-opened under the ownership of the West Berks Brewery. Up to 4 of their ales can be found + a guest. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6095/oxford-tavern-kentish-town

  • London Pubs Group are carrying out an Evening Crawl of Belsize Park and Kentish Town Monday 2 April 2018

    The London Pubs Group are carrying out an Evening Crawl of Belsize Park and Kentish Town, see https://www.northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=65381 on the 25th April.

    The Highbury Barn are doing a Tap Takeover with Truman’s Brewery. This will take place on 19 April, start 6pm to close with 3 cask beers, 3 craft keg ales on tap, also cider on tap and cans , bottles, lots of samples, food and beer pairing , etc. All beer lovers welcome.

  • Highbury Barn joins the CAMRA LocAle scheme Saturday 10 March 2018

    The Highbury Barn joins the CAMRA LocAle scheme https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5616/highbury-barn-highbury

  • Canonbury Tavern is now offering CAMRA members a 20% discount Friday 2 February 2018

    The Canonbury Tavern is now offering CAMRA members a 20% discount. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5442/canonbury-tavern-london

  • The final curtain looms for The Bree Louise, one of our finest pubs Thursday 18 January 2018

    The final curtain looms for The Bree Louise, one of our finest pubs. Read the coverage of this in the Camden New Journal, it says it all http://camdennewjournal.com/article/its-soul-destroying-say-bree-louise-landlords-as-hs2-forces-pub-to-close

  • Good Beer Guide launches Tuesday 22 September 2015

    The North London Branch had two local launches for the 2016 Good Beer Guide at three new entries to the Guide.

  • Tottenham Brewer helps Capital Beer Festival remember a well regarded volunteer Thursday 6 March 2014

    30 years ago, when the London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival first opened its doors, there were only 8 breweries in London and 9 brewpubs. At the latest count, this number has grown almost 4 fold; a staggering 42 breweries and 19 brewpubs.

    During that time, thousands of CAMRA members have given their time for free to put on the Festival, which regularly attracts over 4000 visitors each year. But this year, there is a little sadness in the air.

    Christine Cryne, the Festival's Staffing Officer, said 'Sadly this year, one of the stalwarts of CAMRA's North London Branch died. Although she had been fighting a serious illness for many years, no one can really ever remember Gerrie Stokes complaining of her plight. We decided we'd like to remember her in the best way we know how, by having a beer brewed in her memory. Tottenham's Redemption Brewery agreed to produce a beer for us. After talking to her family, it was decided to call it 'Make me Smile'. Gerrie was a lovely lady, a chatterbox who always had a smile on her face. She was a regular worker at this and other beer festivals and she will be missed'.

    Gerrie spent most of career in the caring profession, including nursing at Great Ormond Street Hospital. In later years, she became a great fundraiser, particularly for cancer charities.

    The beer will be available at the London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival in King's Cross, which is one of the longest running beer festivals in London. This year it will have beers from 23 breweries from across London.

    Andy Moffat, from Redemption Brewery, added 'It's a pale beer, which has an alcohol content of 3.5% and with citrus hoppy flavour. Designed to be a perfect springtime beer and hopefully put a smile on people's faces. We hope you enjoy it'.

    The event is at the Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, WC1H 9AU and is open 12-3; 5-10.30 Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th March; 12-10.30 Friday 14th March. Lunchtimes on Wednesday and Thursday admission is free; £3.50 at other times.

    For further details: contact Christine Cryne 07932 736 827; www.camranorthlondon.org.uk Andy Moffat: 020 8885 5227 London Drinker Beer Festival twitter - http://twitter.com/ldbeerfest London Drinker Beer Festival facebook - http://tinyurl.com/3x87bg6

    Extra Facts ● The London brewers bar will feature beers from at least 24 London producers: A Head in a Hat, Beavertown, By the Horns, Clarence and Fredericks, Clarkshaws, Crate, East London Brewing, Ellenberg, Five Points, Fourpure, Fuller's, Hackney, Hop Stuff, Late Knights, London Brewing Company, London Fields, London Glider Cider, Moncada, Portobello, Redemption, Sambrook's, The Cronx, Truman's and Twickenham. ● The North London Branch of CAMRA has been running the London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival for 30 years. ● The Festival relies entirely on some 150 unpaid volunteers of all ages. ● More details on the Festival can be found at www.camranorthlondon.org.uk. ● CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation of over 150,000 members with around 200 branches throughout the UK ● CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971.

  • Women celebrate by taking over the brewing Tuesday 4 February 2014

    Four women from North London are taking over the brewing for a day at Highgate's London Brewing Company to produce a celebration brew.

    Christine Cryne, Publicity Officer and one of the four women involved, said 'More women than ever are trying real ale. Recent research showed that 34% of women have sampled it, which has more than doubled in three years. Brewing used to be done by the women and they were known as Brewsters, which is what our licensing sessions are named after. And this year is CAMRA North London Branch's 40th birthday so we thought it would be great fun to produce a beer to celebrate our birthday'.

    Christine then added 'The brewing will be done under the watchful eye of the London Brewing Company, head brewer, Jenna Dunseath. So five women in all! We are really all looking forward to it but we know that there will be a lot of lifting and it will be several weeks before the beer will be ready to try'.

    Jenna, who came up with the recipe for the beer, has made it everything 'foury'. It will have four malts, four hops and will have an original gravity of 1040 - all to celebrate the birthday. But currently, the beer has no name and so the Bull in Highgate, where the brewery is based, is running a competition in the pub to name the beer. The winner will get two free tickets to the London Drinker Beer Festival, a souvenir glasses and a free pint. The beer will be on sale at the Festival and the pub. To enter the competition to name the beer, people need to visit the pub and fill in the competition slip.

    The brewing will take place during the day on Tuesday 18th February. Photographers are welcome.

    For further details: contact Christine Cryne 07932 736 827; moc.tenretnitb@enyrc.c; or Dan Fox 020 8341 0510; moc.gniwerbnodnol@nad

    Extra Facts ● The London Brewing Company is one of the new microbrewers (now numbering over 50) that have set up in London in the last few years. It is based at the Bull, 13 North Hill, Highgate N6 4AB; http://www.londonbrewing.com/.

    ● After several years of running the White Horse at Parsons Green, Dan Fox took on the Bull in North Hill, Highgate in August 2011. As part of the refurbishment, Dan decided to include a microbrewery, just a 2.5 barrel plant, and the London Brewing Company was born.

    ● The four amateur brewsters all live in North London and besides Christine, include Catherine Tonry, the London Drinker Beer Festival Organiser. The other two women were chosen through a competition to name the cat on the front of the bus on this year's Festival logo.

    ● The Festival has been running for 30 years and around 50% of the beer will be from London brewers of which the London Brewery Company is one. The Festival is open 12th -14th March at the Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, WC1H 9AU. See www.camranorthlondon.org.uk

    ● The Festival is run entirely by unpaid volunteers of all ages.

    ● More details on the Festival can be found at www.camranorthlondon.org.uk.

    ● Research in the summer of 2013 showed that Women trying real ale have grown from 14% to 34% in last three years.

    ● CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation of over 150,000 members with around 180 branches throughout the UK. 22% of CAMRA's membership is female

    ● CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971.

  • 2013 Christmas Pub Quiz Wednesday 11 December 2013

    On the 10th December, the North London Branch held their Christmas Social at the Doric Arch near Euston. After a tightly fought pub quiz, with questions on beer and pubs, the traditional game of charades was played to much laughter! If you would like to have a go at the pub quiz you can find the questions at: 2013 Christmas Pub Quiz and the answers at: 2013 Christmas Pub Quiz Answers.

  • Vote for North London Cider Pub of the Year Saturday 20 July 2013

    North London Member? Then why not vote for the best cider pub in North London?

  • Sunday 24 February 2013
  • London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival Wednesday 5 September 2012

    The dates for the 2013 Festival have just been released. The Festival will take place 6th - 8th March 2013 (Wednesday - Friday). Set up starts on Monday and take down on the Saturday.

News Archive - 2017

31st December 2017

The Exmouth Arms near Euston station now offers a 10% discount to CAMRA members. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5936/exmouth-arms-london

15th December 2017

Crouch End and Crouch Hill see a burst of activity. The Harringay Arms (153 Crouch Hill N8) had a soft opening last week and a formal opening last night. Over the hill by the station, the Brave Sir Robin (29 Crouch Hill N4) has emerged from the former Hopsmiths bar. Again, with a soft opening last week, its formal opening was last night. It is now run by the team at the Rose & Crown on the Holloway/Kentish Town borders. Finally, in a rush of building and fit out work, the Small Beer bar (22 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane N8) is hoping to open in the week leading up to Christmas.It used to be the Henry Reader and wll now be run by the team behind the Dukes Head in Highgate and the Prince in Wood Green.

13th December 2017

Branch newsletter Editor, John Paul Adams celebrated his birthday in style (if a little late!) at last night's Branch Xmas Party at the Brewhouse & Kitchen, Highbury. He had commissioned a specially brewed beer from brewer Burchard Stock and plenty of members there helped him raise a glass in cheer. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5614/brewhouse-kitchen-london Brewhouse & Kitchen brewer, Burchard Stock looks on as John Cryne taps the barrel and John Paul Adams serves his specially brewed birthday beer.

28th November 2017

Two re-openings this week. The Winnicott chain closed their bars earlier in the year. The one in Newington Green (68 Green Lanes, N16) has just opened as the Be-Bop-A-Lula pub, a 50's pub with vintage slot machines and an appropriate juke box. Currently a couple of real ales but four promised for the official opening party on the 1st of December.

Down in Hoxton, the Prince Arthur re-opens tonight after short closure for a refurbishment. Assumed still run by Shepherd Neame, Four Sods beer from Bethnal Green has been reported.

26th November 2017

The North London branch announces the Champion Low Alcohol Beer of London Competition as part of the London Drinker Beer Festival Low Alcohol Beer of London.

17th November 2017

A small clutch of re-openings in the last few weeks to report. These are the Lord Palmerston in Dartmouth Park, the Baring Arms in Hoxton and the Duke of Hamilton in Hampstead (as the NW3 Jazz Club). More information welcome.

Also recently opened are a couple of bottle shops. Indiebeer (322 Holloway Road N7) just down from the Coronet Wetherspoons has a wide selection of bottled beers and four craft keg. There are relaxed seating areas so you can drink your purhcases in house. In Wood Green, Bottle Shop Heroes has opened in the Blue House Yard development behind the bus garage. A collaboration between Muswell Hillbillies, Oddly and Earth breweries, see their webpage for opening details, mostly weekday evening and weekend day times. Keg beer from the three breweries usually available including drinking space in the bus outside!

18th October 2017

The Mayor of Haringey was among guests gathered at the official opening of London’s only Czech brewery Bohem on October 12 that has just been massively expanded. For more Mayor opens Czech brewery extension Zdenek, the Mayor and Petr at the opening.

16th October 2017

The Sir Colin Campbell joins our LocAle scheme this week. A rather good selection of beers was available on our recent social there, Redemption usually amongst them. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6131/sir-colin-campbell-london

30th September 2017

The Old Dairy in Stroud Green N4 now has a 10% discount for CAMRA members.

The Tottenham brewing scene has a couple of changes. Pressure Drop, having started brewing on the same industrial estate as Beavertown, road tested their new taproom last Saturday. Hopefully it should be open regularly soon. Nearby Affinity has announced they are moving from outside the Five Miles craft beer bar to an arch on the Bermondsey Beer Mile in the same stretch as Partizan and Eebria.

3rd September 2017

NW1 - Grand Union, 102-104 Camden Road. Taken over by the Draft House chain earlier this year, the transformation is almost complete. This weekend saw the pre-opening events and full opening thereafter. The Draft House chain is very real ale friendly offering a CAMRA discount (to be confirmed with this branch) and a cheaper real ale of the day each day. Three handpumps were visible during the "soft-launch" but had not yet been connected. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6024/draft-house-camden-london

Three handpumps awaiting connection!

N22 - Prince, 1 Finsbury Road. The House Brewery started its first beer a few weeks ago. It is hoped it will be available at the same time as the Myddlton Road Market on Sunday but if not, soon after. Welcome to the branches newest brewery! The Myddleton Road Market is monthly and this Sunday is a food and drink special. Beers will be available from the local breweries (Bohem, Muswwell Hillbillies, Oddly and hopefully House).

The micropub revolution continues to sweep across the country and North London is starting to see the effect. Our friends over in Enfield & Barnet have let us know that their first micropub opened last weekend, the Little Green Dragon in Winchmore Hill. The address is 928 Green Lanes, N21 2AD. Details and opening times are on WhatPub at https://whatpub.com/pubs/ENF/7567/little-green-dragon-winchmore-hill Our branch will soon be getting one as well. It is intended to open the toilets at High Cross in Tottenham.

29th August 2017

As part of CAMRA's Cider Month, the North London Branch is having a tasting featuring 5 ciders and a perry conducted by Master Trainer and Member of the British Guild of Beer Writers, Christine Cryne. This fun event will last about 90 minutes and will cover the history of cider in Britain, how it is made and an explanation as to the different four types of cider apples and how the cider wheel is used to describe ciders (and perries).

23rd August 2017

The Lady Mildmay has been awarded the CAMRA North London Summer Pub of the Season Award. The ceremony took place last week where some excellent pints of local beers including Hammerton & Redemption were supped. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5477/lady-mildmay-london

Branch Chairman John Cryne (left) presents the award for 2017 Summer Pub of the Season to the Lady Mildmay team.

11th August 2017

N16, Stoke Newington Tea House, 102 Stoke Newington Church Street. Previously known as the Daniel Defoe, the recent name change has not been popular so it has reverted to its very original name of the Clarence. Beer range still from Wells and Youngs, the owners, and two Westons ciders on handpump.

The branch has a new brewery, not surprisingly in Tottenham. Pressure Drop has done their first brew at their new premises on the same trading estate as Beavertown. They are moving from a railway arch just along from Hackney Central station. Trials still continue for Moncada Brewery at their new premises in Dollis Hill and hopefully we'll be able to officially welcome them soon.

26th July 2017

N8. A few changes afoot in Crouch End. The Henry Reader (22 Topsfield Parade) is closed for a three month refurbishment. It is now run by the team behind the Dukes Head in Highgate and the Prince in Wood Green. The Harringay Arms (153 Crouch Hill) closed on Monday and it due to be taken back by its pub owning company. The Queens (26 Broadway Parade) is reported to be closed for a refurbishment.

N15 - Affinity Brewery, 39a Markfield Road. The brewery started at the end of the year in a shipping container. The building it was outside of was used as a temporary brewery tap. This has now been redeveloped into a larger complex comprising a nightclub and bar. The bar seems to be open most days with the nightclub at the weekend. The bar consists of 17 craft keg taps usually including four of the Affinity beers. See the usual social media for opening times and ticketed events.

NW1 - Bree Louise, 69 Cobourg Street. News comes through from Craig & Karen. The eviction notice has come through and they have to be out by 20th November this year due to HS2. However, we have just heard that this has been extended to the end of January. Expect a few last parties!

NW3 - Duke of Hamilton, 23-25 New End. The pub has been closed for a few weeks following internal flooding. It is hoped to open again in about three months time.

24th July 2017

The former Wig & Gown becomes Hammerton Brewery's first pub the House of Hammerton, 97-99 Holloway Road http://islingtontribune.com/article/brewer-follows-his-ale-trail-to-the-pub There is an impressive array of handpumps and craft keg taps. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5679/house-of-hammerton-holloway

13th June 2017

Ash Millard (right) accepts the Award from Branch Chairman John Cryne

The Southampton Arms in Kentish Town has won North London’s Cider Pub of the Year after many years of being shortlisted in the competition. John Cryne, North London's Branch Chairman said ‘The Award is determined by CAMRA members voting for a short list of pubs selling real cider in North London. The Southampton has appeared on the short list on numerous occasions over the last few years but has not quite got there so it’s great for the pub and their hard work that it has finally won'. For more Trad pub wins Cider Award after many years

Marcus Grant (left) receives the 2017 Pub of the Year Award from Steve Barnes, past licensee and winner himself when he co-owned the pub.

4th June 2017

N16, Jans, 18 Northwold. Re-opened over the bank holiday after a number of years closed. Now called the Axe, three cask beers and 16 or more craft keg beers available. In a similar way to the Earl of Essex, there are no pump clips, details available from cards slotted into a board on the wall.

N17, Redemption Brewery. Redemption are opening their first pub but not in our branch. In partnership with the Angelic Pub Company, they will be opening the Angel of Bow on Thursday 8th June. It's at 171 Devons Road, E3, between Mile End and Bromley by Bow. The aim is to open six partnership pubs redeeming closed and dilapidated London pubs.

NW1, Pack & Carriage, 162 Eversholt Street. We have been told that this pub does a 10% CAMRA member discount on their two cask ales.

29th May 2017

N17 Brewheadz Brewery Tap, Unit 16a, Rosebery Industrial Estate, Rosebery Road. The brewery tap room should now be open every Saturday, usual hours seem to be Noon to 8pm but check social media for confirmation.

N19 Landseer, 37 Landseer Road. Now open again after being closed for sometime for a refurbishment. Four cask ales reported including Sambrooks and Redemption.

NW6 Sir Colin Campbell, 264-266 Kilburn High Road. This recently re-opened pub offers a 10% discount for CAMRA members. The three handpumps will soon be joined by another set making available up to five cask ales and a cider.

19th May 2017

N1 Duchess of Kent, 72 Prebend Street. The handpumps are back in use and cask beer is available again. Fullers London Pride and Courage Directors available.

N1 Howl at the Moon, 178 Hoxton Street. The CAMRA discount is no longer available. Cask ale offering reduced to one well kept beer and a greater emphasis on interesting craft keg.

N1 Oxford Arms, 21 Halliford Street. After about 10 years in residential use, this has reopened as the Halliford House, a cocktail bar and restaurant. No cask beer but welcome nonetheless.

N8 One Bourbon Tavern, 4 Topsfield Parade, Tottenham Lane. Now closed after only being open for a short period. The other pub in the chain, in NW6 West Hampstead, remains open with a wide range of interesting craft keg.

NW1 Euston Tap, 190 Euston Road. The orignal lodge on the west side closed for a few days whilst the windows were replaced. They now complement those of the newer east lodge including letting light into the upstairs room.

NW6 Cock Tavern, 125 Kilburn High Road. Twitter reports that the handpumps are now unused. They didn't last long as the pub only re-opened last autumn.

12th May 2017

The Wenlock Arms in Hoxton has won North London’s Pub of the Year, just five years after it looked as if it might close. Saved Pub gets London Accolade

9th May 2017

Lots of pub & brewery news to catch up on, it's been a busy few months, and it's mostly good news for a change! Many of them have been long term closures and re-openings following local compaigns. Details of each pub should be on WhatPub by now. Please let us know of any other news.

N1 Block Brewery c/o Wenlock Arms, 26 Wenlock Road. Now brewing its own beer under the Block Brewery name. It goes rather quickly when it is put on, best bet is apparently on a Tuesday!

N1 Brewery Below, c/o Borough Wines, 344a Essex Road. This new basement brewery has produced its first beer, available from the shop in 5 litre mini kegs.

N1 Green Man, 144a Essex Road. Open again after a refurbishment. The bar as been moved to the side creating a bigger space and it looks like there are some handpumps between the keg fonts so cask ale may be on offer for the first time in many years.

N1 Hen & Chickens, 109 St Pauls Road. Closes on Sunday 7th May for a two week refurbishment.

N1 Hill & Szrok, 8 East Road. Reverts to original name of THREE CROWNS. Now run by the City Pub company, should have at least one beer from the Essex Street Brewery in Temple WC2.

Genevieve Gardiner (right) accepts the Award from John Cryne while the cow looks on!

N1 Prince of Wales, 1a Sudeley Street. After a long term closure, has soft launched (you have to book to visit during this period) as the Plaquemine Lock. It does cask, currently Fullers ESB and Hammertons and food is cajun and creole, ie Louisiana gastro.

N1 Tap Room, 163 Upper Street. The handpumps have been removed and the number of gravity beers in the cool storage unit has been reduced. Reports are that quality has improved, which was pretty good already.

N4 Brouhaha, 501 Green Lanes. Has had a major refurbishment resulting in a much larger and better shaped bar area.

N6 Bull, 13 North Hill. The Bull Brewery was relaunched in March as the Gorgeous Brewery, the name of the owning company. Not to be confused with the Gorgeous Beer Company in Telford!

N7 Wig & Gown, 97-99 Holloway Road. Good news here, the Hammerton Brewery have taken this on as their brewery tap. Only opening at the moment on Arsenal match days, they will formally launch after a full refurbishment, hopefully late May or early June.

N8 Great Northern Railway, 67 High Street. Fullers have spent a large amount of money refurbishing this heritage pub bringing it back to its former glory.

N10 Muswell Hillbilly Brewery, Mews Workshops, 24-26 Avenue Mews. A group of home brewers have moved into a new site just off Muswell Hill Broadway. For sometime they have been selling bottled beers at the regular Ally Pally farmers market, it is thought these were brewed at UBrew in Bermondsey. The Muswell Hill site is open one Saturday a month.

N10 Victoria Stakes, 1 Muswell Hill. After a major fire last year, it re-opened at Easter. Three cask beers available with intentions to add more up to the six handpumps installed as patronage increases.

N16 Lion, 132 Stoke Newington Church Street. After a brief closure, reverts to its original name, Red Lion. Should have at least one handpump, Truman's reported.

N16 Robinson Crusoe, 177 Green Lanes. After a closure and refurbishment, has had a soft opening this week. Now known as Clissold Park Tavern, full opening hours will start this weekend. Hopefully cask ale has been retained.

N19 Landseer, 37 Landseer Road. Currently closed for a major refurbishment.

N19 Whittington Stone, 53 Highgate Hill. Reports suggest it sometimes has cask ale again, Sharp's Doom Bar intermittently.

N22 Bohem Brewery Taproom, 120a Myddleton Road. The Bohem Brewery is based in Whittington Road a short distance away and over the border into Enfield and Barnet CAMRA branch. The taproom opened over Easter and could be considered a micropub. Four keg beers are available including beers brewed by Bohem. Opening at the moment is Thursday evenings and all day Friday and weekends. Check their website for the latest opening times as they assess the trade although it is already proving popular in an area devoid of pubs.

N22 Prince, 1 Finsbury Road. A brewery has been delivered and is stored in the side room awaiting installation.

NW3 St Mary's Church, Elworthy Road. The first bottled beer from them is now available but I've not been able to find out where. It is assumed this is from UBrew but there are plans to install a brewery in the church.

NW5 Camden Town Brewery Tap, 55 Wilkin Street Mews. After a major refubishment of the brewery and tap room related to expansion to a second site in Ponders End, the tap room is now open again. Consequently, the opening hours at the Camdens Daughter has been reduced.

NW5 Dartmouth Arms, 35 York Rise. Re-opened the weekend after Easter and now run by the team from the award winning Chesham Arms in Hackney. Two cask ales at the moment with plans to go to five once the handpumps have been replaced, including a beer from Hammerton always on.

NW6 Sir Colin Campbell. 264-266 Kilburn High Road. Reopened under new management, the same as the Colonel Fawcett in Camden Town. Three handpumps have been installed after many keg years, two cask ales and one cask cider. An Irish restaurant has opened upstairs.

NW8 Clifton, 96 Clifton Hill. Another long term closure, being re-opened in May by brothers Ben and Ed Robson whose history includes running the Horseshoe in Hampstead. Definitely at the foody end of the market, an on-site brewery has been promised.

NW10 Royal Oak, 95 High Street Harlesden. The pub closed earlier this year citing not enough trade and advertised itself as a function venue. They have tweeted they will be opening as normal again from 12th May. The same week, the Harlesden Picture Palace, the Antic pub around the corner, tweeted about a temporary closure whilst they rethink the business. The Green Man across the road is also closed with building work in progress.

Losses:

WC1 Jeremy Bentham, 31 University Street. After a closure and major refurbishment, it has opened as a branch of the Simmons cocktail bar chain. This means no cask ale, a sad loss to what had promise since leaving the Greene King estate and becoming free of tie.

N16 Haunt, 182 Stoke Newington Road. Cask ale now stopped. Manager keen to stock a local beer but not enough turnover to clear a barrel.

25th February 2017

The Prince of Wales was recently added to the CAMRA London Regional Inventory being an historic pub interior of regional importance - https://pubheritage.camra.org.uk/pubs/historic-pub-interior-entry.asp?NatPubID=NLD/6168&Detail=brief It was also discovered that "There are plans for a major refurbishment by Star Bars & Inns – see http://www.starpubs.co.uk/pubs/prince-wales - and a change of name to The Kilburn Arms. The artists impression shows a future exterior proclaiming ‘Good Food & Cask Ale' ”.

15th February 2017

Once the Express Dairy Tea Room, with a milk depot at the rear, the Mossy Well pays homage to its heritage in a number of ways, including a milk float and a cow in the garden (albeit not a real one). But it is another type of liquid that has resulted in the pub gaining an award from CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, namely our Mossy Well Pub of the Season 2016/17

31st January 2017

Tom Copley (centre) receives the Award from Torquil Sligo-Young (left) and CAMRA Regional Director Geoff Strawbridge (right) The campaign to save The Golden Lion in Camden was one of the longest fought by its now owner Dave Murphy, local people and CAMRA. Playing a part in that successful campaign was London Assembly Member, Tom Copley. In recognition of that and his contribution in trying to save London's pubs in general, he was awarded the CAMRA John Young Memorial Award for 2016. The ceremony appropriately took place at the Golden Lion.

27th January 2017

Pat Quinn, who passed away this week, and wife Margaret after winning a lifetime achievement award from licensees

Local legend, pub landlord Pat Quinn has passed away at the grand age of 94. Camden New Journal journalist Dan Carrier writes a fitting memorial to Pat here http://www.camdennewjournal.com/pat-quinn-tributes The pub featured in CAMRA's Good Beer guide for a number of years and Pat's early initiative in bringing beers from Belgium to the attention of a wider audience played a key part in this. Photograph to left courtesy of the Camden New Journal.

12th January 2017

Wetherspoon has embarked on a new project to highlight the history of their pubs across the UK. Many of the company’s pubs are built on the site of interesting and, in several cases, unique buildings. These include former banks, post offices, churches, theatres, cinemas and even an opera house. They are highlighting pubs, with historical connections, on the website https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories and will be adding many more in the months and years ahead.

Rochester Castle One of the pubs chosen is in the North London area – The Rochester Castle in Stoke Newington. Wetherspoon believe this is something that could be of real interest to CAMRA members and they’d love to get them involved: "We’d really appreciate it if you could share this information in any way, such as on your website or in letters/ emails you send out to your members. They are also given the chance to share any stories they have about their local pub, they simply have to email ku.oc.noopsrehtewdj@seirotsihbup, and their information will get added to the pub’s page."

Brewers Association supports London Drinker Festival

The American Brewers Association are supporting the Festival for the first time. BREWERS ASSOCIATION PROUDLY SPONSORS LONDON DRINKER BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL FOR FIRST TIMEThanks to their support the Festival are going to have a great range of American beer, both known and not so known. They will also be hosting a tasting session on the Friday evening. See: http://www.eventsbot.com/events/eb4821353643

News Archive - 2016

26th October 2016

The time came to take our GBG launches to North West London visiting Wetherspoon's J J Moons in Kingsbury on a very pleasant Sunday afternoon in October.

Manager Thomas Vercetti (left) toasts the inclusion of J J Moons, Kingsbury in the 2017 Good Beer Guide with Branch Chairman, John Cryne.

4th October 2016

Following further sterling work by the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum the Freemasons Arms and the Garden Gate in Hampstead have both been listed as Assets of Community Value by Camden Council.

22nd September 2016

It's Good Beer Guide time and we held a splendid launch at The Shaftesbury in Upper Holloway. Claire Holly Davies of North Four came along, see what she has to say about it at http://www.northfour.co/the-shaftesbury-tavern-makes-the-camra-good-beer-guide-2017/ Picture courtesy of North Four/Michael Barry (http://thebarefacedmovement.com/profile-mike.html) shows Joe Bishop (right) celebrating the pub's inclusion with John Cryne of CAMRA. Don't worry if you missed that GBG event because there is another at J J Moons in Kingsbury this Sunday from 3pm.

30th August 2016

The Sir John Balcombe now offers a 50p a pint discount to members. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5965/sir-john-balcombe-london

16th August 2016

Ian Collins (far right) and his team accept the 2016 Summer Pub of the Season Award from John Cryne The Scottish Stores reopened in December 2015 and is already picking up awards as CAMRA North London's Summer Pub of the Season 2016. For more on the pub https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5555/scottish-stores-london

2nd August 2016

The Wenlock Arms https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5523/wenlock-arms-london are to welcome Sussex based, Dark Star Brewing Co. for a week long Tap Takeover during the Great British Beer Festival http://www.gbbf.org.uk/.

Starting on August 9th, The Wenlock,runner-up in the North London 2016 Pub of the Year competition will be serving a wide range of Dark Star beers, from Hophead, through to specials such as their Six Hop and last year’s GBBF Champion Strong Ale, Revelation. The takeover will start on Aug 9th and last for approximately a week…or until all the beer has gone.

22nd July 2016

The Lady Mildmay is now offering CAMRA Members a discount - 50p off a pint of beer or cider, to find all Discounts for CAMRA members just click

Our branch is well off for bottle shops with shelves groaning under the weight of the many London breweries. Growler stations are becoming common allowing you fill up to take home. The good news is that Bottle Dog in Bloomsbury now has a bar on site where you can drink what you have bought. This includes some keg lines and the bottles. Over in Hoxton, the Seven Seasons has obtained a temporary events notice and will become a pub from Wednesday 27th to Sunday 31st July opening between 11am and 10pm each day.

26th June 2016

A little while since the last pub roundup. It looks like it is all kicking off in Holloway!

- Beer Kat opened at 203 Holloway Road in the former Phibbers/12 Bar Club, the latest venture by the Laine pub company. It is hosting pop ups and June weekends from Thursday to Sunday are hosted by the Beavertown Brewery. A huge number of their beers are available on keg but two handpumps on the ground floor dispense real ale, a rarity for Beavertown. Two more weekends and then Siren Brewery take over for the first two weekends of July.

- Towards the top end of Holloway Road, the former keg Irish pub called Quays (417 Holloway Road) re-opens as the Edward Lear run by the Distinct pub company. Promoted as a community pub serving food, real ale features including from the local Hammerton Brewery.

- Shillibeers (1 Carpenters Mews, North Road) has been taken over by the West Berkshre Brewery and their beers are now available there.

Over in Belsize Park the Load of Hay opens after a period of closure and reverts back to its original name. Back to basics here with beer and food being the focus and an on site brewery to be commissioned soon.

As well as being in the list for our next Pub of the Season, the Scottish Stores in Kings Cross has been added to our LocAle list. As well as selling local beers, cider on handpump is available and CAMRA members can get 10% off on production of their valid membership card.

10th June 2016

One of our previous Pubs of the Year, the Snooty Fox, has been listed as an Asset of Community Value, congratulations to all the Snooty Fox's Supporters. https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5619/snooty-fox-canonbury

31st May 2016

CAMRA North London Summer Pub of the Season .......... We are once again asking North London members to take just a couple of minutes to support our pubs. We would like you to vote from a short list of 5 pubs. Simply go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LBMVQXF to find out the candidates and to vote. Closing date for voting is 30th June.

10th May 2016

The long-awaited public enquiry into the illegal demolition of the Carlton Tavern starts on May 17 at 10am at Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street SW1E 6QP. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Westminster+City+Hall/@51.4975395,

We have been advised by Westminster Council that a big attendance by the community is very important on the first day of the enquiry. Even if you cannot stay long, your presence at the beginning of the enquiry is very important. So please join us there! Please turn up at 9.15 outside City Hall to join us in protesting at the vandalism of CLTX in knocking down our pub. (The nearest underground station is Victoria. The number 16 and 36 buses also go to Victoria.). See you on 17 May! Rob Cope for Friends of the Carlton Tavern

9th May 2016

More smiles at the runner-up award ceremony for our Pub of the Year competition at The Wenlock Arms Ian Screeton (L) and Marcus Grant (R) are all smiles on receiving their 2016 Pub of the Year Runner-up Award from John Cryne.

20th April 2016

It was all smiles at The Bree Louise as the presentation took place of the North London Pub of the Year Award for 2016. Craig and Karen Douglas with son George receive their Award from John Cryne

16th March 2016

The Maynard Arms Hornsey now offers Discounts for CAMRA members Mon-Fri 10% off.

12th March 2016

Missed from last week's pubs update, the Cuckoo in Barnsbury (115 Hemingford Road N1) is now open again as a pub after a time as an Indian restaurant and closure. It has had a long soft opening but is now aiming to open normal hours. The beer is from the Ripple Steam brewery in Kent as the landlord used to work there.

5th March 2016

Cake & Ale tasting - Tues 26 April, Snooty Fox N5

"Dost thou think because thou art virtuous there shall be no more cakes and ale?" said Sir Toby in Shakespeare's Twelve Night. Well whether you are virtuous or not, you can join a wonderful tasting of beers and cakes hosted by the North London Branch of CAMRA.

There will be five different beers paired with five different cakes by Beer Writer, Beer Judge and Master Trainer, Christine Cryne. Christine said, "I did this combination for the first time at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC and it went down a storm. Attendees are in for a real delight."

The event starts at 8pm in the upstairs room of the Snooty Fox and will last about an hour. The Snooty is easy to get to, being opposite Canonbury Overland Station.

To order your ticket (for only 10 pounds members; 12 pounds non members), simply go to http://www.eventsbot.com/events/eb387631571 or send a cheque paid payable to John Cryne at 10 Sneyd Road, London NW2 6AN. NB Tickets are non refundable as the beer and cake has to be purchased in advance.

4th March 2016

It's a little while since we've included pub updates, so there are few to catch up on.

Starting at the very bottom of the branch, the Three Crowns (8 East Road N1) is now Hill & Szrok. Not for vegetarians, it links with the Smithfield butchers with the pub cooking what they sell. Fortunately a selection of real ales remains on the bar.

The North Pole (188-190 New North Road N1) is now transforming into North by North West, a tribute to Alfred Hitchcock and the nearby Gainsborough film studios. Now run by the team from the Alma on Newington Green Road, expect changes to the beer range as they settle in.

The Dissenting Academy (92 Mildmay Park N1) is a large pub overlooking Newington Green. It has been through a number of changes recently and after a closure for a refurbishment emerges as the Lady Mildmay. Now run by the group behind the Tufnell Park Tavern.

Over in Finsbury Park, the development zone continues to appear north of the station and local pubs are changing to encompass the new influx. The Blackstock sits by a busy junction on Seven Sisters Road and has just reopened after a makeover. Now with see through windows, it even has three real ales on after many years as a keg pub. No doubt a busy place on Arsenal match days.

The Wetherspoon pub sell off continues and two of their pubs in our branch have been affected. The White Lion of Mortimer in Stroud Green and the Gatehouse in Highgate have both been purchased by Urban Pubs & Bars. The Gatehouse is still closed for a refurbishment but the White Lion is now open again in its new format and minus the heraldry. As expected, prices for the real ales are significantly more than when under the Wetherspoon umbrella.

In the offing is another real ale outlet in Holloway. The Quays on Holloway Road is transforming into the Edward Lear under the Distinct Pubs group, which currently run the Prince Albert in Camden Town, the Three Compasses in Hornsey and the Adam & Eve in Mill Hill. Expect real beer at last in another former keg only pub.

27th February 2016

The Scottish Stores now offers members a 10% discount. http://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5555/scottish-stores-london

13th February 2016

CAMRA's 2016 London Drinker Festival has done collaboration brew with the London Brewing Company for the March Beer Festival to celebrate local member’s near death recovery!

Tom Kearney, who lives in Hampstead, was hit by a bendy bus whilst on an Oxford Street pavement in December 2009. The impact cracked his skull, popped both his lungs and threw him 20 feet. When paramedics arrived, they could not find a pulse and it was only the skills of the doctors that kept him alive. In mid January, Tom finally woke up from a coma. Over the next few months, whilst in hospital, he had to learn again how to speak, walk, eat and drink. Eventually he was allowed home to recover and then his neighbour, the writer Al Alvarez, gave him a piece of life-changing advice. Alvarez, author of Pondlifeas, a swimming diary, told Tom to get himself into Highgate Men’s Pond saying ‘If a Bendy Bus can’t kill you, the Ponds certainly won’t. Besides, I think it will make you better.” Taking Al’s advice, from September 2011 Tom started swimming regularly in the Pond and was gradually joined by friends to form a group of 40 hardy souls, swimming in all weathers.

Christine Cryne, Festival Publicity Officer, said, ‘We were looking for someone who had a great tale to tell to come and brew with us. We loved this story, which was sent to us by Tom’s friend Paul Mylrea. We were also taken by the name of the group, the ‘East German Ladies Swimming Team’, despite the fact they are all middle-aged professional men! Paul told us that the name came from a partner of one of the swimmers. Instead of praising the fortitude of her man and his friends, she compared them to the 1976 East German Ladies Swimming Team. They were known for their physique at the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal thanks, in large part, to cocktails of banned substances. It made us smile to hear that this swimming group decided to follow this Team’s spirit and instead of banned substances, they chose beer, what else? They regularly visit the pubs in Highgate & Hampstead after the plunge’. The celebration beer was brewed at the London Brewing Company’s micro brewery at the Bull, Highgate. The beer is an American Brown Ale, in honour of Tom's heritage (he is originally from Maine, USA) and is called ‘Highgate Lifebuoy’ in honour of the good that the Highgate Pond did in aiding Tom’s recovery. Tom was there to assist in brewing his very own beer and said 'I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about a pint than I've ever learned from all the years of drinking the stuff!' The beer will be available from early March at the Bull and London Drinker Beer Festival at the Camden Centre, King’s Cross (2-4th March), just a short tube ride from the Bull and the Pond.

23rd January 2016

The King William IV in Hampstead has been added to the list of pubs giving CAMRA members a discount. Show your valid membership card at any time and you will get 20p off a pint. The beers usually available are Courage Directors and Fullers London and often a seasonal beer from Caledonian.

The 12 Bar Club on Holloway Road has had another delivery of bottled beer from the Stubborn Mule Brewery of Altrincham, their only outlet outside of their Manchester home area.

Branch Member Laurence Fryer is to launch a new bottle shop in Hoxton this weekend. The Seven Seasons is at 195 Hoxton Street, just down from the Howl at the Moon, and will have over 200 beers to choose from.

8th January 2016

Another new year and the beer events start rolling in again. The Snooty Fox has their beer festival over the first weekend of February, expect the usual fine selection of beers from around the country.

Another annual beano is down the road at the Hops & Glory. Tuesday 26th January sees Australia Day celebrated in fine style including meet the brewer from Stone and Wood Brewery in Byron Bay NSW. Expect beers from them, Coopers, Little Creatures, James Boags and loads more. Aussie food as well from the BBQ.

Next weekend starting on Thursday 14th is a pop-up Keller bar as part of the Lumiere Festival. Being held at the new Kings Cross development around Granary Square behind the station, expect interesting European beers.

The annual JD Wetherspoon London Beer Festival seems to be taking place again this year but details are sketchy. The North London week starts on Monday 8th February. Hopefully more details as we find them but keep a look out for the booklets in their London pubs.

5th January 2016

Stoke Newington seems to have had a number of changes recently. It's always good to start with a new cask outlet. What used to be the Fox Reformed wine bar and more recently just the Fox has now changed into the Fox & Pie after a refurbishment. Now run by those behind the Newman Arms in Fitzrovia W1, it's mostly a food place selling those pies but it is also a bar you can drink in. There is one cask ale, London Pride, at a very reasonable 3 pounds a pint and up to eight keg beers and lagers. Address is 176 Stoke Newington Church Street.

Further along opposite the Lion, One Two Five Church Street has been open for a few months. A cafe during the day and a bar later on, it has six craft keg taps on including London breweries such as 40FT from Dalston and Brew By Numbers from Bermondsey. Beer range varies, as do the opening hours. You can guess the address.

Another change further along is the Daniel Defoe owned by Wells of Bedford. Now run buy the Yummy Pub Co it's been refurbished and called the Stoke Newington Tea House. It specialises in tea during the day but on the large metal topped bar, eight handpumps serve a selection of Wells beers and some guests, and on the wall at the back, twelve keg taps serve a range of keg beers from a range to local or national beers.

Round the corner and a bit further down from the Rochester Castle, Stokey Bears is still serving four craft keg beers. Primarily a burger restaurant, the bar at the back usually sells at least two beers from the Bear Hug brewery in South East London and guest beers such as Beavertown. You can drink in the bar area at the back or the seats by the front windows and you don't have to eat.

News Archive - 2015

5th December 2015

The Resting Hare in Bloomsbury is now open. Sister pub to the Holborn Whippet, expect four real ales and lots of craft keg. It's on Upper Woburn Place, the ground floor of the County Hotel. The former County Bar on the right is now the Upper Fleet Bakery and the Resting Hare is to the left of the foyer. At the moment, only open weekdays with food and weekend opening to come in the new year.

A re-opening this time, the Hops & Glory on Essex Road, Islington is now open again after a refurbishment and upgrade of the kitchen. Business as usual and that includes the in house Solvay Society brewery.

News comes through of an exciting project in Kings Cross. The Flying Scotsman, 2-4 Caledonian Road is being restored to its former 1901 glory. It is on the CAMRA National Inventory of listed interiors. The strippers have gone and it will re-open as a real ale pub selling up to 8 London brewed beers. The interior is starting to look stunning. Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheScottishStoresLondon/ or Twitter on https://twitter.com/ScottishStores

Craft keg beer may not be to everyones taste but it does get interesting and local beers into new places such as wine bars, restaurants and clubs. The latest place is Yield N16 overlooking Newington Green which opened last weekend. Styling itself as a wine shop with charcuterie, cheese and craft beer, five keg beers are available from the likes of Hammerton, Five Points and Crate. 44/45 Alliance House, Newington Green or yieldn16.com

2nd December 2015

Full details of London Pubs Group crawl of Camden and Euston including map now available.

24th November 2015

Branch events for December and January now on the Diary page.

28th October 2015

The branch celebrated CAMRA's Cider Month by a tasting at the Pineapple in Kentish Town (http://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6101/pineapple-kentish-town). If you missed it, you can read all about it here: Cider & Cheese Tasting 2015.

16th October 2015

The big profile opening this week is the Village pub in Muswell Hill which is the latest Wetherspoons, called the Mossy Well. It's what you would expect from the chain and opens in time for their beer festival which should have now started. A welcome addition to an area that has lost a number of pubs in recent years.

Another area that has lost many pubs is Tottenham and just as important is the re-opening of the Olive Tree, 169 Park Lane, N17. No real ale unfortunately.

Another new opening with no real ale is Dog Eat Dog in Islington (29-31 Essex Road, N1). The latest bar from Brew Dog, it's more foody than other branches but promised are 12 draft craft beers and 25 bottles.

We have heard that the Flying Scotsman on Caledonian Road has closed for a refurbishment. You would probably not notice it due to other distractions but it is a Grade II listed building and on the CAMRA Regional Inventory of pubs with historic interiors. If anyone has any information about what is planned, please let us know so we can keep the London Pubs Group informed.

9th October 2015

A few re-openings in Islington after refurbishment, both selling beers from London brewpubs. The Alma in Chapel Market has reopened and sells beers from the One Mile End brewery in Whitechapel, both on cask and keg.

On New North Road, the North Pole opened two weeks ago. It's in the same pub chain as the Antelope in Surbiton so often has beers from the Big Smoke brewery at the Antelope otherwise beers are usually from other London breweries.

The Tap Takeovers at the Bree Louise in Euston start again with Wild Weather brewery on Monday 19th October. Halloween is celebrated by a beer festival from 24th October to 1st November featuring over 30 spooky brews.

At the Bank of Friendship in Highbury (226 Blackstock Road N5), all cask ales will be from the Caledonian Brewery from Friday 23rd October to Saturday 7th November. £3.50 pint with 10% discount for CAMRA card holding members.

8th October 2015

North London Branch announces its Cider of the Pub of the Year, which goes to the Cider Tap in Euston. Cider Pub of the Year.

30th September 2015



The North London branch held a couple of local launches for the 2016 Good Beer Guide at three new entries into the Guide. One evening covered 2 Kentish Town pubs, the Grafton and the Lion & Unicorn with the following week at the Duke's Head in Highgate. You can purchase a copy at the new guide at: https://shop.camra.org.uk/books/goodbeerguide2016.html.





31st August 2015

The Monarch on Green Lanes N16, just up from Newington Green, has been empty and gutted for a while. Good news comes through that it is now open again as the Winnicott. The most striking difference is the outside paintwork has been stripped back to reveal the original tiling underneath. Early days yet but three real ales available (two from Adnams + a guest).

But disappointing to hear that the Alma, Chapel Market, N1 has closed without warning.

21st August 2015

Your pub matters - join the debate next week....We will be answering questions on Twitter and Facebook between 2 and 3pm using the Hashtag #ThisPubMatters. Our Twitter Handle is @CAMRA_Official.

19th August 2015

The Shaftesbury Tavern, has scooped CAMRA North London's Pub of The Summer Season Award. For more Upper Holloway Pub takes local award!

John Cryne and Joe Bishop have a friendly face-off at pub of the Season Award ceremony

14th August 2015

Evening Crawl of Highgate and Kentish Town Details of 19 August Pub Crawl are now available.

The Bull in Highgate will be having a party on Saturday 22nd August to celebrate 4 years of the company. Along with the usual full range of beers (with 1 pound per pint going to charity), there will be a BBQ, live music and a "swearing on the horns" ceremony. Starts 12 noon.

The new manager at the Dissenting Academy by Newington Green reports a greater emphasis on beer including from Laines Brewery and others in London. Sign up for their free Ale Club mailing list and you can have a pint of beer for 3 pounds at any time. Website: http://dissentingacademy.pub/

The Yorkshire Grey in Holborn becomes the latest addition to the LocAle scheme. It's a long time since it was a brewpub so the LocAle beers currently come from the London Beer Factory in Gipsy Hill and East London in Leyton.

The Yorkshire Grey also joins the list of pubs offering a discount to CAMRA members producing a valid membership card. In this case, it is 20% off the real ales. Also joining is the Bank of Friendship on Blackstock Road in Highbury which are offering 40p off to CAMRA members for guest ales that are not already promotional.

7th August 2015

The Hops & Glory in Islington (382 Essex Road, N1) will be having a "demolition party" on Saturday 8th August to clear the bar of drink. They will close for a refurbishment for about five week including expanding the in-house brewery.

Sponsored by Redemption Brewery, artist Lewis Hazelwood-Horner is having an exhibition from 10th to 16th August in the St Pancras Church crypt on Euston Road. Open from 9am to 7pm each day, it contains many London brewery and pub paintings along with other work places in action.

Back by popular demand, we have arranged another cheese and beer tasting at the Pineapple, Kentish Town on Tuesday 6th October as part of the branch's celebrations of cider and perry. Tickets are now available at: http://www.eventsbot.com/events/eb217057495. It always sells out so don't leave it too long. Non members are welcome.

31st July 2015

The Gipsy Queen in Gospel Oak (166 Malden Road NW5) will be having a Meet the Brewer evening on Tuesday 4th August from 6pm. The brewer this time is from Trumans. They also now offer a Discounts for CAMRA members of 10% at all times and that between 12-5pm every day, all real ales are £3 for everyone.

Some changes in Crouch Hill where the Noble relaunches as the Hopsmiths. It is now run by the Late Knights brewery of Penge, their first venture north of the river. Opposite Crouch Hill station on the Gospel Oak to Barking Overground line, it is just up from the Stapleton and Old Dairy, a welcome addition to the area.

Over in the south-western corner of our branch, the Globe (47 Lisson Grove, NW1) relaunches into a good beer pub. Just up the road from Marylebone station it opened yesterday offering a selection of real ales but also a large selection of "craft" keg, bottles and even cans, most from the London area.

24th July 2015

Following our social on Tuesday around Hornsey, the Great Northern Railway Tavern, 67 High Street N8, has qualified for the LocAle scheme. A local beer is served alongside interesting ones from around the country, XT 4 was available on Tuesday. http://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5705/great-northern-railway-tavern-hornsey

20th July 2015

CIDER Pub of the Year 2015 - Voting is now open to select the North London Cider Pub of the Year. The candidates are Cider Tap NW1; Dukes Head N6; John Baird N10; Queens Head WC1 and Southampton Arms NW5. To vote, click on the link, voting closes on the 24th August, only CAMRA members can vote.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2CS35N7

14th July 2015

Good news - The Railway at West Hampstead has now re-opened after the conversion of upper stories to flats. http://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6134/railway-west-hampstead

13th July 2015

Another community pub under threat, The Bailey on Holloway Road. Islington Council has listed it as an Asset of Community Value, but the developer is appealing. Sign the petition here to support the ACV, https://www.change.org/p/islington-council-protect-the-bailey-pub-in-holloway

13th July 2015

Come to our Annual General Meeting and hear Dan Fox of London Brewing Co share his views and thoughts with us.

27th June 2015

It's been fairly quiet on the news front but The Gipsy Queen in Kentish Town (166 Malden Road) opened on Friday 26th, 6pm onwards. Having been through a few changes in recent years, this time it is being run by the same team as the Grafton in Kentish Town.

Also, the Raulway in West Hampstead should hopefully be opening again after a long closure. The floor space has been reduced to make room for access to upstairs and they are aiming to also open on Friday 26th.

8th June 2015

Voting is now open to CAMRA members for our next Pub of the Season Award, to vote click here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NKJH3FC Candidates are Earl Haig Hall N8, Westbury N22, North London Tavern NW6, Shaftesbury N19 and Rosemary Branch N1.

26th May 2015

Feedback from local members that Quinns Camden Town and The Tap Room N1 are both offering Discounts for CAMRA members of 20p off a pint.

18th May 2015

Over the Spring Bank Holiday (Thu 21st - Mon 25th May), the Shaftesbury in Upper Holloway will be having its first beer festival, London Calling, celebrating beer and cider from our capital. Over the same Bank Holiday starting on Friday 22nd and covering a larger area, the Hops & Glory on Essex Road will be having a "Saison's Greetings" festival. As you can guess, a large range of Saison beers from the UK and Belgium will be available including two from the in house Solvay Society brewery and the return of a Hops & Glory beer brewed on the same plant.

Another Remarkable Restaurants pub gets added to our LocAle scheme through beers from their Dragonfly Brewery in Acton. This time it is the Rosemary Branch in Islington, 2 Shepperton Road. This joins The Antwerp Arms, N17 which has also been accredited becoming, in effect, the tap room for Redemption.

13th May 2015

Regulars gather to demonstrate their anger at The Admiral Mann's closure.

A pending planning application to redevelop The Admiral Mann has met with a massive thumbs-down by those who once counted it as their local. The Admiral Mann pub off Brecknock Road in N7 was until last autumn a vibrant hub in the community - hosting charity events, darts teams and its own football club – but today it languishes as a token charity shop awaiting the developers to move in. Locals showed their disdain last week about the current state-of-affairs when nearly a hundred people turned-up outside the pub to register their opposition.

3rd May 2015

Christine Cryne (left with certificate) helps the Tapping team celebrate their success in the CAMRA North London 2015 Pub of the Year competition. Tapping the Admiral, near Kentish Town West Station, has been awarded Pub of the Year by the North London Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. Christine Cryne, from the local branch, said, 'This is the fifth time in the last six years that a pub in Kentish Town has won this award, proving that Kentish Town is one of the very best places in London for pubs and to drink good beer'. Tapping the Admiral makes it five out of six for Kentish Town pubs

25th April 2015

And now the bad news, while your webmaster was recuperating, the vandals hit - and demolished the Carlton Tavern, Kilburn. We are grateful to the West End Extra for their coverage http://www.westendextra.com/news/2015/apr/real-ale-campaign-and-residents%E2%80%99-group-demand-answers-shock-pub-demolition And, for once, we would say that the graffiti is 100% justified.

25th April 2015

Apologies for a lack of news in recent weeks due to illness but hopefully normal service will now resulme and lets start with a great story - North London's First Community Pub opened at Noon on Friday 24 April. The real ale is from Redemption. Likely opening times 12-23 Mon-Sat and to 22.30 Sun. The following (bank holiday) weekend there will be all sorts of events, including a balloon race and live music - see the website http://www.antwerparms.co.uk/ for details. Antwerp Arms, 168-170 Church St, N17 8AS - trains to White Hart Lane, or a tube to Seven Sisters then a bus to Tottenham Sports Centre.

2nd March 2015

The draught beer list for next week's London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival can now be downloaded by going to the Festival pages.

27th February 2015

As the Golden Lion roars across the finish line. drinkers in Camden Town, indeed across London, raised their glasses in celebration at the news that The Golden Lion has been saved from destruction by being bought by licensee Dave Murphy. Sometimes the good guys do win.

Dave Murphy centre right in short blue sleeved shirt and the team. Camden New Journal, 3rd September 2014.

23rd February 2015

The Stapleton Tavern 2-4 Crouch Hill, N4 4AU is now offering a 10% discount to CAMRA members on cask beers http://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5609/stapleton-tavern-finsbury-park

11th February 2015

The Beehive Tottenham Pub is a First in winning CAMRA North London's Winter 2014/15 Pub of the Sesaon Award, the first pub in Tottenham to do so.

Ian McLaren (CAMRA left) presents Alex Abyad with the Beehive's Award.

8th February 2015

North London Branch is now in the process of choosing our Pub of the Year. We have a short list of 5 pubs: Bull, N6; New Rose, N1; Queen's Head, WC1; Railway Tavern, N16 and Tapping the Admiral, NW1. Any CAMRA member can vote; go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JQCPZQ9

27th January 2015

We now have the initial list of London beers confirmed for the London Drinker Beer Festival see: https://www.facebook.com/events/1005870879429105/?fref=ts

22nd January 2015

Two LocAle Pubs to add, the Alma in Newington Green and the Shaftesbury in Crouch End, the latter selling beers from the Dragonfly Brewery in Acton. Both offer Discounts for CAMRA members

The latest news from the Bree Louise in Euston reports that following from a Tiny Rebel take over, this week will see beers from Titanic with 17 different ones promised. February sees the start of the Six Nations and from the 5th there will be 6 beers direct from Italy. We'll be having a social at the Bree for the final matches day, Saturday 21st March.

Also in Euston, the Royal George on Eversholt Street will be a holding a Meet The Brewer session with Portobello Brewery on Thursday 22nd January from 6pm. Free samples available and a charity raffle for the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

More international beers, this time at the Hops & Glory in Canonbury. On Monday 26th January, Australia Day is being celebrated in traditional style with a BBQ in the garden, Lamingtons and authentic beer from Australia. In February, Friday 20th will see the launch of the recently installed Solvay Society brewery which moved from Walthamstow. Confirmation and further details to follow.

9th January 2015

The Bedford Tavern in Holloway (160 Seven Sisters Road) is now selling real ale, a single handpump was installed before Christmas with Hackney NZ Pale Ale being the first beer. In the short time it has been open, it has been getting good reviews including Bar of the Week in the latest Time Out.

18th December 2014

Dixie Dean (left) receives his Award from John Cryne at The Prince Arthur

Retired licensee Dixie Dean received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North London Branch following his retirement from The Prince Arthur earlier this year. It was the final event forming a part of the the branch's 40th Birthday celebrations.

9th December 2014

A joint celebration of the Branch's 40th Birthday and the 35th Birthday of Wetherspoon's was held at The Rochester Castle, Stoke Newington. Wetherspoon's kindly put on a buffet and offered members 50p off a pint all evening. After the buffet, those present enjoyed a Pub Quiz and festive charades. Chairman John Cryne presented a commemorative certificate to the pub.

Happy Christmas and joint Happy Birthdays at The Rochester castle. Photo Gillian Evans gillian@cameraanddesign.co.uk

28th November 2014

Catching up on other new openings, in Stoke Newington, Stokey Bears has opened as a burger bar (129 Stoke Newington High Street, N16). The main feature is the burger menu but drinkers are welcome and there is a small bar area at the rear with plans to expand sideways. The beers are provided by the Bear Hug brewery from Nunhead in South East London. They don't have a brewery yet and cuckoo their beers elsewhere, mostly at the Ramsgate Brewery but also in Austria for their Bruno Lager. The beers are craft keg only at the moment but are good examples of the genre.

O'Neills is the last vestige of the 90s when fake oirish bars were all the rage and, even now, the chain is only slowing falling in numbers. The latest conversion is O'Neills in Islington at 59 Upper Street which has been refurbished and opens as the Radicals and Victuallers.

23th November 2014

CAMRA's 2015 London Drinker Festival is once again doing a collaboration brew with the London Brewing Company for the March Beer Festival but this time the beer is bound to be snappy!

The Festival is one if the very few to produce their own home cooked food and this year they will be having a number of exotic burgers on sale such as alligator. They are asking all of the local CAMRA members, who are under 30, to suggest which beer style would go best with this burger and come up with a name for the beer. They are also asking for ideas on what the beer should be called. The people who give the best suggestion in each category will invited along to brew at the Bull in Highgate in February. See Make it snappy!.

23rd November 2014

In the area between Holloway and Finsbury Park, the Bedford Tavern has reopened. It's at 160 Seven Sisters Road, and it's early days yet with a soft opening. There is a good bottled range and craft keg with real ale to follow, food is available. One to watch in an area with few pubs left.

The Elixir Bar in Euston (162 Eversholt Street, previously the Carriage and Rowleys) repositioned itself recently as a craft beer pub. The cocktail bar image has gone and a more basic style comes in. Last week the two handpumps were offering beers from the Siren and Moor breweries, the latter known for its cloudy unfined beer and both having a good reputation. There is also a good selection of craft keg including some limited edition beers from London breweries. Cider fans will be happy with two boxes of Westons ciders on the bar. Basic details at http://www.elixirbar.co.uk/

The Canonbury in Canonbury (21 Canonbury Place, N1) gets added to the LocAle list after its recent survey. Sambrooks Wandle is usually available.

10th November 2014

On Thursday 20th November, the Grafton in Kentish Town is having a tap take over with Truman's Brewery. Brewers will be on site from 7pm to 9pm.

The latest addition to the LocAle scheme is the Leconfield on Green Lanes in Newington Green. This revitalised mock Tudor pub sells a range of local beers alongside guest beers from further afield.

29th October 2014

CAMRA members and cider & perry drinkers celebrated Cider & Perry Month by awarding the Winners (Bree Louise) and Runner-up (Cider Tap) Awards in the North London 2014 Cider Pub of the Year competition.

Craig Douglas accepts the North London Cider Pub of the Year Award from Jess Marsh.

Dave Kennedy, Hector Estevez and Saara Mattinen looking happy at receiving CAMRA North London's 2014 Cider Pub of the Year Runner-up Award from John Cryne

17th October 2014

Two re-openings to announce this week. In Wood Green, the Westbury (57 Westbury Avenue, N22) opened last weekend. A sister pub to the Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington, a wide range of beers is available including a number from Redemption. It's in an area with little real ale so should do well and hopefully kick-start other pubs to think about offering it. Turnpike Lane underground station is the nearest, about a 10 minute walk away.

In Crouch End, the Shaftesbury re-opens this weekend after a make over. It's run by the Remarkable Restaurants chain and will include beers from the Dragonfly brewery located in their pub at Acton.

16th October 2014

Following on from our cider and cheese tasting at the Pineapple, they will be having a beer and cider festival over the Halloween weekend starting on Friday 31st October. As usual, the barrels are on the stillage in the garden.

The Leconfield (Green Lanes, N16) is having an ale festival celebrating the best of British. Starting on Monday 13th October, it lasts through to Sunday 19th October.

The Prince Albert in Camden Town is having a beer festival from Sunday 19th to Friday 24th October. You have a chance to request your favourite beers, send an email to moc.nedmactreblaecnirp@ofni before 12th October. CAMRA members will get an additional 20p off each pint.

The Shaftesbury in Crouch End (534 Hornsey Road) will reopen on Thursday 16th October after an extensive refurbishment. Run by the Remarkable Restaurants chain, it will include beers from the Dragonfly Brewery at one of their pubs in Acton. To celebrate the opening, CAMRA members are welcome from 5pm on that evening for some complimentary drinks and nibbles.

6th October 2014

We are looking for the next Winter North London Pub of the Season and we'd like your help to choose. A list has been put together of pubs that are trying hard and an award such as this can help them as the winning pub does get local publicity. So do take a couple of minutes to vote. The shortlist of four pubs are: Beehive N17, Bluebell NW5, Devonshire House N8, Lion & Unicorn NW5. The closing date for the voting is 30th October 2014. Only CAMRA members can vote!

Please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VLZGQGX

22nd September 2014

The Wenlock Arms and The Beehive become the latest members of CAMRA's LocAle Pubs scheme.

19th September 2014

A pub in Kentish Town has celebrated winning one of the most sought after awards in the drinks industry after being crowned the Great British Pub of the Year 2014. http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/kentish_town_pub_wins_great_british_pub_of_the_year_2014_1_3774142

9th September 2014

And The Duke's Head becomes the latest member of CAMRA's LocAle Pubs scheme.

26th August 2014

Celebrations at the Duke's Head, Highgate, CAMRA North London's Autumn Pub of the Season. Picture (by Steve Newton) shows from left to right -Lottie Judge (Bar Manager), Tom Harrison (General Manager), John Cryne (CAMRA), Tarik Nashnush, Martin Aberdeen (Owners). The team at The Duke's accept their Autumn Pub of the Season Award from Branch Chairman John Cryne. Picture by Steve Newton.

19th August 2014

Residents of N7 are up in arms at the decision of McMullen's Brewery of Hertford to sell their local, The Admiral Mann, for possible redevelopment and peremptorily close the pub this weekend. The Save the Admiral Mann campaign group are aiming to get the pub listed as an Asset of Community value. Click on the previous link for more detail. Sign the petition here http://tinyurl.com/k2vm4ah

Local residents gather outside the Admiral Mann to protest at its sale and impending closure.

18th August 2014

Well, the Great British Beer Festival is over so back to normal! Bank Holiday weekends always turn out busy and this August one is not going to be any different. The Hops & Glory in Islington is having an IPA festival, see the press release in the Files section at Yahoo. Even better, CAMRA members will be able to have pints of real ale at three pounds.

Just up the road in Stoke Newington, the White Hart will be having a beer and cider festival, no details yet, but going by the last one in the yard out the back, it will be be very busy and hopefully the weather will hold out so the extensive garden can be used.

31st July 2014

Voting has now commenced to choose CAMRA North London's Cider Pub of the Year. There is a shortlist of five pubs, Bree Louise and Cider Tap both NW1, Queen's Head WC1, Southampton Arms NW5 and John Baird N10. Voting is open to CAMRA members here https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WYZVQF5 The closing date for the voting is Monday 25th August.

18th July 2014

It's well known that London is riding on a flood of new breweries and beer so a new event is taking this under one umbrella. The London Beer City week takes place from Saturday 9th to Saturday 16th August and includes brewery open days, pub crawls, beer tastings and of course GBBF at Olympia http://gbbf.org.uk/ Full programme on their website at http://www.londonbeercity.com/

11th July 2014

The Gatehouse in Highgate, one of the earlier Wetherspoon pubs, will be 21 on Saturday 19th July and they will be having a 90s party. Expect pub games, food and drink deals, children's entertainment, prizes to be won and music from The Beautiful Game.

The Pineapple in Kentish Town will be celebrating at the end of August with a cider festival from 29th to 31st August. Expect about a dozen ciders and perries. Before then they will have the first beers from the new Hardhead brewery in Cornwall. The brewer will be in attendance in the evenings of Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st July to talk about two of their beers, Hardhead Best and Hardhead IPA, both of which will be available. And we should also bid a sad farewell to Simon Rennie who has left the pub after a long stint, moving down to Brighton.

Also from Cornwall, the Firebrand brewery will be showcasing three of their beers at the Tapping the Admiral in Kentish Town on Thursday 7th August from 6pm. Three of them will be available.

The campaign to keep the Golden Lion in Camden Town open continues but in the meantime real ale is now available. Sharps Doom Bar was available this weekend following on from St Austell Tribute. It's worth going in at a quieter time to appreciate the heritage of the pub especially the splendid bar back and the rare to see non-electronic cash register!

9th July 2014

Every two months, the North London Branch sends details of changes taking place to pubs in the Branch area to London Drinker magazine. Because of space constraints, it is not possible for LD to reproduce the submission in full but you can find it here Capital Pubcheck Updates

24th June 2014

Hampstead pub wins special award from CAMRA. Locals and CAMRA members alike raised their glasses when the Duke of Hamilton was presented with a special award from the North London branch last night in celebration of the branch's 40th birthday Duke of Hamilton 40th

24th June 2014

During the 18th and 19th centuries Highgate village was probably best known for its strange drinking custom known as the Swearing on the Horns. The custom returns on 4th July! Hornsey Round Table members invite customers at The Bull pub to give a 'fine' to the judge and his clerk, who will be dressed in traditional costume. Fines will be donated to The London Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy. Download this to find out how to Kiss the maiden at The Bull! and contribute.

After a few false starts last year, the Queens Head in Kings Cross (66 Acton Street, WC1) now has its first beer available, Premium Bitter 5.9%. The brewery has been tweaked and should now be in regular production for small runs on real ale and keg beers.

16th June 2014

The Robinson Crusoe in Stoke Newington on Green Lanes reopened recently as Tommy Flynns, part of their chain. It usually has a couple of beers on and now has a 10% discount for card carrying CAMRA members.

13th June 2014

Last week the Branch had a beer and chocolate tasting as part of its 40th birthday celebrations. To see what combinations they tasted seeBeer & Chocolate Tasting.

12th June 2014

Save the Alex! The planning application is now in to convert the Alexandra on Fortis Green into two private dwellings. If you want to object (to change of use from a public house) you should do so now, using the attached Haringey planning application website below: http://www.planningservices.haringey.gov.uk/portal/servlets/ApplicationSearchServlet?PKID=273974 Click on the comment on application button, and remember to click on the object to application button in the Nature of Submission section, and put change of use in your comment section as your reason for objecting. Also forward this to anyone else you think might be interested in saving the Alex as a local boozer!

11th June 2014

The Parcel Yard is "Best Station Pub in the World" according to the International Food and Beverage Creative Excellence Awards (FAB) 2014 seeing off tough competition from entrants across the world including Paris Gare de Lyon, SSP France, and Montreux Jazz Café at this year's FAB Awards.

Jonathon Swaine, Managing Director for Fuller's Inns, said: "This is an incredible accolade for The Parcel Yard and for Fuller's. We are immensely proud of our station pubs and are delighted that our continued focus on delivering quality food with first class beer has now been recognised on an international level." The Parcel Yard's win came as a double honour for Network Rail at London King's Cross as the station also won the award for Best Overall Food and Beverage offer at a Railway Station.

8th June 2014

It seems to be festival season. The Crouch End Festival starts on Friday 6th lasting through until Sunday 15th. At the same time, the Maynard in Park Road is having a beer festival with the five handpumps in action along with six barrels on the gravity stillage. Around 20 ales will be sold during the festival highlighting London brewers. Details of the Crouch End Festival at http://www.crouchendfestival.org/

This weekend sees the Stoke Newington Literary Festival. Saturday includes a talk about the Craft Cider Revolution and Sunday has a Beer and Music matching session in the evening. Details and ticket purchasing at the festival website at http://www.stokenewingtonliteraryfestival.com/

Next weekend, starting on Friday 13th June, the Pineapple in Kentish Town will be having a mini beer festival to celebrate the London to Brighton cycle ride. Beers will come from breweries along the route, cycles optional.

The Prince in Stoke Newington (59 Kynaston Road) reported that it opened on Wednesday evening after extensive renovations.

The Dragonfly Brewery in Acton started in May in the George & Dragon pub which is owned by the Remarkable Restaurants group. It's a big brewery out the rear in a new bar and it's obviously designed to supply some of the other pubs in the chain. It has now been spotted in the Salisbury in Green Lanes, one of their pubs. The Shakespeare in Stoke Newington is also owned by the group, check out their website for others.

18th May 2014

The Earl Haig in Crouch End, the newish Antic pub, will be having a cider festival over the Bank Holiday weekend starting on Thursday 22nd. The Earl Haig is in Elder Avenue, just behing the Queens.

The Doric Arch has reopened again this week after a face-lift. The frontage onto the bus station has been renewed and the entrance area has been tiled. Expect business as normal elsewhere. We are here on Monday 2nd June for the Pub of the Year runner-up presentation. Elsewhere, the Prince in Stoke Newington is still closed for refurbishment as well as the Masons Arms in Kensal Green.

16th May 2014

Lots of goings on in the branch at the moment but the most pleasing to report is a new brewery. The Hammerton Brewery has been bubbling away for the whole of April and its beers are now starting to appear in pubs. It is based in Roman Way, N7, just along from the railway line. Two beers are available, N7 Pale Ale and Pentonville Oyster Stout at 5.2% and 5.3% respectively. Launched at the Tap Rooms in Islington last Thursday, they were available over the weekend at the Snooty Fox and have been seen since at the Lexington in N1 and Schillibers in N7.

Talking of new breweries, the new Beavertown brewery is taking shape in Tottenham and hopes to open this month after moving back into our branch from Hackney Wick. One event that will take place there on Saturday 17th June is the London and South East Craft Brewing Competition being run by the London Amateur Brewers. If you make some good home brew enter at: http://londonandsoutheast.brewcompetition.com/

For the new openings, we start with the most ambitious of all, Craft WC1, at 168 High Holborn on the corner of Endell Street, next to the Oasis swimming pool. Formerly the Oporto, it has most recently been Rudy's Revenge. They promise 15 cask ales and 30 keg beers, possibly the largest selection of beers in London. If you have been to any of the other Craft pubs, you'll know what to expect.

The former Westport Inn in NW5 has reopened after a refurbishment and is now run by the son of the previous owner. It was reviewd in last week's Camden New Journal and real ale is now sold. The name has been changed to the Bluebell.

Another keg pub has had a refurbishment and real ale installed. The Robinson Crusoe in Stoke Newington (177 Green Lanes) is a post-war pub contemporary with the surrounding estate. It's been given a make over and four handpumps installed. Some of the beers are coming from Thwaites but it is reported that no pump clips are displayed at the moment, so do ask for it even if it looks like none is available.

2nd May 2014

The Three Johns on White Lion Street in Islington re-opened on Thursday night. It has been through a few changes over the years with the Three Johns being one of its original names. The signs outside shout Ales and Stouts but expect the usual craft beer offerings as well, we hope to have a more news soon.

Elsewhere, the Washington in Belsize Park has reopened after a refurbishment and the Doric Arch at Euston is closed for two weeks for one as well, scheduled to re-open on 12 May.

28th April 2014

One of the best combinations of tastes is beer with chocolate. As part of the North London Branch's 40th birthday celebrations, we are offering people a chance to see how the complexities of the flavours in beer marry with the luscious flavours in chocolate. Six different beers, including some from London's micro brewers will be paired with six different chocolates by Beer Writer and Beer Judge, Christine Cryne. The event starts at 8pm in the upstairs room of the Pineapple and will last about an hour. Price only £10 per person (members and non members). See: http://www.eventsbot.com/events/eb275397662 on how to book

23rd April 2014

All smiles at The Snooty Fox. Jonathan Tingle (left) and Stuart Gale (right and father of licensee Nicole Gale) accept the 2014 North London Pub of the Year Award from John Cryne.

15th April 2014

Tom Copley (left), Dave Murphy and Christine Cryne of CAMRA toast the campaign to save The Golden Lion Tom Copley, member of the London Assembly joined licensee Dave Murphy and local campaigners at The Golden Lion NW1 as Campaigners celebrate as Council 'does the right thing'

11th April 2014

Next week will see our annual major pub award ceremony, namely the Branch 2014 Pub of the Year Awards so congratulations to Snooty Fox is our 2014 Pub of the Year and also congratulations to Doric Arch close runner-up. The other four finalists were The Bull N6, Howl at the Moon N1, Queen's Head WC1 and Railway Tavern N16.

11th April 2014

The Pineapple in Kentish Town will be having its traditional Easter weekend beer festival the highlight of which is the bonnet parade on Sunday afternoon. Elsewhere in the branch there are beer festivals over the Easter weekend at the Prince Albert in Camden Town, the Harringay Arms in Crouch End and the White Hart in Stoke Newington along with a cider festival at Tapping the Admiral in Kentish Town. A busy weekend!

30th March 2014

CAMRA North London Branch Chairman John Cryne is to be a speaker at the next Guardian Masterclass on Brewing on 13th April. The event will run for a full day, from 10am-5pm, at The Guardian offices in King's Cross. Beer writer Pete Brown will be hosting the day. And as part of that arrangement CAMRA has one free ticket to give away to the event. In order to enter a competition to win that ticket just click here Win a ticket to The Guardian Masterclass - How to launch an independent brewery on 13 April 2014 and follow the instructions - there's no charge to enter the competition.

27th March 2014

The Harringay Arms in Crouch End is having a Craft Beer and Blues festival over the Easter weekend starting on Friday 18th April featuring London's best craft brewers, international beers, delicious food and four days of Blues!

Antwerp Arms N17 Community Buyout

The share offer is now open. Go to http://www.microgenius.org.uk/projects/ It will close on or before 22 May. Shares are £50 each. Buy one to become a member, buy at least four to get interest on your investment, buy at least 10 to get discounts on Redemption Beer and if you put in £1000 or more you will become a Patron of the Antwerp Arms Association.

27th March 2014

The Howl at The Moon is now offering a 10% discount to CAMRA members on cask beers. http://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5487/howl-at-the-moon-london

26th March 2014

Did you miss the 2014 Festival, which was our 30th event, making the London Drinker Beer Festival the longest running London beer festival in one venue. If so go to, http://www.northlondon.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=772

9th March 2014

The Golden Lion is a beautiful late Victorian corner public house with great street presence which has been serving the local community in Camden for 120 years or more. The Golden Lion's Supporters were successful in having the pub registered as an Asset of Community Value in December, proving that it is a wanted and valued social venue. The loss of the pub after many other similar losses in Camden in recent years would be a heavy blow. Traditional pubs like the Golden Lion all over London are being torn down or converted to other uses simply in pursuit of profit and without regard for the social needs of a community. Please support the pub and sign the petition here http://tinyurl.com/po5l4dx

7th March 2014

To coincide with our Festival, the Dukes Head Highgate will have a Cheltenham beer festival next week starting on Tuesday 11th March and finishing on Friday 14th March. Beers come from Prescott, Cotswold Spring, Severn Vale, Uley, Stroud, Cotswold Lion, Gloucester and Costwold breweries.

The Great Northern Railway in Hornsey will be having their first beer festival over the weekend leading up to St Patricks Day. Starting Friday 14th March, it lasts until Monday 17th. There will be 20 real ales and five ciders.

The Tapping the Admiral in Kentish Town is launching a series of brewery showcase nights. Tuesday 15th April centres around London Fields and the launch of Double IPA, a 7.2% beer in their Bootlegger series. Tuesday 13th May, subject to confirmation, will be the Portobello and Kite breweries. Over the Easter weekend, they will be holding their first cider and perry festival, the pub is installing 2 pumps to have a cider and perry permanently on sale.

6th March 2014

Tottenham Brewer helps Capital Beer Festival remember a well regarded volunteer with a special brew. Tottenham Brewer helps Capital Beer Festival remember a well regarded volunteer

4th March 2014

The Imported Beer list for the

forthcoming Festival has now been added to the Festival pages and London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival Programme 2014 can now be downloaded but be aware it is 4.1meg. Hard copies will, of course, be available at the event.

28th February 2014

White Hart Stoke Newington latest addition to LocAle List http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=781

17th February 2014

CAMRA members gathered from across North London, despite the tube strike, to present their Winter 2013/14 Pub of the Season award to Hops & Glory.

http://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5462/hops-glory-canonbury

Durham Atkinson (left) of Hops & Glory receives the CAMRA North London 2013/2014 Winter Pub of the Season Award from CAMRA's John Cryne.

12th February 2014

The provisional cask beer list for next month's London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival has now been posted. http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=808

4th February 2014

Four women from North London are taking over the brewing for a day at Highgate's London Brewing Company to produce a celebration brew for the branch's 40th birthday.

Women celebrate by taking over the brewing.

30th January 2014

Adrian Larner was for once lost for words when CAMRA North London Branch member, Christine Cryne, presented Adrian with a personal award from the branch last week. Adrian who is the landlord of the Calthorpe Arms, Gray's Inn Road, WC1, was given a Certificate for his support for real ale to rounds of applauds from regulars and CAMRA members. For more go to Camden Publican wins personal award from CAMRA

Adrian Larner accepts his Award from Christine Cryne

24th January 2014

As part of the Wetherspoon's London Real Ale festival, the Toll Gate in Turnpike Lane will be offering 50p off a pint for CAMRA card carrying members. The festival will be between 10th and 14th February when they will have 15 ales on.

The Maynard in Crouch End will be having another beer festival starting on Friday 31st January lasting through until Sunday 9th February. Beers are usually served from a gravity stillage as well as from the handpumps on the bar.

On Tuesdy 11th February, between 6pm and 8pm, the Lion and Unicorn in Kentish Town will be having a "Meet the Suppliers" evening. In this case the suppliers will be local breweries and local cheese makers. Tastings will be on offer along with the chance to talk to the suppliers. The breweries involved will be Truman's, Redemption, Sambrook's and either Twickenham or London Fields.

Good news from an area not exactly awash with real ale. Caldo, 79 Salusbury Road, Queens Park NW6 has recently opened and sells real ale, Redemption Big Chief being the recent offering.

The Hundred Crows Rising in Islington (58 Penton Street) is to reopen as the Joker of Penton Street and is now the sixth pub in London owned by the InnBrighton group. The opening date is Thursday 30th January according to their website. Although it will mean the loss of the Old Dairy brewery beers, the InnBrighton group has breweries at its pubs in Brighton, Acton and South Hackney, so there should be a good range of Laine brewery beers instead.

23rd January 2014

Myddleton Arms 52 Canonbury Road N1 2HS now offers a 10% discount to CAMRA members, don't forget your card.

But, do Young's really need to tear out the heritage of the Bull & Gate, Kentish Town? http://tinyurl.com/o9yqe6s

20th January 2014

The Old Crown, 33 New Oxford St, WC1, was sold by Punch Taverns to McMullens in July last year. Apparently the respective tenants were not informed beforehand and it came 'out of the blue', with McMullens sworn to secrecy by Punch until the deal had been done. The pub is now tied to McMullens selling AK, Country Bitter and IPA with the monthly special due to replace AK temporarily. The Old Crown's got a late night licence until 3am on certain nights with a DJ and loud 'music'. The beers however were quite acceptable - it must be the only place you could find real ale that late anywhere in the West End!

27th December 2013

Come and be one of the female brewers for a day at the London Brewing Company CAMRA's North London Branch is celebrating 40 years of campaigning and we are brewing a beer to celebrate!

The London Brewing Company, that brews at the Bull in Highgate, has a brewster (lady brewer), Jenna Dunseath, and has invited some female North London members to join her in a day of brewing on Tuesday 18th February. This will be a whole day event, starting in the morning. The beer will be available at the London Drinker Beer Festival (12-14th March), which is run by the Branch.

If you would like to join us, simply suggest the name of the cat looking out of the window of the first floor of the bus on the Festival poster (http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=772). and email Christine moc.tenretnitb@enyrc.c() no later than 25th January. The winner will be notified the following day.

The only other point is that you must be willing to have your photo published as we are looking to get some press coverage. A small price to pay for what should be a great day out - and something totally different.

11th December 2013

On the 10th December, the North London Branch held their Christmas Social at the Doric Arch near Euston. After a tightly fought pub quiz, with questions on beer and pubs, the traditional game of charades was played to much laughter! If you would like to have a go at the pub quiz you can find the questions at: 2013 Christmas Pub Quiz and the answers at: 2013 Christmas Pub Quiz Answers.

10th December 2013

Pubs granted ACV Status

Campaigners to save local pubs have been heartened by the decisions of Islington and Brent Councils to list the Alma, N1 and the Queensbury, NW2 as Assets of Community Value. This gives the community a right to bid should the pubs be put up for sale and hopefully adds an additional layer of planning protection. Do you think your local pub would benefit from being listed as an ACV? If so, please conact John Cryne. The Alma was run by Kirsty Valentine here's a Kirsty Valentine thank you message to supporters of the ACV application.

6th December 2013

The Mildmay Club (33-34 Newington Green, N16 9PR) is having another bottled beer evening. This time the beer comes from the Ellenberg Brewery in Hanwell. It will be next Wednesday, 11th December, from 8pm onward. Colin Coyne reports that another pub has joined the rapidly expanding list of pubs on the LocAle scheme. This time it is the historic Spaniards Inn in Hampstead.

2nd December 2013

Latest addition to the LocAle list go to http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=10237

21st November 2013

Members of CAMRA toasted outgoing licensee Dixie Dean and welcomed the new team at The Prince Arthur last night. Former licensee Dixie Dean (left), new licensee Euan Johnstone (in blue) and Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame with the bar team.

18th November 2013

Branch events for December and January now added to the Branch Diary.

12th November 2013

Winter 2013 Pub of the Season - Voting is now open with a closing date of Friday 15th November. The six pubs nominated are Assembly House NW5, Craft Beer Co N1, Dukes Head N6, Hops & Glory N1, North Pole N1 and Tap Room N1.

Please vote at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZMHXTDT

A new Antic pub has opened in Crouch End. It's called the Earl Haig Hall in Elder Avenue, just behind the Queens. It is little different from its previous life as the British Legion Hall. As you would expect from Antic there is a good selection of real ales from London breweries and further afield. It's early days yet so opening hours are not fixed yet.

Phibbers in Holloway (203 Holloway Road N7) has been selling Sharps Doom Bar on and off since the summer. A proper Irish pub, it's well known as a place to watch the footie, so real ale is a welcome addition to the bar.

Elsewhere, two other pubs have reopened. The Salthouse in Maida Vale has reopened after a refurbishment and the King William IV on Shepherdess Walk in Hoxton has reopened under new management. At the very top end of our branch, Richard Larkin reports that the Victoria in Highgate is thriving under new owners since earlier this year. What with the Wrestlers and Bull, the slope going north of Highgate is looking up.

26th October 2013

The Alma at 59 Newington Green Road, N1 4QU was recently named as North London's Cider Pub of the Year 2013 but no sooner had this been done than Pub Tenant Kirsty Valentine was delivered a kick in the teeth by her landlords, Enterprise Inns in telling her what cider she could or more pertinently could not stock, detail here http://tinyurl.com/pd8q7rq Subsequent to this Kirsty Valentine was evicted and the pub is now being run by new tenants - for more information http://www.battleforthealma-n1.com/

John Cryne of CAMRA (left) presents Kirsty Valentine of The Alma N1 with the Branch Cider Pub of the Year Award 2013.

25th October 2013

The Nightingale in N8 suffers further indignity...... http://www.hamhighbroadway.co.uk/news/fire_rips_through_empty_hornsey_pub_1_2909348

18th October 2013

The Craft Beer Co in Islington will be hosting Gregg Irwin of the Weird Beard brewery on Monday 21st October as part of their homebrew club. He will be giving a talk on progressing from an amateur to a professional brewer.

The Coronet in Holloway will be having a "battle of the brewers" as part of the Wetherspoon beer festival. Taking place on Saturday 26th October, the brewers will be on site from 3pm onwards. Breweries represented are Portobello, Redemption, East London, Clarence & Fredericks, Twickenham and Sambrooks.

The Antwerp Arms in Tottenham is open again and now selling real ale. Even better, it is from Redemption, so Tottenham beer in a Tottenham pub, possibly the first for many years. Less encouraging is the sudden closure of the Pakenham Arms in WC1 a pub popular amongst postal workers and Gunners fans. CAMRA is trying to find out what is going on.

16th October 2013

The Taylor Walker chain of pubs is almost halfway through a beer festival lasting until Sunday 27th October. It's based around London breweries along with plenty of others. We have 10 of their pubs in our branch and all pubs are still offering their 10% discount for CAMRA members. To keep up with which beers are on where, each pub will be tweeting what is available each day.

The Golden Egg in Kilburn (155 Kilburn High Road) has finally reopened as The Earl Derby, returning to its original name. It's taken sometime to refurbish it and there is now a range of real ales.

The Regent on Liverpool Road, Islington is now selling real ale, a beer from London Fields being on for a recent visit.

The Old Oak opposite Gospel Oak station has reopened after a refit, currently only selling Doom Bar but with plans for more. The landlady has a good track record having come a Vale Brewery pub in Aylesbury.

The Herbert Chapman in Holloway (274-276 Holloway Road) has only had limited opening hours recently, mostly on match days only but building work over the summer has resulted it opened as a new pub called Filthys. Unfortunately no real ale.

14th October 2013

The North London Branch is to hold its first Cider and Cheese Tasting linked in with The Pineapple's first Cider & Perry Festival, for full details open this download Cider & Cheese Tasting Poster, to book a place contact John Cryne, see Contacts page.

13th September 2013

CAMRA members from across London gathered at The Parcel Yard on King's Cross station to launch the 2104 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

The Marquis of Cornwallis in Bloomsbury (31 Marchmont Street) is having a London beer festival this weekend with about ten real ales on stillage.

The Tapping the Admiral in Kentish Town, our current Pub of the Year, will be having a London to Brighton ale festival from 25th to 29th September with beers from London, Sussex and all points between.

The Oak Bar in Newington Green (79 Green Lanes N16) has had a make over and has emerged as the Leconfield, the name of the road behind the pub. It's an inter war pub with mock Tudor frontage and some remaining features but it has opened out inside and a lovely large space. As with other recent openings, it's a work in progress but you can't miss the signage outside! Four handpumps dispense real ales from breweries across the country and the place was busy for the quiz last Thursday. A welcome addition to the Newington Green area.

12th September 2013

Pubs converting to real ale continue and the latest discovery this time is the Hercules in Holloway (504 Holloway Road N7). It's had a handpump but has not been used for many years. It's now been taken over by the Tommy Flynns chain although there is very little change inside apart from a quick clean up. The handpump has been brought back into use and is selling Adnams Ghostship. It's been open for a few weeks already but its official opening party is this Saturday, 7th September.

3rd September 2013

The Hops & Glory on Essex Rd., N1 has been in touch, "Just getting in touch as it was great to have so many CAMRA members down with our IPA festival. Many of whom hadn't been in before. As a result we've decided to extend our 30p per pint off Discounts for CAMRA members to Cask Ale on Mondays through to Fridays at any time."

30th August 2013

And now it is 51 LocAle Pubs with Wetherspoons' J J Moon's in Kingsbury joining the scheme.

29th August 2013

Picture shows Branch Chairman John Cryne (left) with the pub's management team - Joel, Susie, Aidan and Bel.

The Swan in Cosmo Place has become the 50th pub in the North London CAMRA Branch area to join LocAle Pubs - beers from Portobello, Redemption and Hackney + a 10% discount for CAMRA members.

Last week CAMRA members celebrated The Grafton winning our Pub of the Season Summer 2013 Award, for more information Grafton Kentish Town

25th August 2013

The next beer festival at the Pineapple in Kentish Town will take place from Friday 4th to Monday 7th October. The next beer festival at the Snooty Fox in Canonbury will take place from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th October.

The Park Tavern in Stroud Green (164 Tollington Park N4) has started selling real ale. Sharps Cornish Coaster is on at the moment at a bargain price of £2.50. A true locals pub, the real ale is selling very well. There is only one handpump, in the rear bar. Around the corner on Fonthill Road, the N4 bar (20 Fonthill Road) reopened and it has reverted to its original name of the Edinburgh and is selling two real ales, St Austell Tribute and a beer from Portobello.

19th August 2013

The latest addition to the LocAle list is the current London Cider Pub of the Year, the Queens Head in Kings Cross. As well as selling beers from London breweries, it does have it's own brewery in the basement. It has sold on their own beers but it is hoped to ramp up production when it gets a bit cooler.

Enthusiastic local drinkers show their support for Saving The Antwerp Arms.

A local community group in Tottenham is looking to get an Asset of Community Value certificate on and possibly buy the pub, which is in Church Road, facing Bruce Castle Park, near the Spurs ground. The pub is still open and has two hand pumps, one of which is usually for Greene King IPA. They would like support from CAMRA members and potentially, shareholders for their cooperative company. Please see 'Antwerp Arms Association 'on Facebook or e-mail moc.liamtoh@enalerehpotsirhc

9th August 2013

The Hops & Glory in Canonbury will be having an IPA festival over the August bank holiday weekend. There will be a collaboration IPA with Pressure Drop brewery, a bar full of IPAs on handpump and craft keg and Pete Brown will be guest speaker on the Saturday afternoon. During the festival, there is a 30p reduction for CAMRA members on any pint of cask ale. With the Duke Wellington having an East London breweries festival and the Alma having a cider and perry festival, you wont have to walk very far!

5th August 2013

The Royal George in Eversholt St is the latest pub to join our LocAle Pubs scheme and what is more it offers a 10% discount to CAMRA members.

4th August 2013

The Queen's Head in Acton Street has been named as CAMRA Greater London's Cider Pub of the Year and received their award at a ceremony last week - Nigel Owen (left) accepts the Award from CAMRA's Christine Cryne.

Nigel Owen (left) at The Queen's Head, Acton St., accepts the 2013 Greater London Cider Pub of the Year Award from CAMRA's Christine Cryne.

1st August 2013

The landlady of The King William IV in Hampstead has written an open letter in an attempt to set straight a local problem with the adjacent crepe stand - read it here http://tinyurl.com/q53fx4j

30th July 2013

The next beer festival at the Duke of Wellington in Dalston will take place over the August bank holiday weekend starting on Thursday 22nd.

Our LocAle scheme edges ever closer to 50 pubs (1 more to go now) with the inclusion of the Royal George in Euston. Part of the Taylor Walker chain of pubs, it has been selling London beers for some time now and tweets most days as to what is available. It also offers a discount to CAMRA members, 10% off the real ales.

19th July 2013

There's lots of Pub News July 2013 this week, too much to include on this front page, so click on the link to find about more about the Antwerp Arms, Macbeth, pubs now selling real ale and forthcoming beer festivals, you know you need to!!

17th July 2013

With the huge rise is the number of pubs serving real cider in the Branch we are instigating a Branch Cider Pub of the Year competition for the first time. The shortlist of nominations is the following: Alma, N1; Bree Louise NW1; Cider Tap NW1; Queens Head WC1; Southampton Arms NW5. If you would like to vote for your favourite please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C22ZP7T and rank them from 1 to 5. (You will be asked to fill in your name and membership number, this is only to verify you are member of North London Branch) - voting closes 23rd August.

12th July 2013

The next festival at the Alma in Newington Green will be a cider festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The latest pub to be added to the LocAle scheme is the Coronet in Holloway. Last weekend it had the Compass beer festival along with three other local Wetherspoon pubs selling LocAle beers.

21st June 2013

The beer festival at the Drapers Arms in Islington start Friday lunchtime. Beers available from the likes of Redemption and Dark Star, ciders will be Orchard Pig Explorer, Naish/Chat Badgers Spit and Pook Hill New Season.

Thanks to the Five Points Brewery in Hackney for having us on Tuesday night including tasting their beers there and at the Cock both in cask and in keg. They are also available in bottles. There are plenty more opportunities to sample the range. On Friday 21st, they are having tastings of bottles at Sourced Market in St Pancras Station from 5pm-7pm. The next day, Saturday 22nd, their beers will be available all day at the Snooty Fox in Canonbury along with a meet the brewer sessions between 5pm and 7pm with tutored tastings. On Saturday 6th June, there is an all day open day at the brewery itself along with a small beer festival including beers from other local breweries. With a temporary events licence, their beers will be on sale for take home.

The Northgate in De Beauvoir Town (113 Southgate Road) has reopened after a short closure and is now called the De Beauvoir Arms. The beer range has improved with Broadside, Wandle, TEA and Marston's EPA available along with a real cider on handpump.

The Alma in Newington Green will be having an Independence Day on Saturday 6th July featuring lots of American style beer and lager along with typical southern style food.

14th June 2013

Celebrating the Wenlock's future

The Drapers Arms in Islington is having a beer and cider festival from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd June with "lots of artisan ales and ciders" along with beery food and snacks from the kitchen.

The Snooty Fox in Canonbury will be having a day full of Five Points Brewery beers on Saturday 22nd June. The beers will be available all day and the brewers will be there from 5pm to 7pm to hold tasting sessions and answer questions.

The Hops & Glory on Essex Road in Canonbury is having a "US taps takeover" from 1st to 7th July celebrating Independence Day.

The White Horse in Hoxton (153 Hoxton Street) relaunched itself last week as a place offering "Fine Ales and Good Times". One beer is guaranteed to be from a local brewery and Pieminister pies are now served in the evening. A good selection of craft keg beers from the UK and US are also available.

Another new LocAle pub this week, the Railway in West Hampstead. The pub has been moved from the Original Pub Co to the Spirit Pub Company. By virtue of this, it qualifies for a 10% discount for CAMRA members.

7th June 2013

There is so much news on pub festivals, re-openings (including The Wenlock) that we have had to put it all into a separate page, so to find out what's going on click Pub News June 2013 Voting has now opened to CAMRA members for our next Pub of the Season, for details on who you can vote for and how to vote, go to http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=780

3rd June 2013

Great - two new members of the CAMRA LocAle scheme - the Earl of Essex, 25 Danbury Street, N1 8LE (a bit of a no-brainer with its in-house brewery!) and the Devonshire House, 2 The Broadway, N8 9SN.

http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=781

2nd June 2013

The Lamb on Holloway Road will be having a beer festival from 18th to 21st July based around beers from London breweries.

29th May 2013

In an usual move, a Kilburn pub is to stop selling draught beers and lagers in protest against the prices pub companies charge for beer, read about it here http://tinyurl.com/qxwvr57 and to find out more about The Fair Deal For Your Local campaign, go to http://www.fairdealforyourlocal.com/

28th May 2013

Our beer festival is well known for the quality if the sausages we offer and for years only one supplier has worked for us - Bill O'Hagan. Well sadly Bill has headed to the great sausage mixer in the sky and The Economist has penned a worthy tribute http://econ.st/1aag7gP Bill O'Hagan with his favourite food.

17th May 2013

The Bree Louise will be have a "meet the brewer" session on Wednesday 22nd May from 5.30pm. The featured brewers are Brupond and Signature and their beers will be available on both handpump and gravity for comparison.

We have two new brew pubs in the branch as the number of breweries and brewpubs in Greater London almost reached fifty. The Earl of Essex now has a working brewery after a false start. They first brewed during April. In Kings Cross, the Queens Head in Acton Street has sneaked in a variety of components into its cellar and built a brewery. The first trial beer has been brewed and should be available in the pub very soon.

Tee's Wine Bar in Turnpike Lane (actual address is 679 Green Lanes, it's behind Costa Coffee) has reverted to the Wellington and turned into a usual irish pub. Real ale has been introduced and Doom Bar is on offer.

Over in Kentish Town, real ale has been reported in Annies at 180 Kentish Town Road NW5, and possibly in Aces & Eights at 156-158 Fortess Road, opposite Tufnell Park station.

Ale Fest at Alma N1

The Three Crowns near to the Old Street roundabout (8 East Road N1) is now open. It has been closed for some years and used as the offices to the major building works adjacent. The original tile-work on the outside of the pub was part exposed when it was closed and has now been cleaned up. Inside, three real ales and one real cider are available.

15th May 2013

Colonel Fawcett, Camden Town now added to LocAle Pubs together with our first pub in N4, The White Lion of Mortimer.

10th May 2013

The Alma has just announced details of its latest Ale festival.

8th May 2013

John Cryne of CAMRA's North London Branch used the opportunity of CAMRA's Parliamentary reception to meet with local MP Sarah Teather. High on the agenda was the threat to local pubs and, in particular, the proposed closure and redevelopment of The Queensbury at Willesden Green. Sarah has been a strong supporter of http://savethequeensbury.info/

North London CAMRA's John Cryne meets with Sarah Teather MP

29th April 2013

The Bank Holiday is often busy for beer festivals. The Island Queen in Islington N1 is having a beer festival and the Alma in Newington Green N1 is having a cider festival featuring 20 ciders from England. The Wrestlers in Highgate N6 is having a sausage and beer festival from 13th to 15th May. There will be 12 London beers and 12 different sausages.

May is usually CAMRA Mild Month and it is good to hear of pubs doing milds. The Bree Louise is jumping in deep by having over 100 different milds through the month.

22nd April 2013

The Canonbury pub in Canonbury (surprise!) is holding a beer festival over the second May bank holiday, starting Friday 24th May. There will be up to 10 beers available and by then the weather should be good enough to make use of their huge garden! Other beer festivals in our Branch area

Sunday 21st April - Sunday 28th April. Doric Arch, 1 Eversholt Street, Euston, NW1 1DN. Week long beer festival around St Georges Day featuring London beers. There will be lots of beers from London breweries and don't forget to join their free CAMRA loyalty card for a 15% discount. Website: http://doric-arch.co.uk/

Tuesday 23rd April. Queensbury, 110a Walm Lane, Willesden Green, NW2 4RS. St George's Day beer festival with 7 real ales. Website: http://www.thequeensbury.net/

Thursday 25th April onwards. Black Lion, 295-297 West End Lane, West Hampstead, NW6 1RD. Beer festival starts as part of a week long birthday party Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th April. Website: http://theblacklionnw6.co.uk/

12th April 2013

Spike, Kirk and the Tapping The Admiral team celebrate being awarded CAMRA North London's 2013 Pub of the Year Award, with Branch Chairman, Catherine Tonry, raising a glass. Pub of the Year Awards 2013 Celebrations at Tapping The Admiral

8th April 2013

The North London Branch of CAMRA has issued Victoria Camden Town News Release strongly condemning the plans to convert The Victoria in Camden Town into flats, yet Another Camden pub under threat

7th April 2013

The beer festival at the Taylor Walker chain of pubs is continuing through until 28th April. Some of the pubs have four casks stillages and the 10% CAMRA discount is available on all festival beers. The TW pubs in our branch are Friend At Hand WC1, Marlborough Arms WC1, Museum Tavern WC1, Plough WC1, Swan WC1, Camden Head N1, Globe NW1, Green Man NW1 and Royal George NW1.

The Stag in NW3 will be holding a tasting session with the London Fields Brewery on Wednesday 10th April from 8pm onwards.

The Tollgate in Turnpike N8 Lane will be having a meet the brewer session with Andy Moffat from the Redemption Brewery at 6.30pm on Thursday 18th April.

The Black Lion in West Hampstead NW6 will be having a week long celebration of their 1st birthday from Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th April featuring a beer festival from Thursday 25th.

The Queensbury in Willesden Green will be have a beer festival on Tuesday 23rd April for St George's Day. 7 real ales available, four through handpump and three on gravity.

2nd April 2013

The Islington Tribune speaks out on 500 sign petition to save pub that's 'at heart of the community'

22nd March 2013

The next beer festival at the Pineapple in Kentish Town will be taking place over the Easter weekend starting on Thursday 28th March.

A new LocAle pub to welcome abord this week, the Colonel Fawcett, NW1. Not far from Camden Road Overground station, beers from Redemption and Brodies are regulars with Hackney and London Fields sometimes seen.

The Taylor Walker chain of pubs is having a month long beer festival from 28th March to 28th April. There are just over 100 pubs in the chain, mostly in London with a few in our branch. There is a Pub Finder on their website at http://www.taylor-walker.co.uk/find/pubs/ to find a local one. Some of their pubs do a CAMRA discount and their last beer festival included a CAMRA discount.

11th March 2013

Now that the dust has settled from last week's London Drinker Festival, the Branch's calendar for April and May has been released, click on Branch Diary in the left hand column.

27th February 2013

The Bull at Highgate has been named as CAMRA North London's Winter Pub of the Season, for more.....http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=780

25th February 2013

To complete the picture, the imported beer list has now been added to the Festival pages

http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/vie