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.

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’.

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.