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.

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