Commenting upon the Pineapple's success, Catherine Tonry, CAMRA's North London Branch Chairman, said "Back in 2002, the Pineapple looked like it was going to close but a rallying around of locals, supported by CAMRA, managed to save it.

It went on to win CAMRA's North London Pub of the Year in 2010. Only a couple of pubs have won the Award twice and the hard work that has gone behind making the Pineapple a premiere quality real ale outlet is to be applauded. Last year the nearby Southampton Arms won the Award and this just reinforces that Kentish Town is a now great place to drink in".

The Pineapple is a Grade II listed building, with an exceptional Victorian character. Of particular note, is the fine bar-back with etched and gilt mirrors. The pub is listed as one CAMRA's Real Heritage Pubs for its historic interior. The listing took place as part of the campaign to save the pub when English Heritage were brought into the frame. The pub has lots of nooks and crannies, a welcoming open fire, patio and an upstairs area that is available for hire. Popular and good value Thai food is served and there is a pleasant conservatory and garden at the back.

Picture right : Branch Chairman Catherine Tonry (left) presents Simon Rennie his second North London CAMRA Pub of the Year Award. LocAle Officer Colin Coyne smiles on in admiration.

The two runners-up are The Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington and the Snooty Fox in Canonbury.

Reopened just over a year ago, the Jolly Butchers relaunch has shown just what can be done to a previously run-down pub culminating in it being voted runner up in CAMRA North London's 2012 Pub of the Year competition.

Catherine Tonry, CAMRA's North London Branch Chairman, said "This is a pub that has been revamped with an eye to attracting all sorts of people, as all good pubs should. The pub has retained some of its original glasswork and its elaborate iron work. The eccentric seating, which include church pew seats, still with their prayer book slots just add to the atmosphere. Needless to say their drinks' range is enticing. They stock seven real ales, two ciders, a perry and a good range of imported beer to suit everyone's taste ".

The Jolly Butchers is a one bar pub with a prominent red painted exterior with large clear picture windows that give the pub a light airy feel. It helps promote its beers by providing tasting notes on each so that the visitor can have an indication of what the beer tastes like. The open kitchen is open in the evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday with the latter concentrating on Sunday Roasts. Renowned beer write Pete Brown can often be found sampling the wares. The award was presented to the pub on Tuesday 17th April.

The energy of the team running the Snooty Fox in Canonbury N5 has led to it winning the other runners-up place in the CAMRA North London 2012 Pub of the Year competition after winning the Winter Pub of the Season Award in 2011.

Catherine Tonry said "The current licensees have only been in since 2010 and it's been great to see how this pub has developed in such a short period of time. It is a member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme, serving a great range of real ales including beers from local breweries, reducing the carbon footprint. We also liked the fact that it was offering something different with live music as well as a commitment to educating people about beer. For example, in February it had beer author, Des de Moor, come to speak ".

The pub has low lights and candles and the sofas, unmatched tables and chairs give the pub a warm feel. there are lots of pictures and posters of 60s icons, many in atmospheric black and white, although it is doubtful if many (indeed any) frequented this pub in that era. A vinyl jukebox has a retro selection with four plays for £1. At times DJs play mostly 50s and 60s music. There is outside bench seating. The award will be presented to the pub on Tuesday 24th April at 8pm

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.

The full address of the Jolly Butchers is 204 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington, N16 7HU.; opening times Thur 4 - 12; Fri 4 - 1; Sat 12 - 1; Sun 12 - 11 Nearest station is Stoke Newington; http://www.jollybutchers.co.uk/

The Snooty Fox's full address is Snooty Fox, 75 Grosvenor Avenue, Canonbury, N5 2NN; opening times Monday - Thursday 4pm - 11pm, Friday 4pm - 1am, Saturday 12pm - 1am, Sunday 12- 10.30pm. Nearest station is Canonbury overland station. The pub's website is: http://snootyfoxlondon.co.uk/

All three pubs are accredited members of CAMRA's LocAle scheme. LocAle Pubs