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.