Why does the pub associated with drinking Nelson's preservative have reason to celebrate? Well, the Tapping the Admiral in NW1 has won the prestigious North London's CAMRA's Pub of the Season for Autumn 2012.

Catherine Tonry, CAMRA North London's Chairman, said 'This is an amazing result in what has been the closest competition in years. And what's more, the current owners have only had the pub since the beginning of the year. It's owned by the same people who own the Pineapple in Kentish Town, which is our current Pub of the Year so they are clearly doing something right'.

The Tapping the Admiral was built in the 1850s and was called the Trafalgar to commemorate the fact that Nelson's uncle lived nearby. The unusual name of Tapping the Admiral comes from the story of how Nelson's body was brought back from Trafalgar. It is said that the body was preserved in spirit (rum or brandy, sources vary) in a barrel and the sailors thought they would tap into it, siphoning off measures during the long journey home. They toasted Nelson's health so many times that the barrel was nearly dry when it finally got home!

The pub has a single bar, boasting eight handpumps selling mostly beers from small breweries including at least two from a London brewer. It also sells real cider and occasionally the rarer perry (like cider but made from pears) and an excellent range of British bottled beers. There is a range of reasonably priced foods, often sourcing ingredients locally.

Catherine also commented 'This is very much a locals' pub but with a very warm welcome to all visitors. When the weather is nice, there is a garden where drinkers can enjoy the sunshine, so we hope that people will come along and enjoy North London's Summer Pub of the Year'.

The award ceremony took place on Tuesday 28th August 2012. A few pints were raised to celebrate - although not Tapping the Admiral!

For further details contact: Christine Cryne on 07932 728827 or the Tapping the Admiral: 020 7267 6118

Extra Facts - 1. The Tapping the Admiral is part of CAMRA's LocAle scheme, which promotes pubs stocking local beers. The pub prides itself on having well trained staff who know about the beers.

2. The Tapping the Admiral's full address is 77 Castle Road, NW1 8SU; opening times 12.00-23.00 Mon-Sat; 12-22.30 Sun. The pub is very close to Kentish Town West station and 3 minutes walk from Chalk Farm tube.

3. There is a pub quiz every Wednesday from 20.30 with a rollover jackpot.

4. The term 'Tapping the Admiral' has now passed into slang as meaning a sly drink.

5. More details about the pub can be found at: http://www.tappingtheadmiral.co.uk/