Later in the year than usual, and after no such competition could be held any time last year owing to COVID restrictions, judging is now again under way for the CAMRA Greater London Pub of the Year competition. Branch winners were submitted by the end of July; the regional winner will be announced at the end of October. These pubs are this year’s branch entries:
- Bexley: The Robin Hood & Little John, 78 Lion Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8PF
- Bromley: The Star & Garter, 227 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1NZ
- Croydon & Sutton: The Hope, 48 West Street, Carshalton, SM5 2PR
- East London & City: The Northcote Arms, 110 Grove Green Road, Leyton, E11 4EL
- Enfield & Barnet: The Little Green Dragon, 928 Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, N21 2AD
- Kingston & Leatherhead: The Willoughby Arms, 47 Willoughby Road, Kingston, KT2 6LN
- North London: The Antwerp Arms, 168-170 Church Road, Tottenham, N17 8AS
- Richmond & Hounslow: The Black Dog Beer House, 17 Albany Road, Brentford, TW8 0NF
- South East London: The Dog & Bell, 116 Prince Street, Deptford, SE8 3JD
- South West Essex: The Hop Inn, 122 North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1SU
- South West London: The Railway, Streatham, SW16 5SD
- West London: The Harp, Charing Cross, WC2N 4HS
- West Middlesex: The Dodo, Hanwell, W7 3TR
The leading branch judges – all branches make unannounced visits to all the pubs over the judging period – reviewed the competition criteria in early August and agreed the following categories and weightings for this year:
- Quality of beer (and cider/perry if applicable) – 4
- Style, décor, furnishing – 2
- Cleanliness, service, welcome and offer – 3
- Community focus and atmosphere – 3
- Alignment with CAMRA principles – 2
- Overall impression – 2
The explanatory ‘Guidelines to help find a pub which is the best of whatever it is setting out to be’ are accessible here. Let us all enjoy comparing these wonderful pubs!
Geoff Strawbridge
CAMRA Greater London Regional Director
