Despite the problems that the pub trade has been experiencing in the last few months, there are still people who have faith in the British pub. This has been particularly noticeable in north London. We have reported previously on the Magdala Tavern in Hampstead and in the Trade News column you will find news of the former Rosslyn Arms, soon to reopened as the Oak & Poppy by the First Restaurant Group.
Below, Joanne Scott, the pub preservation officer for CAMRA’s North London branch, reports on two other reopenings. Joanne also took the photos.
THE HORNSEY TAVERN
The Hornsey Tavern reopened on 10 December, after being shut since 2018. Landlord James Kearns celebrated the event by holding an opening party for the local community. There was a great buzz and excitement when the pub opened its doors. The customers were delighted to have their local pub back.
The pub has two pool tables, a darts board and shows sports on the large TV screens. James hopes to serve food in due course, once a kitchen area has been completed. They hope to have two real ales available on the hand pumps. Pictured are the Tavern’s landlord, James Kearns, with his father Tommy who is the landlord of the London Tavern in Hackney. The full address of the Hornsey Tavern is 26 High Street, Hornsey N8 7PB.
THE OLD WHITE BEAR
The Old White Bear in Hampstead closed in 2014 and local residents have been battling ever since to save the pub.
It finally reopened before Christmas and is now run by Northern Union Pubs, the same team who reopened the Albert pub in Primrose Hill. The pub company is owned by the same people who own Leeds Brewery. The walls are covered in pictures of white bears and it has the feel of a relaxed and cosy traditional pub, complete with a real fire.
There were four real ales on offer when we visited on 21 December, including two from Leeds Brewery. It is possible however that the beers from Leeds Brewery will change. The full address of the pub is Well Road NW3 1LJ.