Elsewhere in this edition we list the Pubs of the Year chosen by CAMRA’s branches in Greater London. Being voted Pub of the Year customarily earns the pub in question a certificate and here is a selection of the presentations made recently.
BROMLEY BRANCH
As mentioned briefly in the last edition, CAMRA’s Bromley branch’s Pub of the Year is the Cockpit in Chislehurst. It is a micropub, opened two years ago, which shares its premises with a florists! It came top of a shortlist of thirteen other pubs. The Cockpit’s manager, Adam Miller, commented, “To win pub of the year feels fantastic, especially with so many pubs lost to the pandemic and cost-of-living. Beer is in our blood but people are our passion so the whole team works hard to create a place where all feel welcome. With so many cracking pubs in Bromley right now, it is a real honour to come out on top this year.” The pub takes its name from the cockpit which is still visible on nearby Bromley Common. The presentation was made on 19 April. The pub has connections with Mutineers Brewery; see the article on page 40. The full address is 4 Royal Parade, BR7 6NR and it is under a mile from Chislehurst station (trains from Cannon Street or Charing Cross; both call at London Bridge).
ENFIELD & BARNET BRANCH
On Wednesday 12 April, the Branch presented a certificate to the Bohemia in North Finchley in recognition of their being voted branch Pub of the Year 2023.
The picture shows (right to left) Peter Graham our branch chairman, Senan, the manager of the Bohemia, and Alex, the head brewer of the London Brewing Company which is based at the pub. After a closely fought final vote, the silver award went to the nearby Elephant Inn and their presentation was made on 27 April. The photo shows Vanessa receiving the award, again from chairman Peter Graham.
Should anyone wish to visit our award winners, the pubs are a very short walk from each other and are close to the 125 and 263 bus routes. The full address of the Bohemia is 762-764 High Road, N12 9QH and 283 Ballards Lane N12 8NR for the Elephant.
Mike Hodgkinson
QUADRUPLE SUCCESS FOR TAPPING THE ADMIRAL!
Tapping the Admiral has been voted Pub of the Year by CAMRA’s North London Branch. The branch chairman, Colin Coyne, said, “This is the fourth time that the pub has taken this award. The first time was 2013 and they made it a second in 2015 and a third in 2018. It just goes to show that you can’t keep a good pub down!” He added, “The award was instigated by CAMRA to promote good pubs that serve the community and the Tapping the Admiral is an excellent example of that, with their knowledgeable staff welcoming regulars and strangers alike. This pub, originally known as the Trafalgar, was closed down and remained shut for four years and it became almost derelict. It reopened in 2011. With over 20 pubs closing every week, it is a case of ‘use it or lose it’ and it’s great to see a pub go from strength to strength. It’s well supported by locals and pubs need all the support they can get.”
Josh Freeborn and Freddie Eken Odong, the pub’s joint managers, said, “This is a community pub that is made so by everybody who drinks here, from the staff to the locals who make it so. We are all friends who like to drink. This is a golden age for real ale across the country and London is at the heart of that. We’re very proud and grateful to CAMRA to win this pinnacle of awards.” The award was presented to Josh and Freddie by Colin at a celebration on 18 April. The pub’s full address is 77 Castle Road, Camden Town NW1 8SU and it is close to Kentish Town West Overground station. For full details, see tappingtheadmiral.co.uk.
The runners up were the Southampton Arms, also in Kentish Town (NW5 1LE) and the Magdala in Hampstead (NW3 2SB). The Southampton Arms was also awarded the branch’s Cider Pub of the Year award. Both awards were presented on 2 May.
The photo shows branch cider representative, Jessica Marsh, making the presentation to landlord Nick Bailey.
Christine Cryne
SOUTH EAST LONDON BRANCH
CAMRA’s South East London branch splits its area into four districts for the purpose of selecting our Pub of the Year. These are the SE1 postal district, Greenwich, Southwark and Lambeth (outside SE1) and Lewisham. The overall winner is chosen from the four winners. The SE1 winner, and the overall Pub of the Year this year, was the Royal Oak in the Borough. Accordingly, on 14 April, they were presented with certificates for each award by Andy Large, the branch chairman. A number of CAMRA members came to support the presentation, including Dawn Marks, the pubs officer from CAMRA’s East London and City Branch, who has been a supporter of the Royal Oak for many years and wanted to say a few words. The photo shows Andy (right) presenting the awards to James. The crowd were also entertained by the Hog Eye Men, a group of shanty singers. What more could you want? Perhaps a fabulous burger or a pie or a Sunday roast (V/Ve options available), provided by the pub’s caterers, Roastman Pat. Did I mention that the pub also has a fantastic range of Harvey’s beers, including such rarities as cask dark mild, as well as keg beers and cider. The Royal Oak is a fabulous back street Victorian boozer, tucked away in the middle of the high-rise buildings, close to Borough station. Definitely one to seek out!
Andy commented, “Since being taken over by Harvey’s in 1997 the Royal Oak first entered the Good Beer Guide in 1999 and has been in ever since. Runner up last year, it was no surprise, and a pleasure for me, that they came out top this year. James and the team do a fantastic job providing excellent cask been in this wonderful traditional pub.” The full address is 44 Tabard Street SE1 4JU.
The other district winners were
- Greenwich: the Plum Tree Beer Shop, a fantastic little micropub (154 Plumstead Common Road);
- Southwark and Lambeth (excluding SE1): the Ivy House, a great community co-op pub (40 Stuart Road);
- Lewisham: the Dog & Bell, a long-established local and previous PotY winner (116 Prince Street).
Maria Freeman (who also took the photo)
EAST LONDON & CITY WINNERS
The following awards have been announced by CAMRA’s East London & City branch.
- Pub of the Year: the Stag & Lantern, 11-12 The Broadway, Highams Park
- Cider Pub of the Year: the Cock Tavern, 315 Mare Street, Hackney
- Club of the Year: Leyton Orient Supporters Club, the Breyer Group Stadium, Oliver Road, Leyton
Presentations will be arranged in due course.