North London is home to many pubs and the latest edition of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide shows the best places to have a drink.
The annual publication serves as a compass to find the perfect places to have a pint of well kept, well poured beer across the UK.
To mark its 51st edition, the guide features a striking cover and a foreword from none other than Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, adding a touch of rock 'n' roll to the beer world.
Here’s a closer look at pubs around Hampstead, Camden, North Finchley, Muswell Hill and Crouch End that have made the cut.
The Holly Bush
Described as a “marvellous multi-roomed gem”, the pub in Holly Mount, leading from Heath Street, featured in the guide this year.
The Magdala
Located in South Hill Park, Hampstead, the place had been “under threat of permanent closure”, CAMRA said.
Old White Bear
The venue on Well Road, Hampstead, was closed for nearly eight years until it was saved and reopened on December 15, 2021.
Spaniards Inn
This Grade II listed building on Spaniards Road, Hampstead, dates back to 1585 – although the CAMRA guide mentions “it may not originally have been a pub”.
Lion and Unicorn
The pub in Gaisford Street, Kentish Town, is said to have a “genuine homely feel”.
Pineapple
Found in Leverton Street, Kentish Town, CAMRA acknowledges how the Grade II building was saved from closure by locals.
Southampton Arms
The watering hole in Highgate Road, Kentish Town, was named the Local CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year in 2023, as well as featuring in the guide.
Camden Road Arms
Found in Camden Road, this spot has had many names – previously known as Eagle, Rosie O’Grady’s, Mac Bar and the Grand Union.
Golden Lion
Saved from closure in 2013, the venue in Royal College Street, Camden Town made the cut this year.
Tapping the Admiral
CAMRA called the Castle Road, Camden Town, watering hole a “lively and enjoyable community venue”.
Beaten Docket
The Wetherspoon pub in Cricklewood Broadway is described to have “intimate” booth to drink as well as a “pleasant atmosphere”.
Small Beer
Described as a “cross between a brewery tap house and a rustic cocktail bar”, the Topsfield Parade pub in Crouch End is said to have an “inviting atmosphere”.
Mossy Well
The Muswell Hill Broadway venue has been operating as a pub since 1984 and was reopened by Wetherspoon in 2015.
Bohemia
This was called the CAMRA Pub of the Year this year. It can be found in High Road, North Finchley.
Elephant Inn
CAMRA’s guide says that the Ballards Lane venue in North Finchley has a “regionally important historic interior”.
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