What is CAMRA LocAle?

CAMRA LocAle is an initiative that promotes pubs stocking locally brewed real ale. The scheme builds on a growing consumer demand for quality local produce and an increased awareness of 'green' issues. Everyone benefits from local pubs stocking locally-brewed real ale...

* Public houses as stocking local real ales can increase pub visits

* Consumers who enjoy greater beer choice and diversity

* Local brewers who gain from increased sales

* The local economy because more money is spent and retained locally

* The environment due to fewer 'beer miles' resulting in less road congestion and pollution

* Tourism due to an increased sense of local identity and pride - let's celebrate what makes our locality different.

The idea of the scheme is very simple: pubs are eligible to sign up if they permanently serve in good condition at least one cask beer from at least one local brewery. For the London scheme, we define a local brewery as one that is within thirty miles of a pub's front door. The actual beer and brewery can change; it does not have to be the same beer all the time, which enables a pub to rotate a local beer, should they so wish.

CAMRA has been a major supporter of the Sustainable Communities Act in its successful passage and this scheme will help to realise its aspirations. It should attract new customers to pubs and in general the scheme is also helping to reduce the environmental impact of transport and promote the local economy.

Greater London has four small breweries: Brodies, Meantime, Sambrook's and Twickenham, plus the much bigger Fuller, Smith & Turner and a handful of brewpubs. Hopefully the scheme will encourage more.

So far the following pubs in North London have signed up to the scheme:

ALMA

59 Newington Green Road, N1 4QU

0207 359 4536

17.00-23.00 Mon-Weds, 12.00-23.00 Thu (00.00 Fri/Sat, 22.30 Sun)

A changing range which will include a local ale such as Redemption or Brodies plus traditional ciders

Large single island bar, wooden floors and maroon decor. Half the bar is laid up as the restaurant and the other half is a proper pub with big wooden tables, sofas and low chairs surrounding the open fire, Maori art and church candles. Dining area to left hand side leading to rear patio garden. Children and dogs welcome. Food, described as "home style cooking, fresh and seasonal with modern British influences", is served at varying times, the emphasis being very much on ethical and sustainable sourcing, for full details see their website. On Fri/Sat no admission after 23.00. An accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme. The pub also features a New Zealand tuck shop (the general manager being a Kiwi) as well as regular beer and cider festivals.

website: www.thealma-n1.co.uk

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Last update: 21/03/2011

BARNSBURY

209-211 Liverpool Road, N1 1LX

(020) 7607 5519

11-11

A constantly changing range of up to six cask beers including a local ale

Recently acquired by The Three Boozers Ltd (http://thethreeboozers.com/), with a strong line in cask beer, and “inspired décor” – such as the use of glasses in the lighting chandeliers. The new new owners have a passion for pubs, real ale and good food. There is a commitment not to keep beer on too long - if it is not sold in four days it will be taken off sale, the cellar is spotless and they are open to suggestions as to what beers to sell, being totally free of tie. The bar is a central island and all furniture is wood as is the flooring with a use of light, neutral colours. Bottled Belgian beers and outside decking with tables. An accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme. When Arsenal are playing there are match day barbecues. Nearest tube - Highbury Corner. An accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme with beers likely to come from Redemption or Brodies.

Formerly Houricans, Windsor Castle.

website: thebarnsbury.co.ukm

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Last update: 21/03/2011

DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE

30 St Peter's Street, N1 8JT

(020) 7359 3066

12-11; 12-10.30 Sun

Pitfield Eco Warrior plus one other Pitfield beer; St Peters Organic Best Bitter

Set on a corner, the Duke is very much a gastro pub with a range of up to four organic cask beers which may come with no finings, so don’t judge the beers with your eyes! There are large plain glass windows, which gives the pub a light airy feel with the dark blue ceiling being offset by the beige walls. The wooden floors and tables add to the bistro atmosphere. A smaller, more intimate eating area at the back of pub leads to a courtyard with seating. Food is served 12:30 – 15:00 (15:30 Sat/Sun), 18:30 – 22:30 (22.00 Sun). There is additional outside seating at the front. The pub is certified by The Soil Association and, as you will see from their website, they have a very ethical policy. An accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle Scheme for its Pitfield beers which have been supplied to the pub since it opened in its present guise in 1998. Nearest tube - Angel.

website: www.dukeorganic.co.uk

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Last update: 19/08/2010

DUKE OF WELLINGTON

119 Balls Pond Road, N1 4BL

020 7275 7640

12.00 - 00.00 Mon to Weds, 12.00 - 1.00 Thu - Fri, 11.00 - 1.00 Sat, 12.00 - 23.30 Sun

Sambrooks Wandle Ale plus a changing range of beers

A fine refurbishment, there's a good range from the main menu and bar snacks served every day as well as being a good place for a drink. Food served 12.00 - 14.30 and 17.30 - 22.00. This large Victorian establishment still has vestiges of the old separate saloon bar and public bar entrances, with a central bar and retains some original features, such as the front fireplace and side-entrance floor tiling and some etched glass - while there is a separate lounge. Sport on several TVs (Arsenal are a strong favourite). Buses 38,30,277,56, N38. Station - Dalston Kingsland. In terms of decent a place to drink (and eat), there is nowhere else on the Balls Pond Road to rival it. Guest beers have come from small producers. New management has recently taken over which will see an increasing range of real ales plus beer festivals.The pub is now an accedited member of the CAMRA LocAle scheme.

website: www.thedukeofwellingtonn1.co.uk

Originally Duke of Wellington, became just Wellington for a while

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Last update: 27/07/2009

GEORGE ORWELL

382 Essex Road, N1 3PF

Mon - Wed: 16:30 - 23:00 Thurs: 16:30 - 00:00 Fri: 16:30 - 02:00 Sat: 12:00 - 02:00 Sun: 12:00 - 22:30

Sambrooks Wandle, rotating beer

After a brief period of closure, reopened as an independently-owned pub specialising in London brewed beers. Sat on a street corner, it's a large, one-bar pub with huge plain glass windows, a gigantic free standing mirror, small garden at the rear, repro Spanish civil war posters (Orwell joined up to fight the fascist forces in Spain and one of the results was his novel, Homage to Catalonia), and the usual Islington mix of unmatched tables, chairs and sofas. A modern take on an old pub. A large screen features sporting events and if it is Tottenham or Arsenal, there will be a big crowd. Two pumps at the moment, a beer from Sambrook's is always likely to feature on one, the other will rotate and as sales hopefully develop, there is room to install two more pumps. It is also likely that an interesting range of bottled beers will appear. Card-carrying CAMRA members get 20p off a pint. Simple food snacks to be introduced in 2011. An accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme.

website: www.thegeorgeorwell.com

Formerly Lighthouse, George Orwell, Norfolk Arms, Cardews.

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Last update: 19/02/2011

HOWL AT THE MOON

178 Hoxton Street, N1 5LH

0203 341 2525

12:00 to 01:00 Fri-Sat. 12:00 to 23:00 Sun - Thur

Dark Star Hophead, Best Bitter and one ale from Brodies

Revitalised and laid back pub, a single bar with an eclectic mix of furniture with mixed tables, armchairs and sofas, a piano and lit by candles and table lamps. It has a very warm and welcoming feel and the internal pillars probably indicate a previous bay layout. Regular events include band nights (live music Saturday), art cabaret, an alternative pub quiz and comedy nights. See their website for more detail. Hoxton overground is nearest station, Old St. is about 12 minutes away.

Formerly Randalls then Queens Head.

website: www.hoxtonhowl.com

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Last update: 15/01/2011

KING CHARLES I

55-57 Northdown Street, N1 9BL

020 7837 7758

12.00 -23.00 (1.00 Fri), 17.00 - 23.00 Sat, 17.00 - 22.30 Sun

Beer range varies but usually up to four available with at least one from Brodies

Small, cosy wood-panelled single room pub in a Georgian building, with a prominent bar billiards machine and knick-knacks including African masks. A back-street local serving workers and residents, it is just far enough from King's Cross to avoid mass tourism. One of the four handpumps features a Brodies beer; sometimes there is also one on gravity and the rest have rotating guests. Snacks and board games are available, also poker tournaments. Outside seating is partly covered. An accredited member of the CAMRA LocAle scheme.

Formerly Charles the First, then Craic House.

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Last update: 13/08/2010

SNOOTY FOX

75 Grosvenor Avenue, N5 2NN

020 7354 9532

16.00–23.00 Sun–Thu(01.00 Fri), Sat 12.00–01.00 (Sun 23.00)

Three regularly changing guest ales usually including a beer from Redemption; traditional cider(s)

A typical North London pub with low lights, candles, an open kitchen, sofas, unmatched tables and chairs. The one room bar curves around the street corner and it has a warm, ambient feel. Lots of pictures and posters of 60s icons, many in atmospheric black and white, although it is doubtful if many (indeed any) frequented this pub in that era. A vinyl jukebox has a retro selection with four plays for £1. At times DJs play mostly 50s and 60s music. Outside benches from where the nearby Canonbury Overground station can be seen. With new licensees in 2010 there has been a rebirth of interest in cask ales which come from a range of breweries in London and across the country and the pub has now started selling ciders from Kent and may well source from other areas. An accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme.

Previously Grosvenor Arms

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Last update: 21/03/2011

ADMIRAL MANN

9 Hargrave Place, Off Brecknock Road, N7 0BP

(020) 7485 4739

11:00-23:00

McMullen Cask Ale, Country Bitter

A very comfortable two-bar pub, smaller front bar which was the public and a larger lounge with booths and ample seating. The pub is carpeted throughout, hence the difficulty in separating the function of the two rooms, especially as they both have dart boards and screens regularly showing sporting events. A cupboard full of trophies illustrates the enthusiasm for arrows. Other pub games can also be found such as cards, cribbage and shove ha'penny and there are weekly pub quizzes. A very traditional local and the only tied house for this Hertfordshire brewery in North London Branch's area. An accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme. No food.

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Last update: 15/12/2010

THREE COMPASSES

62 High Street, N8 7NX

020 8340 2729

11.00 (12.00 Sun) - 23.00 (00.00 Fri and Sat)

Fullers London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Redemption Pale Ale; plus 3 guests.

A large Victorian pub which attracts a diverse range of customers, it is Hornsey's oldest public house. There are known to have been at least three different buildings on this site, the current one dating back to 1896. It was originally a coaching inn and the New River passed through its grounds. Londoners would often visit the pub on a day out to enjoy the fishing, cricket and tea grounds. It was comprehensively restored in 2004. Pub games (pool, darts in the back bar where there is a fine skylight and large screen for sports) and board games are actively encouraged. Freshly-produced food and snacks are available 12.00 - 14.00 and 17.00 - 21.30 Mon - Fri and 12.00 - 21.30 Sat/Sun. Main bar is light and airy, with several doors which are opened in warm weather. Quiz night Monday. Free wi-fi. The guest ales change regularly and the pub is now an accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme. It has won a number of Community Pub Awards as well as being a finalist in the North London Pub of the Year competitions in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Tube Turnpike Lane, train Hornsey, bus 144 stops outside.

website: www.threecompasses.com/index.html

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Last update: 11/04/2011

VICTORIA STAKES

1 Muswell Hill, N10 3TH

020 8815 1793

Mon - Wed 17.00 - 23.00 (Thu 00.00), Fri/Sat 12.00 - 00.00 (Sun 23.00)

Camden Town Pale Ale, Fuller's ESB, Sambrook's Wandle Ale

Single-bar pub nestling in the foothills of Alexandra Palace, on the main Finsbury Park to Muswell Hill bus route. Its name comes from a horse race and the theme is reinforced throughout the pub. Like several real ale outlets in the area, it describes itself as a ‘bar and dining rooms’. Furnishings are a mix of leather sofas and old style wooden chairs; there is a wooden floor throughout on two levels and candle lighting predominates. The pub also offers draught Leffe and Hoegaarden. Food is served, either in the pub or the upstairs restaurant, Mon - Thu 18.00 - 22.30, Fri/Sat 12.00 - 16.00 and 18.00 - 22.30, Sun 12.00 - 21.00. The menu takes in a wide ranges of full meals, snacks and tapas, plus various set menus (e.g. two pints and a pie for £10 on Mon eves) and Sunday lunch. Outdoor seating is available at both front and rear of the pub, although the latter, being fully covered, may get fully used for alfresco dining. Jazz evenings first Weds every month. Overground: Alexandra Palace. Bus: W7. The pub is now an accredited member of CAMRA's LocAle scheme.

website: www.victoriastakes.co.uk

Enterprise

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Last update: 11/04/2011

JOLLY BUTCHERS

204 Stoke Newington High St, N16 7HU

(0207) 241 2185

Mon-Thu 16.00-00.00 (Fri 01.00), Sat 12.00-01.00 (Sun 23.00)

Brodies Cintra, Dark Star Hophead, Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, plus up to 4 others; Ross on Wye perry, Weston's Cider Twist plus one other

Recently reopened under its old name Jolly Butchers. With its prominent red painted exterior this is a one-room pub with large clear picture windows, and some half-moon upper windows retaining their coloured glass. An unusual mix of church pew seats with prayer book slots around large tables, an open kitchen and a bar featuring up to seven cask beers and three ciders and perries at any time. Thornbridge and Dark Star beers feature heavily plus three ciders/perries. Their website lists forthcoming beers and ciders (which can change regularly so be sure to check if you're looking for something specific) and food, which is served Mon - Fri 17.00 - 22.00, Sat 12.00 - 22.00, Sun (roast) 12.00 - 21.00 from a mixed menu of classic pub dishes and some which are less so. Nicely presented beer and cider menu with tasting notes. Interesting range of bottled beers many imported together with some rarer tap beers from Brugse Zot, Meantime, de Koninck, Erdinger and Schlenkerla. Originally Jolly Butchers, then Father Teds, then Bar Stokies. Now back to its original name.

formerly Jolly Butchers, then Father Teds. then Bar Stokies. Npw back to its original name. Run by Father Ted Pubs and Bars.

website: www.jollybutchers.co.uk

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Last update: 16/06/2011

CHARLOTTE DESPARD

17-19 Archway Road, N19 3TX

020 7272 7872

Sun - Wed 12.00 - 00.00; Thu - Sat 12.00 - 01.00

Sambrook's Wandle Ale, Taylor's Landlord

Revitalised gastropub close to Archway gyratory. Food served at all times - Thai/Tibetan. Regular weekly events such as Tuesday quiz nights. Music Sat nights. Jazz on Sunday. Monthly art displays. Charlotte Despard (born Charlotte French) - 1844 to 1839 - was a British born, later Irish based suffragist, novelist and Sinn Féin activist. As The Dog this was a Marlers then a very early Wetherspoons and their corporate offices were above the pub. Now an accredited member of the CAMRA LocAle scheme, the pub hopes to expand its offerings and is keen to explore and develop "sustainable" opportunities within drinks and bar snacks, they already stock Sacred Gin which is distilled in Highgate. Discounts for card-carrying CAMRA members.

Formerly Dog, then Settle Inn

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Last update: 02/09/2009

BREE LOUISE

69 Cobourg Street, NW1 2HH

0207 681 4930

Mon - Fri 11.30 - 23.00, Sat & Sun 12.00 - 23.00

Sambrooks Wandle Ale plus large rotation of guests, up to 8 draught ciders/perry

This open-plan, one-bar pub, with its new gravity cooling system on proud display, can at times have up to fourteen guests available in addition to the permanents, usually including a mild. When busy and in summer the outside seating with the benefit of awnings and heating provides welcome additional space. Food, specialising in pies made on the premises, is served seven days a week 12.00 - 21.00. Card carrying CAMRA members can obtain discounts on both the price of a pint (50p off) and on pies (at £ 5). North London CAMRA's Pub of the Season Spring 2008, Pub of the Year 2009/10. The pub is now an accedited member of the CAMRA LocAle scheme. Close to Euston main line and Euston Square tube.

Formerly Jolly Gardeners

website: www.thebreelouise.com

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Last update: 20/08/2009

DUKE OF HAMILTON

23 New End, NW3 1JD

(020) 7794 0258

12.00 -23.00 (22.30 Sun)

Adnams Lighthouse, Fuller's London Pride, up to 4 guest beers

Run for twenty years by Michael and Mary Wooderson, in 2010 it was saved from conversion to residential following a huge campaign by local residents, councillors, CAMRA and the local press. In 2011 the lease was acquired by The Three Boozers Ltd ( http://thethreeboozers.com/) a company committed to local pubs. The first impression is of the large front terrace, elevated from the street, and the newly repainted burgundy exterior which leads to the main bar area. Here you are greeted by six handpumps and keg taps including Meantime Stout, located on a semi-island bar which on one side leads to a darts board and the other to a rear seated alcove. With a new carpet and freshly painted burgundy walls which are adorned with various memorabilia, original mirrors and photos. A TV screen frequently features live sport, especially rugby. A kitchen has now been installed to sell snacks (sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, sandwiches, salt beef rolls), and full meals such as sausage & mash, steaks, fish & chips, beef & ale stew and Sunday roasts. Full menu served 12.00 - 16.00 and 17.00 - 22.00 Mon - Sat, 12.00 - 20.00 (Sun). The basement has also been redecorated, currently open for bookings but may eventually open on a permanent basis. Over 200 years old, with stables to the rear and a cobbled courtyard, the pub is named after a prominent Civil War Royalist. North London branch local CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2002 and 2003. The pub is an accredited member of the CAMRA LocAle scheme. Underground: Hampstead. Bus: 268.

website: www.thedukeofhamilton.com

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Last update: 21/03/2011

JUNCTION TAVERN

101 Fortess Road, NW5 1AG

020 7485 9400

12 - 23 Mon to Sat, 12 - 22.30 Sun

Sambrook Wandle Ale + up to 4 guest beers

An optimum combination of real ale and gastropub interests, the Junction was voted CAMRA North London's 2008/9 Pub Of The Year with good reason. Appearing from the main road as an almost identikit gastro, the rear of the pub boasts two connected drinking areas, a conservatory and a beer garden, with wood panelling and very large mirrors. It hosts twice-yearly beer festivals (using SIBA breweries) with discounts for CAMRA members. The extensive menu and serving times can be viewed on the pub's website, booking is necessary for the dining room but food is served in all other areas of the pub without booking. On 134 bus route, tube users should head for Tufnell Park or Kentish Town (which is also the nearest mainline station). Now an accredited member of the CAMRA LocAle scheme as a result of which one can often see something from Brodies, Fuller's or Twickenham also on sale. Children are admitted up to 19.00. Heated and covered outside smoking area.

website: www.junctiontavern.co.uk

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Last update: 07/02/2010