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North of Old Street
by Edgar Belka
Edgar Belka continues his series on pub crawls in central London.
The area just north of Old Street may not at first glance appear rewarding, but this area has much to offer the real ale drinker.
Starting off in Pitfield Street, there is the Pitfield Brewery and Beer Shop. In the past it has been possible to visit the brewery. Check on opening hours if you are planning a visit; the Beer Shop can be contacted on 020 7739 3701.
Just off Pitfield Street in Brunswick Place is the first pub on this route.
Prince Arthur, 49 Brunswick Place, N1 6EB.
Shepherd Neame Best, Master Brew, Spitfire.
This attractive and pleasant back street local has recently been externally redecorated. There is seating available outside. An excellent pub to sup a couple of beers in, particularly on a warm summer evening. The pub has a regular darts team, and a dart board is available in a separate area toward the rear of the pub.
Head back to Pitfield Street, and continue north, past what was the Hop Pole opposite Charles Square, an ex-Truman's pub now converted to offices, and along to the next pub.
George & Vulture, 63 Pitfield Street, N1 6EN.
Fullers London Pride, ESB.
This is a large and friendly Fuller's pub, popular with locals. There are two distinct bar areas, with seating available outside.
From here head along Haberdasher Street, across East Road and into Nile Street.
Duke of Wellington, 71 Nile Street, N1 7RD.
Ushers Best.
This is a basic back street pub in an area that is currently under going some major re-development. Despite this the pub still maintains a loyal local following, and it is a pleasant surprise to find it sells a well kept pint of Ushers, at a regular price of just £1.05.
Follow Nile Street and keep going until you reach Shepherdess Walk, then left to City Road, passing the Eagle, now only notable for its mention in the old nursery rhyme. From City Road head to Lever Street via Dingley Place, which will take you to the next pub on the corner of Lever Street and Ironmonger Row.
Britannia, 94 Ironmonger Row, EC1V 3QR.
Slater's Shining Dragon; Nethergate Augustinian; Boddingtons; Fullers London Pride.
This pub is officially in the ELAC CAMRA branch area, but is another favourite of mine. The pub is another friendly local, with few office workers in the evenings. The pub consists of a large central island bar. There is a small new patio drinking area to the rear of the pub, as well as seating provided outside on the street. There are two regularly changing guest beers, kept in excellent condition.
Head back to City Road, and straight across to Windsor Terrace and then Wenlock Road. The final pub is on the corner of Wenlock Road and Sturt Street.
Wenlock Arms, 26 Wenlock Road, N1 7TA.
Woodforde's Nelsons Revenge; Adnam's Bitter, Regatta; Mighty Oak Oscar Wilde Mild; Oakham J H B; Burton Ale.
This has rightly been referred to as North London's premier real ale pub. The Wenlock Arms has been the North London Branch CAMRA Pub of the Year three times, as well as receiving a Pub of the Season award. This busy back street local attracts people from near and far, despite being off the beaten track. The beer range varies continuously, with up to seven real ales, one of which is normally a mild, and a guest cider available on hand pump.
When I visited the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain, Oakham's J H B, was available; a hoppy, pale coloured ale, that went down a treat.
If only for the quality and beer range, this pub really deserves an entire evening to sample all the beers. In addition, there are regular jazz sessions, normally on Friday evening, and Saturday lunchtimes.
Edgar
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 12.
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