On Tuesday 24th February 2009, the North London Branch of CAMRA will be launching the Guide to the Real Ale Pubs in Ham and High, supported by West London Brewery Fuller, Smith and Turner.

The Guide covers NW3, N6, NW8 and the eastern part of NW6, in total around 50 real ale pubs. This area is steeped in history and the pubs are a social chronicle of these districts, after all pubs are part of London's lifeblood.

Of course, the pubs in Hampstead reflect the influence of the Waters; The Wells Tavern and the Flask (because there you could purchase a flask to put the waters in). Highgate's pubs originally grew up around the stage coach trade, being on one of the main roads out of London. The Clifton, in St John's Wood, was once in the middle of hunting grounds. It is reported to have come into being when the owner got fed up of people taking advantage of his friendship and set up an inn. But the reason why it was renamed as a hotel is even more interesting; see their website for further details.

John Cryne, the Branch Chairman said "Although there is plenty to celebrate, it isn't all good news. Unfortunately we have seen a decline in the number of pubs, particularly where property prices are high. Over the last few years, we have lost over a quarter of our pubs".

John continued "St John's Wood has fared the worst. We had 21 pubs in 1995 of which 19 sold real ale. Now there are only 10, with only half selling real ale. One of the most spectacular pubs under threat is Crocker's which remains closed. This wonderful Grade II listed building at one time sported a concert hall but, at an asking price of £4million, it probably looks certain to be left to fester and the continuing deterioration is a real concern. We need to use our pubs or we will continue to lose them".

The good news is that there are still some fantastic pubs in London and a quick look at London's Regional Inventory shows what a wealth of great historical pubs we have but we do have to work hard to keep them (visit www.camra.org.uk for details).

The venue for the launch reflects the historic nature of pubs and the pub's value to the local community. Hampstead's Duke of Hamilton, named after a prominent Civil War Royalist, is over 200 years old, with stables to the rear and a cobbled courtyard. It regularly appears in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide and has been the North London Branch's Pub of the Year three times. The launch commences at 7pm.

For further details and photos contact: John Cryne on 07802 174861.

Extra Facts

1. This is the fourth in the series of local guides produced by CAMRA North London's volunteers
2. Thanks to the support of Fuller Smith and Turner, the price of the Guide is only £2. It will be available from selected pubs and CAMRA (01727 867201) from March onwards.
3. Highgate has fared the best losing only one pub from the 15 it had in 1995 in comparison to Hampstead that has lost 7 in the same period (it now has 29 pubs).
4. The Duke of Hamilton, which is hosting the launch, is at 23 New End, Hampstead, NW3 1JD; 020 7794 0258.
5. The Clifton's website is www.cliftonstjohnswood.com
6. CAMRA is the Campaign for Real Ale and is a volunteer membership organisation with over 180 volunteer branches across the UK and over 97,000 members.
7. CAMRA nationally was formed in 1971. It exists to promote good beer, protect pubs and defend consumer rights.
8. The Good Beer Guide is produced annually by CAMRA and the pubs are chosen for the beer quality by unpaid branch volunteers.

John Cryne