Gather round, folks: the ale-aficionados over at CAMRA (AKA the Campaign for Real Ale) are back at it. They’ve just revealed what they believe to be the country’s best and most beautiful pubs in their annual and oh-so coveted Pub Design Awards. And we’re pretty pleased (and only a tiny bit smug) to tell you that London is officially home to one of them.
Each and every year, a bunch of beer-buffs and conservation-connoisseurs pub-crawl their way across the country in pursuit of finding the most beautiful boozers of all. I mean, someone has got to do it, I suppose. Held in conjunction with Historic England; the Pub Design Awards span six different categories that shine a light on the most visually stunning, historically significant, and lovingly restored pubs in the country.
Only one London pub made an appearance on the list of winners, managing to get its hands on the crown for the ‘Community Local’ category. Boasting beer, beauty, and a big old dollop of history; the best-looking pub in London this year is (drum roll, please…) The Forester in Ealing.
The Forester, Ealing
Perched on a fairly unassuming street corner in NorthfieldsThe Forester was celebrated in the awards for the ‘respectful refurbishment’ of its original Edwardian features and big old Art Noveau-style stained-glass windows. It was built back in 1909, and is a pretty gorgeous example of the esteemed work of the prominent pub architect, T H Nowell Parr. The Grade II listed locale still has four of its original rooms and its original bar counter. And it is also one of very few London pubs that still boasts bell pushes that were previously used for summoning table service.
Offering charm and character by the pint-load; The Forester sure is a sparkly gem in London’s full-to-bursting treasure trove of boozers. And if it’s good-looking enough for CAMRA; it’s certainly good-looking enough for us, you know?
Andrew DavisonChair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said: “The Pub Design Awards recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation… I encourage heritage enthusiasts and pub lovers alike to visit these inspirational buildings.”
You can peruse the full list of CAMRA Pub Design Award winners here.
