Wenlock Arms Wins North London CAMRA Pub of the Year 2026 Hoxton

Key Points

• The Wenlock Arms in Hoxton has won North London CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for 2026, marking its second victory after 2017.
• John Cryne from CAMRA’s North London Branch described the pub’s history as a “classic story of rags to riches then back to rags and finally riches.”
• The pub reopened as a free house in 1994 under Steve Barnes and Will Williams, becoming a beacon for real ale.
• In 2010, property developers targeted it, leading to a three-year fight; it reopened in 2013 and rebuilt its reputation.
• It won North London Pub of the Year in 2017 under previous ownership and now again under current ownership, adding to four prior awards.
• The pub features 10 handpumps for real ale and real cider; the award was chosen by an online vote from CAMRA members.
• A voter praised it as “harking back to its glorious late 90s/early 00s days as the finest cask ale joint in London.”
• Samson Armett-Roughley, Cellar Manager, called the win an honour amid pressures on pubs.
• Originally the brewery tap for Wenlock Brewery until 1962; built in 1835 as a traditional Victorian corner pub with U-shaped bar, dartboard, and piano.
• Used in filming, including Simon Pegg’s The World’s End.
• Offers snacks like toasties, Piemaster pies, baked Camembert, and tuna melts.
• Award presented on Tuesday, 7th April; photo shows Esther Harper (General Manager), Samson Armett-Roughley, and John Cryne.
• CAMRA is a volunteer group with over 140,000 members, formed in 1971 to promote real ale, protect pubs, and defend consumer rights.
• Wenlock Arms is part of CAMRA’s LocAle scheme, emphasising local beers and well-trained staff.
• Location: 26 Wenlock Road, Hoxton, N1 7TA; 10-minute walk from Old Street, near Regent’s Canal.
• Part of a small group of four pubs leased by Heath Ball, including Red Lion & Sun and Angel Inn in Highgate.
• Contact: John Cryne (john.cryne2@googlemail.com, 07802 174861); pub (beer@wenlockarms.com, Samson@wenlockarms.com, 020 7608 3406); website: www.wenlockarms.com.

Hoxton (The Londoner News) May 5, 2026 – The Wenlock Arms, a resilient Victorian pub in Hoxton, North London, has clinched the prestigious North London CAMRA Pub of the Year award for 2026, nine years after its triumph in 2017. This victory underscores the pub’s enduring commitment to real ale amid fierce competition and economic pressures on the hospitality sector.

What Is the History Behind the Wenlock Arms’ Survival?

The Wenlock Arms boasts a storied past that mirrors the ups and downs of London’s pub culture. As reported by John Cryne of CAMRA North London, this is a

“classic story of rags to riches then back to rags and finally riches.”

The pub reopened as a free house in 1994 under owners Steve Barnes and Will Williams. It quickly became a beacon for good beer at a time when real ale was scarce.

Property developers eyed the site in 2010, sparking a three-year battle to preserve it as a pub. The fight succeeded, and it reopened in 2013.

The venue gradually rebuilt its reputation for quality beer and a warm welcome. Under previous ownership, it secured North London Pub of the Year in 2017, contributing to a total of four awards. Now, under current ownership, it has claimed the title again for 2026.

Originally the brewery tap for the nearby Wenlock Brewery until its closure in 1962—hence the pub’s name—the establishment was built in 1835. This traditional Victorian corner pub features a U-shaped bar, dartboard, and piano in the back seating area. Its classic character has attracted filmmakers, including a role in Simon Pegg’s The World’s End.

Why Did the Wenlock Arms Win Pub of the Year 2026?

The award, presented on Tuesday, 7th April, recognises excellence in real ale provision. John Cryne of CAMRA North London explained:

“The Wenlock Arms now has an impressive array of 10 handpumps selling real ale and real cider and, of course, it is only in pubs that you can drink real ale.”

He noted:

“There are few pubs in our branch area that can boast winning our Pub of the Year as many times as the Wenlock Arms.”

The winner emerged from an online vote by CAMRA members. One respondent lauded it, saying:

“Harking back to its glorious late 90s/early 00s days as the finest cask ale joint in London (when competition was much slighter), the Wenlock Arms is once again firing on all cylinders (and all lines) as the benchmark in how to keep and serve cask, at the same time creating an inclusive, lively and convivial place to gather.”

John Cryne added that this comment pays

“tribute to all the hard work the team at the Wenlock has put in.”

A photo from the presentation captures Esther Harper, General Manager; Samson Armett-Roughley, Cellar Manager; and John Cryne, North London CAMRA representative.

What Challenges Do Pubs Like the Wenlock Arms Face?

Samson Armett-Roughley, Wenlock Arms’ Cellar Manager, highlighted the hurdles:

“With these many ale taps, the ongoing pressures to pubs and businesses means the odds are against us. So it’s an honour to win this award and help keep real ale alive.”

These pressures include rising costs, competition from developers, and shifting consumer habits, yet the pub persists.

What Makes CAMRA and This Award Significant?

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is a volunteer membership organisation formed in 1971. It boasts over 200 volunteer branches across the UK and more than 140,000 members.

The group exists to promote good beer, protect pubs, and defend consumer rights. The Wenlock Arms participates in CAMRA’s LocAle scheme, which encourages pubs to stock local beers. The pub prides itself on well-trained staff who possess deep knowledge of the beers on offer.

John Cryne emphasised the rarity of repeat wins: few pubs in the North London branch match the Wenlock Arms’ tally.

Where Is the Wenlock Arms Located and What Are Its Features?

Situated at 26 Wenlock Road, Hoxton, N1 7TA, the pub lies a 10-minute walk from Old Street tube station and mere minutes from Regent’s Canal.

Opening hours are: Monday 3pm–11pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm–11pm; Thursday 12pm–12am; Friday and Saturday 12pm–1am.

Beyond its 10 handpumps dispensing real ale and ciders, the menu offers simple snacks: toasties, Piemaster pies, baked Camembert, and tuna melts. The Wenlock Arms forms part of a small group of four pubs leased by Heath Ball. Two others—the Red Lion & Sun and the Angel Inn—are in Highgate.

For more details, visit www.wenlockarms.com.

Who Are the Key Contacts for This Story?

John Cryne of CAMRA North London is available at john.cryne2@googlemail.com or 07802 174861. The Wenlock Arms can be reached at beer@wenlockarms.com, Samson@wenlockarms.com, or 020 7608 3406.