CROUCH HILL: Rose & Crown launch a new boozer
The team behind one of Kentish Town’s best pubs is on a roll. Their new watering hole, in Crouch Hill – ie. two stops east on the Overground from Gospel Oak – is called the Brave Sir Robin. “We’re planning the same warm and welcoming vibe,” says co-owner Ben Caudell, “but it’s a bigger pub, with a full restaurant and more rotating taps for all your craft beer needs. We intend to serve a seasonal menu and Sunday roasts.” Tasty. Soft launch from today (8th Dec). More info @bravesirrobinn4. 29 Crouch Hill N4
KENTISH TOWN: The Vine is back
Did it ever go away? One local boozer we seem to have forgotten about recently is now back open, post-refurb. There’s a new shuffleboard area, cask ale list, lots more craft beer taps, a new food menu, function rooms and Nomad Gin Bar boasting 54 different gins. We hear there’s even a ‘Press for Champagne’ stand (presumably catering for the denizens of the new Maple Building opposite). Whatever next? 86 Highgate Road NW5
HAMPSTEAD: A new Lounge & Jazz club
Keeping things a tad more earthy, despite its lofty situation, is this mildly reinvented Hampstead institution. Formerly the tucked-away Duke of Hamilton pub on New End, it’s now back with a live music space, all still under the same owner, Steve Coxshall. Despite the name change, the ground-floor pub is almost exactly the same, with its shabby-chic chandeliers, big mirrors and velvety reds. As well as more craft beers and wines, there are organic, free-range meat and cheese platters. Tickets and more info. 23-25 New End NW3
