The Junction Tavern

Having been voted North London pub of the Year 2008 by CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale for those of you who don't know your beer pressure groups - the Junction Tavern is more than just another gastro pub. Though it is a decent one of those too. Running twice yearly beer festivals and offering discounts (at certain times of the year) to CAMRA members, it's easy to see why the beer drinkers like the place. It has beer on tap, hosts guest ales and supplies a heated beer garden in which to enjoy your pint. For decent pub grub, there's a dining room which can be booked or the pub and conservatory areas which can't. All serve the same daily changing menu littered with fresh seasonal ingredients. In March, for example - when only the brave will be dining in the beer garden - you'll find comforting main courses like broad bean, pea and mascarpone risotto served with parmesan cheese or oven-roast pork chop which comes with bubble 'n' squeak, bramley apple sauce on the side and covered in a tasty jus. This gastro pub owned by Jacky Kitching and Chris Leech, halfway between Tufnell Park and Kentish Town tubes is a welcome addition to the North London offering - just ask the people at CAMRA.