(From left) Landlord Peter Holt and staff members Robert Lind, Lizzie Bowen and Lucy Trickett at the Southampton Arms. Picture: Polly Hancock

A popular local in Kentish Town has been named the best pub in Greater London by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The Southampton Arms in Highgate Road will be awarded the gong next month after CAMRA called the pub a “must-visit for London’s ale lovers” in its list of regional winners.

Owner Peter Holt, who has run the pub for almost two years, said: “I don’t really know why we won it. I suppose we’re pretty dedicated to ales and cider from small independent breweries.”

The pub operates 18 hand-pull pumps and punters drink to the tune of jazz, blues and soul, which play out from the pub’s record player.