A Kilburn pub has been named one of Britain's most beautiful boozers following its sensitive refurbishment.
The Campaign for Real Ale has unveiled the winners of its Pub Design Awards with the Black Lion in Kilburn High Road scooping the Conservation Award - sponsored by Historic England - for innovative pub projects which preserve architectural features while upgrading the facilities.
The Grade II*listed pub, which dates back to 1898, is said by CAMRA to have an "historic interior of national importance" including ornate plaster ceiling and wall friezes, original U-shaped bar divided by glass and wood screens, etched glass, and original mirrors.
The pub temporarliy closed in 2020 under the previous owners when a pipe leak in the upstairs guesthouse led to chunks of the ornate plaster ceiling falling down.
When London Village Inns took over the lease in March 2022, professional restorers carefully copied and replaced a section of the ceiling. They also gave the pub a thorough cleaning, with new lighting, furniture, handpumps, and tiling.
"It's a listed building so there's only so much you can do but even some of the regulars hadn't noticed certain features because they were hidden behind blackboards or under dust," said Operations Director Ozan Aydin.
"Over three months we ripped everything out that wasn't original, improved the lighting, and made little touches that took it back to what it was fifty or sixy years ago. It's a beautiful building and now you can see its beauty."
The pub serves a range of beers including a Belgian sour cherry, a cask ale and a still cider, as well as a menu influenced by north Indian cuisine.
They are about to open a lovingly refurbished 11-room hotel.
London Village Inns is owned by Martin Harley, who has been landlord of The Wrestlers in Highgate since 1997 and who bought the Rose & Crown in Stoke Newington which was previously run by his parents. The Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington, and The Westbury in Wood Green are also in the group.
"We are excited to unveil our newly refurbished hotel in the next couple of weeks," added Ozan.
"We have dedicated countless hours to transform both the pub and hotel into welcoming and stylish spaces for our guests. The renovations were designed with a commitment to preserving the character of the building while offering modern comforts and amenities, and our pub has been revitalised to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy great food, drinks, and community.
"Kilburn has a unique charm and a rich history, we couldn't be happier to it our home and look forward to contributing to Kilburn's vibrant culture."
Other London pubs recognised by CAMRA's Pub Design awards include the Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, which has been restored to recreate Georgian details and timber panelling, and The George in Great Portland Street, whose renovation pays homage to its history as a hub for 18th century political and social movements.
CAMRA’s Awards Director Laura Emson said: "We hope beer-lovers will seek out these examples of excellence and plan visits to them. It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the pub industry, so let’s all support our locals this year and raise a glass to these shining examples in pub excellence."
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