Chesham Arms is London’s top pub, says quality beer group established by ‘disgruntled’ drinkers

Campaigners outside the (then boarded up) pub during the campaign to keep it open

The Chesham Arms has been voted London’s pub of the year by members of an organisation that champions quality beer.

The (somewhat oddly-named) Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood (SPBW) was set up by “disgruntled” beer drinkers concerned about declining quality, and its aims are similar to those of the better known Campaign for Real Ale group.

SPBW said its judges were impressed by the quality of traditional draught beers at the Chesham Arms. They also commended the pub’s hospitality “and the fact that it is a genuine ‘community’ pub”.

The pub, which is located near Sutton House in Homerton, was saved several years ago following a campaign after its owner attempted to convert the building into flats.

After a period of closure it was reopened in July 2015, and it has since proved highly popular among locals and beer lovers from further afield.

The pub’s manager will be presented with an SPBW award later this month.