Vine, Kentish Town

12/11/22 - No cask beer tonight. Vine Climber beer (GK house) turned round. No sign of locale. Visited again Jan 2023 - just the badged beer, LocAle listing removed.

This large free-house was acquired in 2011 by independent pub group, Realpubs Ltd just before they in turn were bought by regional brewing giant, Greene King. It subsequently closed for a comprehensive refurbishment which was done in the Realpub style, creating an 80 seat dining room at the rear, with a large skylight, and the kitchen semi-open to diners.

At the front of the pub is a large decked terrace with huge umbrella awnings providing shelter. As you enter note the tiled mosaic bearing the pub's name immediately inside the front door, which despite some signs of wear and tear does more than enough to evoke the pub's previous life. The front end of the pub is for drinkers, lots of large tables, bar stools and a smaller room off to the left, with two rooms upstairs available for hire. More logically the bar servery now faces customers as they enter. Food is served through the day but the menu can vary.

We ascertained that a discount was programmed into the till for CAMRA members. Many GK managed pubs do this but equally likely that not all bar staff may be aware!