With five real ales at any one time and a huge collection of bottled world beers, it’s easy to see why this is a pub that is widely regarded as one of the best for beer.

The Venue
Located a few minutes' walk away from nearby Stockwell Tube station, the Priory Arms is a firm favourite with local residents. As well as offering a friendly welcome, it is one well presented venue. Spread over a split level, around the huge, gleaming bar are dark wooden high tables and matching stools, sat upon a dark wooden floor. Up a couple of steps is the lounge area with a contrasting light pine floor, black leather sofas and dark red leather stools surrounding deep mahogany tables that contrast with the white walls. It’s almost like a pub and bar have taken up residence in one small area, choosing to peacefully coexist. And that’s not an easy balance to maintain.

The Atmosphere
Although Stockwell isn’t the nicest area, it is ‘up-and-coming’ (shudder) as young professionals move out of increasingly expensive Clapham. And so the mix of people drinking at the Priory Arms reflects the shift in the area with young locals popping in for a beer or two. Luckily, unlike Clapham High Street, there isn’t that ‘quick, let’s drink as many pints as possible before puking on the street’ feel to the place. This may be because this is a pub widely regarded as being one of the best for beer, so you get many beer aficionados actively seeking it out.

The Drink
Ah the beer. This is why we all wish there were more free houses around. The Priory Arms can choose whatever beers it wants, whenever it wants them as it’s not tied to any one brewery – and boy do they make the most of it. They have five real ales on at any one time and they change them every couple of weeks so there’s always something new to discover. They also support a lot of London breweries with Camden Town Brewery well represented alongside Sambrook’s. They mix this up with some amusing brews like Olympic Flame (sure to be big in 2012!) and also represent other British breweries with ales from Yorkshire or Cornwall. And not willing to leave it at that, they take it a step further with an even bigger choice of German and Belgian bottled beers.

The Last Word
Now there’s a reason to seek out Stockwell. The secret is well and truly out. Combine a trip here with a visit to nearby cheap and cheerful curry mecca Hot Stuff and you’ll be buzzing about it for days afterwards.

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