Toasting success: Save The Chesham group during the campaign to keep it open. Photograph: Save the Chesham
Homerton pub the Chesham Arms has beaten 600 rivals to be named Pub of the Year, in a final triumph for the campaigners who battled to keep it open.
The 150-year-old watering hole on Mehetabel Road closed in 2012 and was earmarked to be turned into flats. But residents fought against the development and in July last year the pub reopened, after Hackney Council awarded it protected status as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
Just six months on the Chesham has been voted this year’s best pub in the City and East London Area by 1,600 members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
“It just goes to show how much the pub was needed in the local area,” said James Watson, a spokesperson for CAMRA. “It’s exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“There’s a nice collection of regulars in there, teachers from the local schools come in, the Hackney bell ringing society come for a drink after practice. But it’s not just locals – you get people from all over in there.
“It has set a new standard. There’s been a shortage of decent, friendly pubs.”
Jonathan Sockett, chairman of Save The Chesham campaign group, said: “We are all delighted with the news. It has been a tremendous success.”