A community-run pub in South London has been named the capital’s best for the seventh time in 14 years.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has yet again hailed the boozer as one of the best in the UK, awarding it Greater London Regional Pub of the Year at its 2025 awards. It last won in 2023.
When inspecting pubs across the UK, CAMRA judges look for a “great atmosphere, décor, welcome, service, inclusivity, overall impression and, most importantly, quality cask beer, real cider and perry.”
See also: The 50 best pubs in London, according to the Standard
The Hope is one of 16 regional winners recognised for their quality and commitment to their respective communities. An announcement from CAMRA said this year's contest comes as many pubs across the UK face their toughest year yet, with high costs, heavy tax burdens and lofty business rates.
For the Hope, on West Street in Carshalton, the accolade is especially impressive given it was threatened with closure before being saved by locals. Regulars saved The Hope from shutting down little over a decade ago, clubbing together to create 48 West Limited and taking over the lease.
In 2015, the group managed to purchase the pub freehold and it is now owned by 46 shareholders — with a 24 per cent ownership cap per individual — in Carshalton, an unassuming pocket of Sutton with a large duck pond and a sizable Catholic community.
The Hope has since gathered a reputation for a fine selection of beers, affordable prices, simple pub food, and friendly service.
There are always seven real ales on tap, always from smaller, independent breweries, as well as ciders, lagers, and craft beers.
The food is home cooked, and bar snacks include sausage rolls and pork pies, while the pub operates a no TV, radio or music policy, instead encouraging conversation. The use of mobile phones isn’t disallowed but isn’t exactly favoured, either.
Andrea Briers, CAMRA’s pub of the year coordinator, said: “It is a real pleasure to announce this year’s top 16 pubs, each of which has demonstrated exceptional quality, warmth and dedication to their communities. These pubs are shining examples of what makes the Great British pub so special, from perfectly kept pints to a genuine welcome for all.
“Achieving this in the face of rising costs and other pressures is no small feat, and we want to see these pubs, and thousands of others like them, continue to thrive. That’s why we’re calling on the Chancellor to give pubs a fair deal in the Autumn Budget so they can keep serving their communities for many years to come.”
48 West Street, Carshalton, SM5 2PR, hopecarshalton.co.uk
