Devonshire Arms, Camden  

It's official: Goth is out, Rock is in . The November 2007 buy-out of the Dev means it is now a Hobgoblin pub owned by Wychwood Brewery, although the name has thankfully not (yet?) changed. This has injected a much-needed dose of ale into a pub previously best known for snakebite & blacks and dodgy Guinness. There are now three draught ales plus bottled beers to choose from, in addition to the usual standard fizzy yellow drinks. It is fair to say that, of all drinkers, Goths and Rockers should appreciate the darker side of beer the most. While there are probably some people who lament the passing of the old Dev, we were heartened by the more welcoming policies. It's not just the drink that has broadened: the dress code has relaxed as well. It remains to be seen what impact this will have on the evening entertainment (which goes on until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays), but during the day there was still the same recognisable alternative crowd. Some of the more extreme decorations have gone, but it is by no means a redesign and the pub still feels as 'historic' as ever. And that is important in a world that increasingly swims in ready-made Ikea-type false fronted pubs; we must preserve the best in our traditional (and alternative) boozers.

reviewed:
01/02/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

live music

Link to your pub's web site