June 2023. North-West London.
You hardly notice the transition from West to North-West London, historically the weakest of the Beer Guide’s capital chapters.
The 20 minutes north from Maida Vale’s eerie trees and epic Paddington playground take you to Kilburn, but it’s not a Kilburn I recognise.
But I recognise the name. The Carlton Tavern, the pub they demolished and had to rebuild brick-by-brick.
An absolute cert to be in the GBG whenever it did re-open, as surely as a community-owned pub or brewery tap only open Monday and Tuesday evenings.
But will it magically be good enough for the Guide when it wasn’t before ? BIG question.
It’s a bit quiet; all the mums are in the park next door. That’s no way to keep pubs alive, mum (or dad, sexist).
It really is gorgeous, and I’m amazed this is all newbuild. More Dulwich than Kilburn with just a nod to the latter with the Taytos.
Cheery staff, and a foamy pint of the house Anspach & Hobday (NBSS 3),
though frankly it’s the salt and pepper squid that’s the star.
The eclectic soundtrack bounces from “Unfinished Sympathy” to “Turn ! Turn ! Turn !” with its iconic line
“A time to gather stones together“, which I guess is perfect for the Carlton. Oddly, Shazam insisted it was the dance remix of the Byrds I was listening to.
Very lived-in already,
and next door has the door out to a lovely garden where folk were finally heading just after 3.
Back in the bar, the first Old Boy arrived.
“What can I get you Bert ?”
“What else ! The XPA”
And with that, I knew I’d need to stop for a half of the Five Points too. And that’s when the discipline started to slip.
retiredmartin 
It’s a metaphor, for what needs doing with British institutions generally.
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Not all of those need rebuilding. Just the demolition will be fine.
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Agreed, but the poetic justice of the wreckers being made to pay personally would be denied in the other cases anyway, I’d wager.
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That’ an amazing rebuild there. I must admit, when the court ordered the developers to rebuild the Carlton, brick by brick, I expected some sort of sham copy. Instead they have delivered an almost perfect facsimile of the original pub, including that splendid signage for “Charrington’s Sparkling Ales & Famous Stout.”
Splendid! I shall have to give the place a visit.
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It’s a must, but I’ll admit I couldn’t believe it was a rebuild. I’m also intrigued that What Pub has decided to leave the original demolished pub as a separate entry !
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Weird!
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One’s the Ghost of Carlton Past.
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