John Cryne and Joao Neves at The Pocket

A CANONBURY bar has been crowned “Winter Pub of the Season” after an award-winning publican took it on last spring.

The Pocket, in Canonbury Lane, won the accolade from the north London branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), for its cosy vibes, independent beer selection and live piano music.

Formerly called the Four Sisters, the pub was shut down in 2021 before Peter Holt, the owner of Kentish Town’s ever popular Southampton Arms, took on the lease and renovated the interior last year.

Pocket manager Joao Neves said: “This was all what we were aiming for from the beginning. We are doing this because of real ale and our passion for it.”

Mr Holt told the Tribune he had the idea for The Pocket – an old carriage house – after cycling past the vacant building on his way to work.

When he got the keys it was completely derelict, with squatters downstairs, pigeons in the roof and rain pouring in.

John Cryne, from the local CAMRA branch, said The Pocket’s lack of televisions and piped music – though there is a piano – were part of what made it special.

“We were delighted when we heard that Peter Holt was going to take it over. Like the Southampton, the Pocket has an emphasis on good beer and cider, with eight handpumps for cask beer and six ciders; all from independent producers,” he said, adding: “Since opening in March, the feedback we have had from people visiting the pub has been amazing and, I suspect that none of them will be surprised that the Pocket has been given this award.”

The Pocket

Manager Mr Neves explained that the pub’s unusual name comes from the fact that “it’s small and attracts people from all walks of life.”

The pub’s original name, Four Sisters, was a tribute to the four Miss Vincents, who had a coffee and confectionary shop in the building from as early as 1905.