London pubs better than some in the North, says Andy Burnham as he names his favourite in the capital
Andy Burnham has hailed London pubs as better than some in the North.
In an exclusive interview with The Standard, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester told how the capital was “spoilt” for pubs.
The new Prime Minister, 56, who has been dubbed the “King of the North”, recalled how he had visited so many pubs in London since he started in Government as a special adviser to then Culture Secretary Chris Smith nearly three decades ago.
Asked to name his favourite pub in London, he said: “The trouble is, I've probably been, as you know, in pretty much everyone over the years, because I mean it when I say I love London, and I love London pubs for certain.
“I think London pubs are even possibly better than some in the North of England.
“You know, you are spoilt for pubs, so I could reel off a lot.
“The Dog House in Kennington is one that I always feel quite quite fond of. Yeah, I've had many a good night in there.”
The Dog House, named in The Standard’s “Cosy pubs for winter: 10 of London’s best for cold winter nights”, promotes itself as a “grand old Victorian corner pub” by Kennington Cross in south London.
“A cracking range of beers, liveners & pick me ups sit behind the horse shoe bar,” it adds.
“Local art, curiosities and plenty of cosy or lively spots to enjoy your pint and put the world to rights.”
The Dog House was named in The Standard’s “Cosy pubs for winter: 10 of London’s best for cold winter nights”
South of the river again. First stop, The Dog House (293 Kennington Road, SE11 6BY, doghouse.pub) in Kennington, a pub which performs in all manner of ways. A visit needn’t be cosy, there are more open areas for frivolity and silliness, but there are quiet corners too, little pockets of space that suit soft winter drinking. Behind the horseshoe-shaped bar, the welcome can be disarming if the time is right and to find a seat by the fire is ideal.
Mr Burnham was speaking to The Standard at the British Museum a week before the landmark exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry opens.
The PM told how tickets for the historic display were “more sought after than Chelsea Arsenal”.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, French president Emmanuel Macron and Mr Burnham walked the length of the 70-metre masterpiece at the museum on Wednesday evening.
They were joined by France’s first lady Brigitte Macron and Mr Burnham’s wife Marie-France van Heel.
In one of his first steps as Prime Minister, Mr Burnham announced in July that pubs, clubs and live music venues would receive a 20% cut to their business rates bills.
Downing Street said the move would benefit nearly 32,000 businesses across the country and that it would save the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year.
Less than a week into office, Mr Burnham stressed: “For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
“This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities.
“I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do.”
However, many publicans and other bosses blame former Chancellor Rachel Reeves for damaging their businesses after she raised National Insurance for employers by £20 billion in her first Budget.
Her decision is also widely seen to have hit economic growth in the UK.
Hundreds of pubs have closed in recent years as people increasingly drink at home during the cost-of-living crisis still being suffered by many households.