From bombs and bar brawls to village pub vibe. The story of The Queens.
If the walls of The Queens Crouch End could talk they’d tell colourful stories of Victorian workers, falling bombs, bar brawls and calmer times of community hubbub.
The grand Victorian Pub with its stunning art nouveau stained glass was built as a hotel at the turn of the century and sat alongside the Queens Opera House, which was demolished after heavy bomb damage during the Second World War.
Yet despite its grandeur the Crouch End pub has always had a down to earth vibe.
Camille Martin, has been managing The Queens for the past couple of years.
She said: “It was built to host the people who worked at Ally Pally. It used to be quite a rough place, there were regular gigs and some big fights. This used to be the rougher end of town but then more shops came and the area changed.
“Now it’s a family pub, a place for the community to gather and in the evening it tends to attract a younger crowd. It’s still incredibly down to earth and we welcome everyone. Crouch End is like a village and the pub really is a community hub.
The Queens is the latest business to join the Local Buyers Club, offering 10% off food and drink Monday-Friday to members. ( More info here)
Camille moved to London as an Au Pair from her home town of Aviggnon in France nine years ago and stayed. Despite studying industrial fashion, she fell in love with London and bar work and decided to stay.
The food served at the Queens is prepared by head chef who’s lovingly nicknamed ‘Bambino.’ It’s fresh, seasonal and local – classic British pub food like fish and chips and sausage and mash with some restaurant-type meals such as sea bass, lamb chops and winter stews.
Camille’s love of wine and beer tasting has brought some brilliant drinks to the table, including an English Pinot Noir and a fabulous array of craft beers.
The Queens has a lovely garden at the back and wonderful alcoves make the vast space inside feel cosy. There’s live folk music on the last Thursday of every month.
The pub was designed by architect John Cathles Hill, the same man who designed the nearby Salisbury in Green Lanes.
What is the Local Buyers Club?
We're on a mission to help you discover and support the best local and independent businesses.
We've negotiated discounts for our members at dozens of fantastic restaurants, shops, bars and businesses throughout North and East London. We help promote them and raise awareness of the advantages of shopping locally.
Join Local Buyers Club and, for just £12 per year, you'll receive a discount card to use at any of the 90+ businesses listed on the site. More info here
