The first Campaign for Real Ale London Drinker Beer Festival was 40 years ago in mid-March 1985. The last festival was in 2018. Camden Town Hall in which the venue was located (the Camden Centre) underwent building modifications- its still there btw.
I was at the first and I think every other London Drinker festival. As a North Londoner a venue more or less opposite Kings Cross station was convenient.
The space was cramped and always busy, although there was balcony seating and it was notable for a CAMRA festival for doing its own (excellent) food.
Things have changed as Dylan noted but London Drinker played a role in promoting good beer in the Capital when it was not so easily available. There are other festivals in 2025, some CAMRA, some independent, but the cost and complexity of organising a beer festival in central London (the West End and the Square Mile) is a lot more problematic than it was 40 years ago.
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