The Best Carlton Pubs: Cambridge Arms vs London Tavern

Two of the most talked‑about pubs in the United Kingdom share the name “Carlton”: the family‑run Carlton Arms in Cambridge and the rebuilt‑after‑demolition Carlton Tavern in London. Drawing on official CAMRA listings, BBC reporting, user reviews and heritage case files, we compare their atmospheres, food offerings, hours and backstories so you can decide which Carlton pub fits your next visit.

Last checked: 2026-09-20

Royal Hotel Carlton: Bistro open daily, serving pub classics · The Lincoln Carlton: Award-winning, gastropub with craft beer, open from 12pm daily · Queensberry Hotel: Iconic pub established 1854, open Mon–Sat midday to late · Carlton Inn: Historic pub built c.1856, now demolished

The two most notable Carlton pubs in the UK: an overview

Although dozens of pubs across Britain carry the “Carlton” name, the Carlton Arms in Cambridge and the Carlton Tavern in Maida Vale, London stand out for their contrasting stories and community roles. The Carlton Arms operates as a steady, family‑run local that has transformed its reputation over the past decade, while the Carlton Tavern made national headlines for its illegal demolition and subsequent brick‑by‑brick reconstruction.

The Carlton Arms is listed on CAMRA’s national pub database as a community pub serving ciders and regular beers from Oakham. Its opening hours, documented by Cambridge CAMRA, span from noon until late on most days, with earlier closures on Monday and Sunday. The venue’s transformation from a “troublesome” pub into a welcoming real‑ale destination has been noted by specialist pub bloggers and reviewers alike.

Comparing atmosphere, menu, and opening hours

When choosing between the two, the experience each offers differs significantly, and the decision often comes down to whether you prioritise a cosy Cambridge local or a meticulously restored London landmark.

User reviews on Tripadvisor often describe the Carlton Arms as a “family run local” with homemade food and a strong community feel. One 2016 reviewer called it “the best Sunday Roast’s in Cambridge by far,” referencing home‑cooked meals, themed food nights, and a sociable setting with pool and darts. The Carlton Tavern, meanwhile, earns Tripadvisor ratings of about 4.1 out of 5, with guests highlighting the restored historic interior and food quality post‑rebuild.

The Carlton Tavern’s rebuild: a landmark case for pub preservation

The story of the Carlton Tavern is arguably the most widely reported of any UK pub named Carlton. BBC News reported that the building—the only structure in Carlton Vale to survive the World War II Blitz—was unexpectedly bulldozed on 8 April 2015 while Westminster Council was considering it for listed building status. An earlier pub on the site had been destroyed by a German Zeppelin bomb in 1918.

Historic England identified the 1920 pub as a Vernacular Revival design by architect Frank J. Potter, commissioned by Charrington & Co brewery. After the illegal demolition, Westminster Council officers recommended serving an enforcement notice requiring the owners to rebuild the pub “in facsimile” within 18 months, as documented in planning appeal decisions hosted by Historic England.

The Guardian reported in March 2021 that after a six‑year community campaign and a planning inquiry, developers were ordered to reconstruct the pub brick by brick, replicating its red bricks, tiled signage and interior features. The planned reopening date of 12 April 2021 coincided with the easing of COVID‑19 restrictions in England, allowing the pub to serve customers outdoors.

ITV News coverage emphasised the local “Rebuild the Carlton Tavern” campaign and the council’s requirement to replace every single brick. The venue is now listed by the London Pubs Group of CAMRA, underscoring its status within the real‑ale and heritage pub community.

How to visit and what to expect

Both pubs are publicly accessible and located in residential areas of their respective cities. The Carlton Arms sits at 53 Carlton Way, a short walk or bus ride from Cambridge city centre. The Carlton Tavern is at 33 Carlton Vale, adjacent to Paddington Recreation Ground in Maida Vale, Tube: Kilburn Park or Maida Vale. Neither venue requires a reservation for bar visits, though the Carlton Arms recommends booking for Sunday roasts based on its popularity.

The Carlton Tavern’s reopening in April 2021 was widely covered by national media, and its current operating status can be confirmed via its Tripadvisor page and the London Pubs Group listing. For the Carlton Arms, the Cambridge CAMRA page provides the most reliable opening schedule.