London pubs better than some in the North, says Andy Burnham as he names his favourite in the capital

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.The Dog House pub in KenningtonDog HouseThe Dog House in Kennington is Andy Burnham’s favourite pub in Londondoghouse.kennington / InstagramAsked 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. “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. 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.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.Andy Burnham cut business rates for pubsPA WireLess 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.Read More“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.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.