A traditional pub, said to be a haunt of 1984 author George Orwell, is hoping to get punters through the door to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and good value food.

The Priory Tavern in Belsize Road, Kilburn had a smart paint job and minor refurb last summer before a new team took over.

When landlord Joe Smee and head chef Glyn Bell were based at The Castle in Walthamstow, hungry customers would queue out of the door for their Sunday Roasts.

Now, they are hoping to do the same in their new venture, which takes its name from 11th Century Kilburn Priory, where pilgrims would stop on their way to St Albans along the Roman road of Watling Street.

Ham & High: The pub was originally built by Truman's Brewery and takes its name from a now destroyed 11th Century Kilburn PrioryThe pub was originally built by Truman's Brewery and takes its name from a now destroyed 11th Century Kilburn Priory (Image: The Priory Tavern)

Nothing remains of the priory which was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, but the Victorian pub stands near its former site at the corner of Kilburn High Road and Belsize Road.

Built by Truman's Brewery, the pub still features traces of its former owner with signage, lanterns, and cream tiles outside, and stripped wood, exposed floorboards and a large island bar inside.

The Campaign for Real Ale says the pub, which is dog and child friendly, with a dart board, quiz night, and regular jazz nights, is: "Well worth visiting."

"When we got here it was a bit run down and shabby and the food was terrible," says Joe.

"We wanted to open somewhere traditional with a community pub feel that offered something for everybody. A relaxed, comfortable space for people to come and have some food and a drink."Ham & High: George Orwell whose real name was Eric Blair, lived near the pub in Mortimer Crescent during World War II.George Orwell whose real name was Eric Blair, lived near the pub in Mortimer Crescent during World War II.

George Orwell lived with his wife Eileen from 1942-1944 at nearby No 10 Mortimer Crescent. By day he worked at the BBC and wrote articles for magazines, and in his spare time he wrote his masterpiece Animal Farm.

The keen beer drinker is thought to have supped the odd pint at The Priory Tavern, where craft ales today include Timothy Taylor Landlord, Chieftain IPA, London Pride, and Brixton APA as well as cocktails for £11.

The Orwells had to move when a V1 flying bomb struck Mortimer Crescent in June 1944, with Orwell having to scrabble around in the rubble for his collection of books.

"It takes a while for a pub to establish itself but we want people to give us a go," adds Joe. "Our food is very good and very good value."

Ham & High: There's usually a homemade pie on the menu at The Priory TavernThere's usually a homemade pie on the menu at The Priory Tavern (Image: The Priory Tavern)

The menu includes Fish and Chips for £13, a burger with chips for £14, Jerk chicken for £13, and a venison and Chorizo scotch egg for £7.

Veggie options include a grilled celeriac steak with mushroom gravy, roast curried cauliflower and a mushroom suet pudding, while their speciality Sunday roasts come with all the trimmings including garlic and rosemary potatoes and range from half roast chicken for £17 to slow roast sirlion for £22.

Ham & High: The menu starts at around £13 for mains and includes plenty of vegetarian optionsThe menu starts at around £13 for mains and includes plenty of vegetarian options (Image: The Priory Tavern)

"The menu has something for everyone," says Glyn,

"It doesn't need to be massively complicated, just good quality ingredients and a bit of love and passion. Everything is made from scratch and we are trying to keep prices down. We don't want to exclude anybody."