The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

The only 'local' left in Hampstead village. Excellent beer, friendly staff, and outside seating at both front and back. Highly recommended, and a welcome refuge from the sort of pretentious twit too often found in this locale. Haven't tried the food, but it looks like fairly basic pub grub.

26 May 2011 10:18

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

Everyone should visit the Holly Bush at least once. It trades a little bit on its 'olde worlde' charm, but that charm is real enough. The beer and the food have always been pretty good in my experience.

26 May 2011 10:13

The Flask, Hampstead

Still one of the best pubs in Hampstead. Consistently good beer and friendly staff. I haven't tried the food, but it looks reasonable. Not quite as 'local' as it used to be.

26 May 2011 10:09

Wetherspoons, Hampstead

Good for inexpensive real ale. On the first floor of the shopping centre, the long window gives it something of an airport bar feel. Handy if you are going to the cinema or want a cheap pint and/or cheap food. There's nothing else in the area apart from the Walkabout and the dingy North Star, but at least the latter has a smoking area.

26 May 2011 10:05

The Horseshoe, Hampstead

I live opposite this pub but rarely use it. The cask beer can be poorly kept, and a pint of the keg pale ale will set you back more than �4, which is pretty pricey even by Hampstead standards. Much more of a restaurant than a pub. There are few good pubs left in Hampstead, but the Flask, the Holly Bush and the Duke of Hamilton are all within a couple of minutes walk of the Horseshoes and I would recommend going to one of them instead.

26 May 2011 09:57