please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I go here occasionally when going to the Pentameters Theatre upstairs and I always like the place. There is a good range of beer and a convivial ambience, though that does mean that it can get hard to find a seat. As gastro pubs go, this does nothing remarkable but does do everything well. I'll keep going as long as it keeps like this.
|
It is not exactly a pub in the traditional olde worlde sense and many may hark back to the 3 horseshoes as it was when a proper style pub, but it has good beers and wines and great food. Staff are helpful and pleasant whenever I have been there. It can be rather pricey but quality of food and drink is good. Only problem is the noise when the place is full - conversation can be difficult.
|
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.
|
A modern style gastropub in central Hapstead.
Cask ales from the associated Camden Brewery (actually in Camden, not on site) are reasonably priced for London. There
are a few quality bottled beers and an interesting selection of key beers including Brew Dog. The wine list is fairly
extensive as might be expected of a quality eatery. I didn't try the food but it looked and smelt good
|
Great service, nice wine list with good range of prices. Bar and waiting staff that can actually hold a conversation and have opinions about the food and wine.
Best fish and chips we've had in London for a long time.
Homemade custard!
Only complaint would be that its a bit noisy, the acoustics are all wrong.
|
The Horseshoe unfortunately attracts customers who like to sit and get drunk whilst gawping at women. These same customers are under the misapprehension that using words like "quaffing" make them seem raffish and erudite.
The interior is too cold and impersonal to make anything else about it (good beer/food) worth visiting for.
|
To pretentious for words. We were visiting the little theater upstairs - which used to be such a main part of the 3 Horseshoes - only to be told that we couldn't take a seat unless we were buying their over priced food. Having already bought our beers, we stood near the bar, only to be told not to stand near the bar. As the pub was practically empty, I think the staff need to go on a customer service training course. No manners & snobby. Oh & the fact they brew their own beer doesn't justify the prices for what was at best only average beer.
|
Took a wander up here last week. Had the same thing. Spotted an empty seat and strolled over, only to be told you've got to have some grub. The bar's small so there's no stools. Won't be returning. They could try turning off the heating too. It was boiling in there.
|
very impressed by a pub that brews it own ales, not impressed that if you have the nerve to wander in for a pint and you eye an empty table a waitress will pounce on you and politely ask you not to take a seat if not eating. This pub wants it both ways - highly profitable diners at meal times and no doubt crammed with drinkers inbetween. Is it really a pub ? or a restaurant disguised as a pub ? Look out for ludicrous bar prices too �2 for coke - concentrate that is not a bottle.
|
Well done Foghorn, give yourself a pat on the back.
I still think that there are better places to spend my hard earned, but different horses for different courses as they say.
|
You want my vote Strongers?? Well I'll tell you. Was there Tuesday lunch time, had a great Steak and Ale pie with a glass of tasty house red for just �7. Bargain. Sat outside afterwards in the sun, warming me bones, quaffing a pint or three of tasty house-brewed Summer Ale, watching the lovely birds of Hampstead strolling by (also very tasty as it happens). Personally, I couldn't think of a better way to spend an afternoon. How's that grab you Lagerboy?
|
How about a little less of the arrogant sniping Foghorn.
If you have nothing constructive to say about a pub try keeping your pompous opinions to yourself.
|
Heineken!? Says it all really...
|
I�d not been in here since it had changed from the Three Horseshoes (Wetherspoons) until I popped in last Saturday afternoon for a quick pint of Heineken. I wasn�t very impressed, but then I like the traditional boozer that doesn�t have table service and doesn�t charge �3.60 for a pint.
There are plenty of proper pubs within a stones throw, as nw3_bloke points out, so I think I�ll give this place a miss in future.
Did I mention that a pint of Heineken is �3.60?
|
I wonder what folks want out of a boozer?
Firstly nice beer - well preferably great beer, but how often do you find that? Good atmosphere hopefully. Extra points for yummy good.
So - the Horseshoe.
OK - first off atmosphere. Not so good; essentially it's a big room, lots of wood, makes it a bit noisy and not that cosy.
Food - it's great, sometimes amazing. The �7 lunch deal is the best in the area and always something very tasty (they throw in a glass of wine with the dish of the day).
Beer - that's what we're really all here for, isn't it? The gaffer, Jasper, brews his own stuff downstairs with what he calls, 'a glorified chemistry set'. Very small quantities of Bitter, and two ales Summer and Spring.
These are all pretty sensational - in particular I'd travel across London on bloody stumps to drink Summer. And it's only 200 yards from my door. How great is that?
They always have a cask of Adnams on the bar as a back-up and one other guest bitter.
Beer-wise - or if you're want some superior gasto-grub - it's the must visit of the area.
If you want a more straightforward traditional pub with snugs & sofas - you'll be wanting the Holly Bush or Duke of Hamilton or White Bear, all only 5 mins away.
|
Like drinking in a hall - no privacy and full of people that dont like pubs and dont like me. boring and false
|
Excellent place. Focus here is a well thought out beer and wine list. Menu is simple, british and well presented. Alot better than your average ' gastro pub '. I recommend the home brew!
anonymous - 16 Aug 2007 22:45 |
Recently revisited, still has a selection of superb ales also a couple brewed on site, food excellent, staff helpful and friendly. Food quicker to arrive this time too. No Formica or Ikea seen here despite others previous reports, more of a minimalist feel. Overall very good, will definitely return soon.
|
OK guys, let's get this straight. Here's a pub that brews it's own beer on site. The 'Summer' is fantastic. I was told the owner brews once a fortnight. There are also three real ales on pump all served at a nice cool temperature. European and american bottle beers in fridges behind the bar.
I suppose if the stripped back decor is so offensive you could go down the road to the 'traditional' pub for a warm stella served through filthy pipes.
This site is beerintheevening not theworldofinteriors!
I'll be going back to this place, anyone that bothers to make their own beer ( very successfully ) gets my rating... the decors not half bad either!
anonymous - 18 Jun 2007 12:46 |
Well, at least it's not a chain but as others have said it's still the same gastro type place. Just another All Bar One. Seats looked like something I used to sit on at school. Bet you've got a sore arse after sitting on them for a while. Lager nice and cold. Amstel 3.30. Could do with 1 or 2 bar stools.
|
Can't agree with LagerLout - the beer's excellent - stick to lager....
The decor though is pretty tacky, agreed - formica tables make the place canteen-like. The usual stripped bare, All Bar One approach, with tinny speakers pumping out crap.
Worth visiting for the beer - you can always sit outside.
|
Went there on Sunday for lunch, My friend had the roast beef & i had the Belly Pork both succulent and served with their excellend bread, washed down with a pint of their own brew & a pint of Adnams oyster Stout
|
Went there on Saturday night - packed as expected but not uncomfortably so. Staff friendly but slightly gormless, maybe due to the shots they were necking behind the bar? Not that I minded as sometimes that can make the service that bit better anyway..!
Food looked worth trying for next time.
|
I commend the owners of this pub for brewing their own beer on site. One of the few micro brewerys in London. Had the pleasure of a couple of pints of the ' best ' served at a perfectly cool temperature. Food going out looked really good, didn't get a chance to try. Will be go back for the grub...
anonymous - 20 Nov 2006 16:14 |
The Horseshoe is a fantastic place. Another newly refurbished gastropub attracting well turned out, personality free 30 somethings with its bland IKEA decor, overpriced menu and tasteless home brew.
It's fantastic because it keeps these buffoons out of the few remaining decent pubs in Hampstead such as The Duke Of Hamilton!
|
I have visited this pub on several occasions and always found it to have a good atmosphere with congenial barstaff. Have eaten there, food excellent, although service a little slow. Outstanding ale brewed on site. The McL Summer an excellent, fragrant, pale session beer and Best the darker choice very good too. Adnams and usually one other on gravity. Looking forward to trying the stout / porter rumoured for the winter months. Sometimes a little smokey in there now the windows are closed, this will of course soon not be a problem. Overall a great gastro-pub, well worth a visit.
|
We visited on a Saturday afternoon and were told there was no food being served untill 6:30 and they were full anyway.
Tried both the Hampstead beers - liked them both.
We only stayed for two drinks though as some of the the clientel were incredibly irritating. One managed to propel a lit match head at me whilst failing to light a cheep charoot and seemed genuinely shocked that I expected an apology. The bar staff sat around smoking and talking loudly on their phones.
I'll go back when the smoking ban kicks in.
Vandr - 22 Oct 2006 17:32 |
Loved this place. Went with friends for drinks and a meal. Good atmosphere with simple British menu - had crispy whitebait with a hearty t-bone steak to follow. Recommend the Hampstead 'summer' ale made in the downstairs micro brewery! Will definately be visiting again.
anonymous - 28 Sep 2006 13:39 |
Went for Sunday lunch expecting great food and something a bit different from the normal gastropub formula. Sadly disappointed. Mediocre food. Starters were very small for the price. What happened to good old gravy????? Jus with everything.
anonymous - 25 Sep 2006 11:39 |
looks quite promising, hand pulled ales from londons newest brewery ? Adnams on gravity, was contemplating eating but no menus anywhere in the bar area ? do u have to book the restaurant at the rear ? i may be back
|
I arrived staurday lunch at 3-25pm to a quiet Horseshoe looking forward to something to eat, I waited to be seated but nobody came over, sat down in no smoking and read the menu and waited, then read the wine list and waited. 15 minutes later I was told that I couldn't order food because the kitchen only served until 3-30pm. I was asked to leave, and the plump small waitress proudly boasted that they opened again at 6-30pm but were full. I don't think they will stay full with such poor service and attitude.
orino - 26 Aug 2006 18:47 |
Brilliant place - relaxed and offering a great range of quality food and drinks. We went there for Sunday lunch and had some really nicely prepared starters - all fairly simple, but using great ingredients from suffolk, cornwall etc. The beer was great too - we drank the adnams being suffolk folk. Our only grumble was how long it took to be fed. However, the friendly (and rather posh) staff did warn us they were short staffed, which we really appreciated. When our Red Poll roast beef arrived, we were soon quiet, contented with our fantastc grub. We got an apology on our way out too, but we didn't really need one. Hats off to the management; get well soon to the other chefs!
|
Please ignore the comments of maja below. The fact he shops at Iceland and eats Subways speaks volumes!! The Horseshoe is a quality estabilishment and no mistake. When you think it used to be a Wetherspoons full of old men getting pissed (Maja??), the current owners have done a fabulous job on turning this into a fine bar and eaterie.
I highly recommend you go there for sunday lunch, the beef and yorkshire puddings are stunning!! Great atmosphere, great refurb, great food and great service too, and they also have Heineken on tap, perfect.
|
I'm with Bobbybobbob - a great new addition to the neighbourhood. The food is fantastic and the service excellent - really friendly staff who make an effort. Love the home brew as well. Maja would do well to return and actually give it a go rather than just observing as there's one huge difference between here and all the others - great service!! Not a minute too soon for Hampstead.
|
Much better under the current ownership than before. This is the best food I've had in Hampstead for a long, long time (lived here 11 years). Also, I can't think of any gastro-pub food anywhere that I've enjoyed more. Good beers, good wine list, great chef. Not at all cheap for a pub, but reasonable value given the quality of the meat and fish used. Last time I went there to eat, they only had a table in the non-smoking section, so might be worth booking before hand - I assume you can book, I haven't tried. Definitely recommended, my new favourite round here, whether I'm eating or not!
|
Oh, my Jesus Lord!!! What a disaster!! Can't see anything different in this new development from all the other houndreds of them around. Plain people with no character, but so is the pub. I went in, observed it and left. Fair enough if they brew their own beer, but i would never give a penny over that bar. The sooner they go the better! Make it in to a mini Iceland super market or Subway. It can't get any worse!!
|
Spacious, airy conversion of the former Wetherspoon into an archetypal gastro-pub. Bare floorboards and white emulsion on the walls add to the roomy feel of the interior. Subdued lighting and background music at a conversation-friendly level both come together to afford a comfortable experience within.
BEER BREWED ON THE PREMISES
McLoughlin's Bitter, (ON GRAVITY) 3.6% is a flavoursome thirstquenching bitter, hoppy and light with an impressively dry bitter finish. I had the pleasure of a pint and a half of it yesterday. It is their intention to brew a second beer.
REAL ALE AND OTHER BEERS
Up to three real ales on hand pump. I did not try these but report Adnams Broadside and Sharps Eden available with the third pumpclip reversed.
A wide selection of bottled beers from many European countries was spotted in the fridge, in addition to a fair range of wines.
TOILETS/DISABLED FACILITIES
I was asked to report back on disabled access. There is no built-in disabled facility on these premises but assurances have been received from friendly helpful staff and management suggest that any chair users will be allowed to use a ramp at the side of the pub, and will be assisted to the toilets which are a total of twelve steps down from the lower floor level. I found the toilets to be smart, clean and beautifully tiled.
SMOKING
Pub has retained a non-smoking area on the mezzanine floor, but has prioritised this section for diners.
FOOD
Typical gastro-pub fare. The fish pie was good, and sizeable steaks were seen being enjoyed on neighbouring tables. Note the main courses on the menu refer to the meat component only and vegetables/chips/salads etc are ALL extra. Nearly all the mains are priced into double figures, excluding side orders.
Generally, although principally a gastro, this pub is an improvement on the previous Wetherspoon environment and, very importantly, drinkers-only remain welcome here and appear to be free to use the main pub area to drink without the requirement to order any food.
Worth visiting.
|
This used to be a Wetherspoons. Perhaps, Lad, when you visit and update us all you could be kind enough to check if the usual Wetherspoon disabled access has been retained in the transition? Many thanks.
|
This pub is now known as the HORSESHOE. The pub brews on the premises currently with one brew available plus guests. Will update comments once visited LN
|
Walked past the pub yesterday, renovations still underway. Builder said the opening is in two weeks. Definatley worth checking out as it is looking much improved.
anonymous - 13 Apr 2006 09:54 |
Went there yesterday on a mini crawl but it's closed for refurbishment. A sign says that it will be open early Spring 2006.....which should be about now. Doesn't look ready though.
|
Visited this yesterday and it seems to have changed ownership. Less pleasant than it used to be, I'd say.
|
Good location on corner of high street, and better than most Wetherspoons, but bit of a waste to go there with so many good pubs nearby.
|
With Hampstead home to some of the finest pubs in London if not the whole of the UK, it's hard to see a reason to drink here, unless you're visiting the little rep theatre upstairs.
The only other (dis)advantage is it's a Wetherspoon's pub and therefore has cheap booze and food as opposed to the high prices charged in a lot of the other local pubs. Whilst I'm not a fan of chain pubs, Wetherspoon's do at least serve reasonably good, affordable beer and cheap 'n' cheerful pub grub.
But it's pretty short on atmosphere and the clientele are the usual Wetherspoon's mixture of elderly 'Wethermen' and gaggles of Burberry clad urchins en route to somewhere else. If you go in on Saturday night and the place is empty, you can be fairly sure the police have just done an ID card clampdown on the place...
|
