The Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

This large pub lies very close to Hampstead Heath. On entering you pass through the front garden area which has plenty of tables and chairs From the main door the bar is opposite you. There are again plenty of tables,comfortable chairs, armcahirs and sofas situated all around the bar area.
To the right there is a large dining area which is in 2 sections. Behind that there is a magnificent large landscaped garden expanse with also plenty of tables and chairs.
This pub is now a gastro bar which would work very well if there was enough staff to attend to the diners and drinkers. The food is reasonable and well priced for the neighbourhood. The beer and ale selection are average. and the service is slow but very polite and friendly.
The very well kept toilets are downstairs.
A good mix of people visit and there seems to be a high proportion of women on some occasions. A good place to relax and added bonus if you like to sit outside. You would be happy to take your mates, girlfriend or even granny. As with many gastro bars the service is slow due to food orders and staff shortages.. The Freemasons is very clean, bright and well maintained. and worth a visit .

9 Nov 2011 11:55

The Salisbury, Leicester Square

Located behind the hustle of Leicester Square station lies this delightful large Victorian pub. With its elaborate Victorian furnishings throughout it attracts both local employees, residents and tourists of all ages. The horseshoe shaped bar stocks a good variety of drinks, ales and beers. The service I have experienced has been friendly and excellent. There is music tapes playing in the background, an excellent genre of 60's to 90's music played at a volume not to disrupt a conversation. Table and seats occupy the periphery of the pub which face towards the bar and there is a cosy back room . There is also a snug bar behind the main bar which was not been used when I visited. There was an assorted menu and the food looked agreeable. The toilets were accessible down a staircase whose walls were adorned with TheatreLand posters. There is a pleasant ambience and maybe it could just do with a few more tables and seats to fill the concourse of this historic pub. Definetly worth a visit.

8 Nov 2011 19:03

The Dog and Duck, Soho

The only positive features of this corner pub is that it is a listed building and it usually has a good choice of real ales. For a corner building it is a small narrow pub with sparse seating areas some which are directly in front of the gents toilet door.which itself leads down a very steep stairs to the grim w.c. The ladies are up a different steep stairs which also leads to an eating area and other bar which famously had George Orwell as one of the patrons. You would be very fortunate to find a seat anywhere in the evening. It is not at all intimate as seats are on top of each other.The bar staff always seem disinterested and gloomy. Not a great place to take a wife or girlfriend or either for senior citizens If you like standing and chatting with a couple of mates supping a good ale and even admiring the Victorian ornate mirrors and decor this pub is adequate for a pint or two.

8 Nov 2011 15:16