The Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

Absolutely appalling service. Hit and miss that full menu will be on offer!!
I went in at 730pm last night and after waiting an age to be seen, was told by the front of house, that I wasn't able to order from the full menu, I could only have Pizza'a or salad. I asked why. I was told "the kitchen is slammed tonight. We have 3 large parties coming in and therefore I can't offer a full menu until those parties have made their orders". I was rather disspointed and annoyed that on a quietish weeknight, their kitchen could not offer a full menu. I5 minutes later I returned to the bar having selected my salad and pizza to be told unapologetically that the kitchen wasn't taking any more orders that evening!!! I was incensed. A barman was then despatched to go around every table in and outside saying to customers that the kitchen was closed for the evening. I ask: how on earth can a place not accomodate its customers on a quiet weeknight evening? No apology was offered for this and seemingly none of the staff cared.

This is not the first time this has happened. I visited on a Sunday 2 months ago and again the menu offer was limited because the kitchen was busy. Again there was no apology. Again the staff were lacklustre and slow. Again I had to wait over 15 minutes to be served at the bar. Again there was a delay with food.

Perhaps now I have learned my lesson and hence this post to advise other potential diners of what they may experience.

The only plus side to the Freemasons is that its in a lovely location and has an exceptional ( recently enlarged) beer garden. What a shame they cannot cope with increased capacity

3 Jun 2009 15:29