The Queens Head and Artichoke, Regents Park

Surprised at bad reviews on here. Been in a few times as is popular with some of my colleagues. Bit ponced up and expensive, but generally I was indifferent to it. Very middle of the road. But admittedly there are better options in this neck of the woods.

27 Sep 2009 20:42

The Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

Makes me weep how far down (Downshire)hill this place has gone. Why can't the management sort their act out? This place should be a bonafide moneyspinner- superb location and one of the best beer gardens in London. IT was better about 10 years ago when you could get a table and sit down and relax and get some service. You felt like you were in a proper pub back then. Went in yesterday- what a fiasco. Waited an aeon for someone, anyone to serve me at the bar. Tried to turn it into a restaurant instead of just running with what this place would be best at- a no frills, honest pub.
What a waste of time.

27 Sep 2009 20:38

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

Well, about a year or so ago the food here was absolutely shocking, and had been for some time. I had one of the worst meals of my life there- and that's saying something!
Then a new manager took over and the food really improved. They've got a good chef now but I beleive he's been holiday- they had a junior chef working last week who made an almighty pigs ear of all the orders. It took a really long time for our food to come and when it did it was cold and not up to usual standard. Just goes to show it is all about staff in this game. Normally food and service brilliant, but when your key man is away it all goes pearshaped.
Having said that I don't hold it against them- this is a cracking pub, good guest ales and whilst it's been greatly improved in recent times, they haven't gone mad. Agree with previous poster, no juke boxes and music spoiling the atmosphere, like stepping back in time.

27 Sep 2009 20:29