North West London pub guide - information about pubs and bars in North West London # beerintheevening.com

North West London pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of North West London - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Junction Tavern, Kentish Town

Address: 101, Fortess Rd, London, NW5 1AG [map]
Phone: 020 7485 9400
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Nearest tube stations: Tuffnell Park (0.2 miles), Kentish Town (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kentish Town (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.5 miles), Kentish Town West (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Well the beer festival is over , we will have to wait three months for the next one . Last weekend was good , i liked the Old Moor Porter, the Polar Eclipse, the Lakeland Gold and the Lincolnshire Imp. Congratulations to Jackie and Chris for a great festival. Last night was the presentation of the North London CAMRA pub of the year award given to chris by John Cryne the chairman of the branch . Some 25 members and numerous drinkers greatly enjoyed themselves drinking Hopscotch with BOB and the Village Idiot while avoiding the Summer Lightning eating olives. The rain came after 11 with great ferocity.

28 May 2008 18:31

Came here for the beer festival on Friday night. Fenland Rabbit Poacher was very nice as were the Acorn Old Moor Porter and the B & T Black Dragon Mild. Had been here before in winter and thought it was a bit cramped, much better with the beer garden out the back.

I think they normally have Sharp's beers and about three ales available. Have eaten in here before and it was good from what I remember although on the expensive side.

Worth a visit.

24 May 2008 20:08

The Beer Festival started today - some very good Scottish ales I haven't tried before - including a couple from Arran Brewery, which Jackie says has just gone bust, so maybe it's the last chance for a while to drink these ales? Also liked the Lakeland Gold & the Rabbit Poacher. I'll be back tomorrow to try a few more.

23 May 2008 20:02

The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

Address: 23 New End, Hampstead, London, NW3 1JD [map]
Phone: 020 7794 0258
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Nearest tube stations: Hamsptead (0.1 miles), Finchley Road (0.9 miles), Finchley Road and Frognal (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Hampstead Heath (0.6 miles), Finchley Road & Frognal (0.7 miles), West Hampstead (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Ever since Richard (Woody's son) took over the Duke of Hamilton has been injected with much welcomed breath of fresh air!
The warmth and old school style of the pub is something that is now, as many are all too aware, a rare thing. The staff are young and friendly and help to mix the old with increasing number of younger faces that seem have appeared over the last year or two.
The pub is now making its name with providing a hog roast or lamb roast on a spit outside cooked by Richard...indeed last time the pub was so rammed you couldn't even move.
With the number of real pubs decaying come down to the "Duke" for a pint before its to late.

12 Aug 2008 12:26

Up in Hampstead last Sunday. Lovely day. We were looking for a place to have lunch. Saw landlord's son getting a hog-roast going in the front garden, looked good....Did we go in? No chance. Why? Because the landlord here is abusive to his customers. He sits at the end of the bar surrounded by his crony mates, gradually getting sozzled, and whenever he sees fit, lets go with his big mouth. This will be a nice pub again one day...once that clown has gone.

3 Aug 2008 19:18

This is a local pub for local people, we don't need your sort round here.
If 'character' means obnoxious, bigoted old bores then this pub has it's fair share of character. Smelled a bit like a toilet and the loos smell worse.
As persuasive an argument for gastrofication as you'll find.

28 Jul 2008 23:02

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

Address: 22, Holly Mount, London, NW3 6SG [map]
Phone: 020 7435 2892
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Nearest tube stations: Hamsptead (0.1 miles), Finchley Road (0.8 miles), Finchley Road and Frognal (0.8 miles)

Nearest train stations: Finchley Road & Frognal (0.6 miles), Hampstead Heath (0.6 miles), West Hampstead (0.9 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Lovely pub in a good location - always too crowded, but for a good reason. Not somewhere to go with a dozen people and expect to sit down together, but to meet someone before moving on for dinner, for example, perfect.

5 May 2008 23:51

certainly a victim of its own success, my last visit let down by having to pay extra for at seat service only to have my ear drums battered by screaming kids as this place basically turns into a free creche for the whole of hampstead on a sunday lunchtime, you think one of these rooms could be made child free, still great beer and food. Maybe best enjoyed at off peak times.

26 Apr 2008 08:12

can't really say a bad word about this pub... it's our local.

sure it gets busy with a pub crawl here and there, but it's still cozy, the staff are nice as are the clientele.

they have several ales on tap as well as lagers.

If only they would quit measuring the wine before they pour it into a glass and quit allowing reserving tables downstairs. it is a pub and for those who want a table they should reserve upstairs.

9 Apr 2008 22:09

Ye Olde White Bear, Hampstead

Address: Well Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 1LJ [map]
Phone: 020 7435 3758
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Nearest tube stations: Hamsptead (0.2 miles), Belsize Park (0.8 miles), Finchley Road (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Hampstead Heath (0.5 miles), Finchley Road & Frognal (0.7 miles), West Hampstead (1.1 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Pretty much everything you'd hope for from a traditional local. Hopefully the new owners won't change a thing.

28 Jul 2008 23:09

Nice enough pub for a drink outside but food is very poor and overpriced.

28 Jul 2008 12:39

Another pub in Hampstead up for sale, hope it stays as a drinking establishment although the food side already seems to be taking over especially at weekends.Get there early on Sundays as most of the tables are reserved for eaters, guess thats where the money is these days.

26 Jun 2008 13:43

The Pineapple, Kentish Town

Address: 51 Leverton Street, London, NW5 2NX [map]
Phone: 020 7284 4631
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Nearest tube stations: Kentish Town (0.2 miles), Tuffnell Park (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kentish Town (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles), Kentish Town West (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Have not visited this pub in over a year, purely down to the previous ownerships lack of interest, but decided to give it another go......and

WOW WHAT A TRANSFORMATION!!

It really has changed for the better. Excellent beers and price (bass £2.60)A complete tastful refurbishment and great food.

All the staff were friendly and welcoming, glad to see the same manager too-very friendly polite and He went out of his way to find us a table!

Will certainly visit again

17 Jun 2008 19:21

Went to this pub for the first time about a week ago. The real ale is limited, (only three on offer) but of an excellent standard. The young bar staff were charming and helpful and the locals were freindly and inclusive. Was made to feel very welcome and I will definately be revisiting the Pineapple. Great place.

2 Jun 2008 14:32

Tried this pub yesterday for the first time, on the recommendation of a neighbour. First impression was a bit cliquey because of the large group of obvious regulars sitting all around the bar, however the place was friendly enough with plenty of choice of seating.

Can echo previous comments about the rather disinterested service, and one of our group was blatantly ignored for several minutes whilst other customers who arrived later were served.

Very surprised that a pub that serves food doesn't also serve coffee. Never mind, mother-in-law went on the Pernod instead!

On balance will definitely revisit.

5 May 2008 17:21

The Oxford, Kentish Town

Address: 256 Kentish Town Road, London, NW5 2AA [map]
Phone: 020 7485 3521
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Nearest tube stations: Kentish Town (0 miles), Kentish Town West (0.4 miles), Tuffnell Park (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kentish Town (0 miles), Kentish Town West (0.4 miles), Camden Road (0.6 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Very typical modern North London open-plan foody pub, with very little that stood out and ordinary Harveys. (Yet) another London pub not justifying its Beer Guide entry.

11 Apr 2008 22:55

Fairly good boozer with decent food. Chef wasn't very professional though - seemed to be snacking while he cooked in the open plan kitchen and the waitress quite openly nicked one of my chips!

25 Mar 2008 15:53

If you wear a trendy hat that you don't take off indoors and you like to have your conversations at the top of your voice so everybody else around you will be impressed by your wit and erudition, then this may well be the pub for you. The oh-so-fashionable open kitchen means the whole place stinks of cooking fat. Although the service is decent, they have a late licence and a decent range of beers, the clientele and the stench bring this place right the way down.

15 Jan 2008 11:00

The Dartmouth Arms, Dartmouth Park

Address: 35, York Rise, Tufnell Park, London, NW5 1SP [map]
Phone: 020 7485 3267
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Nearest tube stations: Tuffnell Park (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.4 miles), Kentish Town (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Gospel Oak (0.4 miles), Kentish Town (0.7 miles), Upper Holloway (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Favourite pub in the area for eating, always good food, well cooked and good value. Much more pleasant since the smoking ban, although this does mean that some of the staff are always outside on a "smoke break"! Downsides - staff a little indifferent and seem to hate clearing tables.

5 May 2008 17:28

Lovely feel to the place. Well kept beer (though a slightly disappointing choice of real ale available). I particularly liked the two real fires in the one bar and the mini-library in the corner. definitely worth future visits.

24 Mar 2008 00:41

Wonderful to find a pub in the area which serves both as a cracking local but also somewhere for a quality meal at reasonable prices. Seems to be a fair few new staff all of whom are lovely. Shame that the last manager matt has left. He was a great laugh, always good to have a drink with. Go to the quiz if you can put up with the somewhat pompous quizmaster. Always a good night!

10 Dec 2007 21:45

The Sir Richard Steele, Belsize Park

Address: 97 Haverstock Hill, London, NW3 4RL [map]
Phone: 020 7483 1261
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Nearest tube stations: Chalk Farm (0.3 miles), Belsize Park (0.4 miles), Kentish Town West (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kentish Town West (0.5 miles), Gospel Oak (0.7 miles), Hampstead Heath (0.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Wonderful pub with a pleasingly mixed clientele. Easy to forget that this was the pub that started the cluttered interior trend, so not a copycat but an innovator. I like the bats hanging from the ceiling....

6 May 2008 14:26

Popped in today about 4pm. I must say, the draught bitters were all in tip-top condition. Very good. Not only that, the Flowers was on offer at £2 a pint. What's to complain about? Tell all your friends...

23 Apr 2008 21:00

A completely rubbish pub experience. Full of posturing backpackers, and mind numbingly rude staff. Several of the bitters were off on a busy night, and the Broadside being poured was skunk. The Cotes du Rhone was cough syrup, the place is in desperate need of a cleaning, and the Americana kitsch is tired, tired, tired.

10 Feb 2008 13:02

Bar Lorca, Tufnell Park

Address: 156-158 Fortess Road, London, NW5 2HP [map]
Phone: 020 7485 9308
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Nearest tube stations: Tuffnell Park (0.1 miles), Kentish Town (0.4 miles), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kentish Town (0.5 miles), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles), Upper Holloway (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Love this place - go regularly and spend far too much money! Staff very friendly, drinks average price (cocktails £6) and food is good.

5 May 2008 17:24

This place is brilliant. Laid back, cosy atmosphere & the tapas are fantastic.

3 Apr 2008 13:54

Good for a late night pint after staggering of the last tube on a Friday or Saturday. By that time it's rammed solid with Tufnell Park's beautiful people :)

I'm local as well :b

24 Feb 2008 13:40

The Lord Palmerston, Dartmouth Park

Address: 33, Dartmouth Park Hill, London, NW5 1HU [map]
Phone: 020 7485 1578
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Nearest tube stations: Tuffnell Park (0.3 miles), Archway (0.5 miles), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Gospel Oak (0.6 miles), Upper Holloway (0.6 miles), Kentish Town (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I've been a couple of times now and have no complaints. Always some fine Cornish beer on tap and people seem to be friendly and helpful. Haven't tried the food but the menu looks pretty good.

18 Dec 2007 14:08

Why is it rubbish? Not so much that, but who do you have to know to get a beer in the place?

There used to be several very pretty girls around the place, behind the jump.

The last few times I've been in though it's been the same lugubrious Irish bloke. In fairness to him, he works his proverbials off, but he's always there on his own!

The pub is packed lads, surely you can afford another Australian or Pole to help out.

Never mind. I managed to get a surly pint down at St Johns instead. Poor second best to a place I used to like very much.

28 Oct 2007 01:22

This site can be very useful, but comments like the last one add nothing, but definitely takes away with it's negativism.

At least tell us why you think it's rubbish. I'd still rather drink here, than take on some of the other local establishments, & believe me I've tried them all!

30 Sep 2007 16:21

Brondes Age, Kilburn

Address: 328, Kilburn High Rd, London, NW6 2QN [map]
Phone: 020 7624 9010
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Nearest tube stations: Brondesbury (0 miles), Kilburn (0.2 miles), Brondesbury Park (0.5 miles)

Nearest train stations: Brondesbury (0 miles), West Hampstead (0.5 miles), Brondesbury Park (0.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

Did anyone actually bother to read through that tedious review/essay to the end?

No? Me neither. Anybody who writes that much about a distinctly average pub in Kilburn either owns the place or had a few two many before turning the computer on.

The reality is that this place is fine for a couple of pints of an evening, but it doesn't exactly blow you away. The single redeeming feature is the outdoor heaters, which makes the stream of traffic passing by all night just about bearable.

Not good, not bad. Just ok. The Windmill up the road is far better.

3 Feb 2008 22:36

Whoo Hoo hoo. We have stirred up a hornets nest.

iamwhoiam? Really. Get the Danny La Rue quote right.

I am WHAT I am!

You obviously are too close in and not close enough to what this place is.

Once upon a time, this place was actually quite a good shop. Serving the community. Now it's a blight, which despite your verbal diarrhoea really doesn't try hard enough.

These reviews shining a bright light on this place, really seem to be contrived.

Can I suggest that as a public service that every person in the locale, visits this establishment, spends their £3+ on a beer & lets us know their opinion.

Should clear this up pretty quickly.

BTW Merry Xmas Biker. Sounds like we are similar types of cycleopaths.

24 Dec 2007 05:06

Can anyone tell if the previous review is actually a review of this pub or, just a rubbishing exercise of other nearby pubs ? On the other hand, what a litery style ! The words verbose and turgid spring to mind !

17 Dec 2007 14:48

The Moon Under Water, Colindale

Address: 10, Varley Parade, Colindale, London, NW9 6RR [map]
Phone: 020 8200 7611
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Nearest tube station: Colindale (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Hendon (0.8 miles), Mill Hill Broadway (1.9 miles), Cricklewood (2.8 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The waiting time at the bar to get served is getting longer.The food portions for meals are getting smaller.The manageress is never around and neither will i be in future.I am off to the nearest Harvester for good food, good service and a visible managment.

4 May 2008 11:53

exelent beer fest again this year .anyone got comment on the plum beer.the staff are nice and helpful in this pub even under pressure.Ive noticed more people are comming to the moon under water for this reason . even from other weatherspoons

3 Apr 2008 11:14

The pub seems to be getting busier but still cheaper than the local rivals .A very busy mothering sunday.I dought if you could have fitted more diners into the pub.Not so busy during the day on paddys day but plenty of goodies on offer.Thanks Tracey and the staff for making my visits pleasurable. I have also been on Wetherspoons main site voicing my appreciation.

23 Mar 2008 11:18

The Enterprise, Chalk Farm

Address: 2 Haverstock Hill, Camden, London, NW3 2BL [map]
Phone: 020 7485 2659
See full pub details

Nearest tube stations: Chalk Farm (0 miles), Kentish Town West (0.4 miles), Camden Town (0.6 miles)

Nearest train stations: Kentish Town West (0.3 miles), Camden Road (0.7 miles), Kentish Town (0.7 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

I suppose it still retains some of its Camden "szene" cachet, particularly since the re-opening of the Roundhouse, but that's about all one can say. Deterioration on a huge scale - my last visit revealed it to be a shabby shadow of its former self. Best to opt for the less obvious Monkey Chews for a pre-event drink.

25 Jun 2008 18:14

Popped in for a quick one before going to the Roundhouse to have my ears raped by My Bloody Valentine.

One ale (bass) which wasn't great. Didn't get near the bar to see what was in the fridge because of the usual annoying barflys hogging all the space.

Pub itself isn't too bad for a pre-gig pint, but frankly you'd be better off taking a five minute detour to Quinns and loading up on some nice Belgian Barley wine, before having a token one in here whilst waiting for the queue opposite to start moving...

24 Jun 2008 13:40

I have to say I'm biased about this place as I DJ there (fortnightly on Fridays - next gig is 16th May 08) - I'm the "lovely old gel" someone else has mentioned in a recent review! Yes, it has its moments and can get very crowded but has a good atmosphere and the people are very appreciative of the music I play (60s beat/pop/psych/Northern Soul/Motown/ska/70s punk). Sure beats some of the more pretentious Camden watering holes.

12 May 2008 10:26

The Rising Sun, Mill Hill

Address: 137, Marsh Lane, Highwood Hill, London, NW7 4EY [map]
Phone: 020 8959 1357
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Nearest train stations: Mill Hill Broadway (1 mile), Elstree & Borehamwood (2.6 miles), Oakleigh Park (3.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER......................... Good News for people who like this place as a pub, the current ignorant, crass and rude encumbent will shortly be leaving the establishment. It just goes to show that you can have the best pub in the world but if you have an idiot running it then you will never make any money. Hopefully the owner will learn from this mistake. I pity wherever in New Zealand this character ends up in. What kind of person who manages an establishment denegrates his own staff in front of customers, tells people his chef is an incompetent moron, hates the country he is working in and despises it's people ? As the saying goes "GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD RUBBISH". One reaps what one sews. Treat your customers like dirt and surprisingly they don't come back.

13 Jan 2008 01:09

This used to be a busy and friendly locals pub in the evenings but now, largely due to the morose and miserable person in charge of the place, nearly all of the evening clientelle have decanted to other establishments in the area. The beer quality has nosedived too and the pub no longer appears in the good beer guide as a result. Nice pub, but you need to have someone running it who actually gives a damn. It's now an ideal place to go in the evening if you like your own company (though not if you fancy something to eat or drink).

4 Jan 2008 13:51

I had to go to Mill Hill today for work and popped in here at lunchtime. It is a very pleasant little pub with an arts & craft feel about it but presumably older. A friendly local opened the door for me with a “you don’t want to be doing all that door staff” - droll.
I enjoyed a pint of Adnams and a tasty meal. I shall probably be working in the area again and I look forward to a return visit.

There was an actor drinking in the bar whose face was familiar but whose name I can’t for the life of me remember.

17 Dec 2007 22:06

Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Heath

Address: Spaniards Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JJ [map]
Phone: 020 8731 6571
See full pub details

Nearest tube station: Golders Green (0.9 miles)

Nearest train stations: Hampstead Heath (1.1 miles), Finchley Road & Frognal (1.5 miles), Gospel Oak (1.5 miles)

Reviews by BITE users:

The Spaniards Inn truly sounds like the utter embodiment of the Death of the Nation by the evidence of these postings - our country has now reached such a state of mouldering decay and laughable incompetence we can't even do history right. Last person out of England blow out ye olde candle.....

27 Mar 2008 13:58

Went here on Easter Sunday for lunch having booked nearly a week previously. Was immediately disappointed to find we had been given a table in a very soulless room upstairs - so remember to ask for a table downstairs if you go. The selection of beer wasn't great, and the Sunday Roast was extrmmely disappointing. Fatty tasteless meat and "frozen" Yorkshire Puds. My 10 year old son said his was like school dinners, but worse! One of our party had beef that tasted off, and when we drew this to the attention of the waitress she called over the chef who said it couldn't have been off as all the beef served that day came from the same cow and no-one else had complained! He didn't bother to taste it but offered a refund, which we didn't accept as that wasn't why we had complained. All in all a very disappointing experience.

26 Mar 2008 19:13

Well known North London watering hole on the north side of Hampstead Heath near Kenwood House. Has associations with Dick Turpin, the famous highwayman apparently.

My visit early Saturday lunchtime was quite pleasant, but this is a food orientated pub and not for drinkers, although I did note a surprisingly good selection of real ales on. My pint of Harveys was reasonable, and at only £ 2.80p perhaps cheaper than I might have expected for this area.

The area is bare boarded, but with much wood pannelling which creates quite a traditional atmosphere.

Its dog friendly, unfortunately - they advertise doogie baths, but thankfully my visit was during a dog free period.

Saturdays visit was probably my first visit since the 1970's when I visited the pub due to it featuring in The Evening Standard Guide to London Pubs.

Nowadays, its a pleasant enough pub, worth combining with a stroll on Hampstead Heath if in the area, but not worth going out of your way to visit

3 Mar 2008 12:58

More information

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