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

picture of The Junction Tavern, Kentish Town

Address: 101, Fortess Rd, London, NW5 1AG [map]
Phone: 020 7485 9400
See full pub details


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:

The three Cornish Ales Month Woodenhand bitters (Buccaneer, Cornish Mutiny, and another one) are of the very highest quality and in tip-top condition. And a very fine pub interior. If you can find fault in this place, then you are spoilt indeed!
18 Mar 2009 01:07
This place has all the right elements - lovely victorian building, nice bar, decent beers, scrubbed floors, fireplace, good food served in the smarter front half - but I have always found it curiously clinical. I can't quite put my finger on why that should be. Still worth a visit if you're in the area though.
5 Mar 2009 16:36
Looking forward to the Cornish Ales month in March. Haven't seen the list yet but apparently there'll be a few from Woodenhand Brewery. Have recently enjoyed a pint or three of the Exmoor Gold.
26 Feb 2009 09:06

The Holly Bush, Hampstead

picture of The Holly Bush, Hampstead

Address: 22, Holly Mount, London, NW3 6SG [map]
Phone: 020 7435 2892
See full pub details


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:

Excellent news that Jesus has been fired, not a day to soon in my opinion. I had been a local for several years, often coming in 4+ times per week, and at least once per month. That was until one day I took some family for a special meal in the dining room upstairs, and we waited over an hour until finally some burnt and badly made pies turned up, which were well below the usual excellent standard of cooking by Mikey the head chef (who was not working that day).
All seemed fine though, and we did not have to pay for the meals (not that we would have done).

However, when I returned a few weeks later and tried to buy a pint I was refused by the manager (jesus) and barred, told that there were other places I could drink and that I was not welcome if I was going to complain when occasionally something went wrong.

Anyway, I will try it again in the next few days now that a new manager has been found, and report back on here.
27 Mar 2009 19:44
Good pub- lively but not too lively, old but not too old. Beers expensive but where isn't????? Don't know about this staff thing, I had nothing but a fine time and lovely beer- thanks!!
8 Mar 2009 23:43
I don't know how often 'bombaysapphire' actually goes into this pub but it can't be much since she would know that far from being 'south american' my old pal Jesus is in fact from Mexico and proud to be a Central American. Since the staff, by and large ,have not changed the new manager has only contributed to the warm welcome I have received over many years.

The new menu is a vast improvement on the last one, which was highly regarded but needed an overhaul, the food was 'broke' and definately needed fixing. I think we have all moved on from bangers, mash and onion gravy after 8 years !

If anyone had gone into the pub 10 years ago it would indeed have full of locals and the pub now is a victim of it's own popularity but the locals are still there, the catch is that you have to be one to recognise us ! Chin Chin ( PS £3.75 is a bit stiff for Lowenbrau but one could never accuse Punch for being good to their customers !)
8 Mar 2009 10:56

The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

picture of The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

Address: 23 New End, Hampstead, London, NW3 1JD [map]
Phone: 020 7794 0258
See full pub details


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:

Excellent pub, great atmosphere, good well kept beer selection. Always a guest ale on at £2.50 a pint. Best real pub in Hampstead.
27 Mar 2009 19:45
This pub was recently used for the launch of the Hampstead and Highgate real ale pubs guide from CAMRA , the landlord gave us London Pride , ESB and Adnams Oyster Stout were also available , the samosa's and sausages were divine and i know that a certain young lady enjoyed the cashew nuts . Richard did a good job and i look forward to returning in the spring . The guide will be on sale for £2 at the London Drinker next week.
13 Mar 2009 15:01
Best beer buy a mile in the Village, and house spirits at £2.30 for a double ! This is a great local pub, the last in NW3, which plays host to the wide range of degenerates, artists and professionals and, just like the old days. The place is not littered with baby buggies or has the pall of over priced 'gastro food' hanging over it, although the 'hog roasts' in the summer were delicious.
The furniture has had a wonderful refit, let's hope I am still allowed in !

Keep up the good work
8 Mar 2009 11:15

The Magdala, Hampstead

picture of The Magdala, Hampstead

Address: 2a South Hill Park, London, NW3 2SB [map]
Phone: 020 7435 2503
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Belsize Park (0.4 miles), Hamsptead (0.6 miles), Gospel Oak (0.7 miles)


Nearest train stations: Hampstead Heath (0.1 miles), Gospel Oak (0.7 miles), Finchley Road & Frognal (0.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I know. MREILLY is a bitch! I heard her, too, that night.

The only gripe I have about this place is the kids. Please take your kids somewhere else. No one likes the irritating little buggers and kids should not be in a drinking establishment anyway. If you can afford to have kids, you should be able to afford a sitter for them.

Other than that, this is a great pub. It has an interesting history also. The infamous Ruth Ellis murdered her philandering lover, David Blakely, right out front as he was coming out of the Magdala. She was the last woman to be hanged in England.

The food is great and so is the service.
27 Jan 2009 08:13
Well worth a visit, but not on Sundays, when it is over-run by Tarquins and Cressidas with their whining kids. Staff very good though, and does 3 real ales. Weekday visit advised.
25 Jan 2009 11:42
Previous post says it all really. This is a nice pub, it is welcoming, and the food is consistently very good. But the main bar is "full of young families".

I wish all those people who take their kids to a pub would respect the fact that pubs are one of the few places left where adults can enjoy some adult company and conversation, and not be prevailed upon to either casually look out for or otherwise indulge other people's kids. there are plenty of restaurants in NW3 where you can feed your kids while you grab a drink. Give us a break and go there. Your children are not that interesting to other people.

20 Nov 2008 15:22

The Bull and Gate, Kentish Town

picture of The Bull and Gate, Kentish Town

Address: 389, Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2TJ [map]
Phone: 020 7485 5358
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Kentish Town (0.1 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), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Me and this Pub go back years,24 to be precise. I love it,holds loads of good memories for me.
As a pre Camden Town Drink
A pre Town and Country club(as it was then) drink, or a night in here before sounds effects
An odd mix of Middle aged Irish regulars, their Cockney counter parts,non muggy punks, smartly dressed skinheads or later indie kids
All good stuff
19 Mar 2009 18:49
Reasonably good pub with Bass and interesting decor, also a venue in its own right as well as being practically next door to the Forum.
14 Feb 2009 09:30
Is it true this place is up for sale? Reasonable service and beer. Interior decor is ok, outside could be improved.
9 Feb 2009 13:06

The Pineapple, Kentish Town

picture of The Pineapple, Kentish Town

Address: 51 Leverton Street, London, NW5 2NX [map]
Phone: 020 7284 4631
See full pub details


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:

I walked through the door to this place and slipped through the curtain behind the door that is used to keep the heat in and was confronted by the backs of people’s heads sitting at the bar a foot in front of me. Surprisingly a local moved out of my way so that I could get to the bar and the friendly barman came straight over even though it was busy. Kingstone Brewery’s Kingstons Gold and Tewdric’s Tipple were available alongside Old Cannon Best Bitter and a selection of premium and standard lagers.

The front of the pub is small with the bar taking up most of the space, but it does have an open fire. There is more seating around the sides and in the conservatory out the back. There is also a beer garden, but I did not check it out as it was raining.

I enjoyed my visit here and would recommend it to others.
10 Dec 2008 09:18
Small pub in a housing area. Not my sort of pub and not a lot of ale choice unless you like Bass which I dont. Bar staff and locals very friendly.
If your short like me then the loos are way too high and you may need to stand on a milk crate to get you over the lip.
24 Nov 2008 09:25
This is a little gem of a pub, tucked away down a leafy street fairly near to Kentish Town station. They had Old Cannon Brewery’s Bitter on, plus one of the Adnam’s beers, when I was in there at lunchtime yesterday. The OCB Bitter was absolutely superb. They had had a beer festival going a few days ago and still had some of the ales from that on offer. They may still be selling them off during the evening – at £2 a pint! The food is Thai, and was pretty good for £5 a meal. But there was nothing other than Thai food, which is fine as long as you like Thai food.

There is a well-preserved stunning mid-Victorian bar-back in place. It’s one of the best I have seen, and is a really attractive feature to have in a pub like this. This is a comfortable pub with very friendly service, excellent beer, decent food and some superb Victoriana. Definitely worth seeking out if you find yourself in Kentish Town.
13 Nov 2008 18:18

The White Horse, Hampstead Heath

picture of The White Horse, Hampstead Heath

Address: 154 Fleet Road, Hampstead Heath, London, NW3 2QX [map]
Phone: 020 7485 2112
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Belsize Park (0.3 miles), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles), Hamsptead (0.7 miles)


Nearest train stations: Hampstead Heath (0.2 miles), Gospel Oak (0.6 miles), Kentish Town West (0.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Sadly, it seems to be going downhill. I think it's under new ownership - last time I was in there the landlady, or at least the domineering barmaid – was overdoing it on the friendly flirty host routine.

Then this: yesterday, a sign hung on the front door. "We welcome breastfeeding babies."

And they wonder why 57 pubs a week are closing down?
27 Apr 2009 15:08
Difficult not to like this place, its such a beutiful building. Had an amazing thai meal here, much better than most pub thai efforts. Highly recomended. Overall though, for me it lacks soul, boaring beer selection and I can't stand tellys in pubs, if i wanted to watch telly i would stay at home.
13 Nov 2008 22:49
popped in here when the garden gate accross the road had run out of roasts at 5pm on a sunday! very impressed with this place, lovely interior, staff and roasts! Although a bit priceier at £12.50 i would recommend! sat and played a board game under the outdoor heater!
27 Oct 2008 14:07

Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Heath

picture of Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Heath

Address: Spaniards Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 7JJ [map]
Phone: 02087318406
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:

As many others have mentioned before, rather slow service with bar staff who make a point of mentioning that they have no idea whose turn it is to be served, as if having an idea of which customer is next is somehow beneath them. Nice location on the Heath though.

Decent though fairly standard range of ales (Landlord, Tribute, etc). Pub atmosphere is somewhat better on ground level (especially if you can get the little space by the street side entrance door) upstairs is a bit more "restauranty". Food is fine if not exciting, but be prepared to wait.
8 Mar 2009 10:19
Hiya,

This is my local, and what a lucky git I am. Really really cute pub, best range of ales and belgian beers round here- and I met Liam Gallagher in the beer garden once.

Food is good but not amazing, but definitely worth a visit.

x
26 Feb 2009 18:47
Hasn't cjanged much from my last visit 5 years ago - great location, decent pint (Adnams), food poor and expensive (didn't make that mistake this time), and same crap service
4 Feb 2009 14:31

The Beaten Docket, Cricklewood

picture of The Beaten Docket, Cricklewood

Address: 50-56 Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, London, NW2 3ET [map]
Phone: 020 8450 2972
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Willesden Green (0.6 miles), Willesden Junction (0.6 miles), Kilburn (0.6 miles)


Nearest train stations: Cricklewood (0.4 miles), Brondesbury (0.8 miles), Brondesbury Park (1 mile)


Reviews by BITE users:

Joined the hardcore alcoholics in here at 9am last Sunday morning. Wetherspoon beer festival ales were available - Adnams Gunhill, Bend Brewing Wild Blue Yonder, Brains Dark, Caledonian Raspberry Fool, Flying Dutchman and Ruddles Best. The Westons Marcle Hill Cider was also very good. It was quit busy for a Sunday morning. My visit was only spoiled by the smell of vomit in one area - presumably the remnants of the Saturday night session!
26 Apr 2009 19:17
This is the first time I have been in here for a few years. On first sight a welcoming pub with friendly and efficient staff. However two major drawbacks:-

1. Only ONE 'guest' ale on, that being 'Dune', otherwise the usual fall back
ones, IPA, Abbot, etc.

2. NO Christmas ales whatsoever despite 16 being advertised by JDW!!!

Another odd thing was the latest issue of 'The London Drinker' available in large quantities; so presumably they do stock a better selection of beer. I probably was unlucky. Even so I will not be going back.
5 Dec 2008 21:37
As "Spoons" go this one is not bad for away from Central London. Guest beers available was a nice treat two days before a festival rather than the usual "not available". Food came quickly and was good, chef even noticed an error on his part which was quickly rectified without question. If in Cricklewood well worth a visit.
29 Oct 2008 17:16

The Claddagh Ring, Hendon

picture of The Claddagh Ring, Hendon

Address: 10, Church Rd, Hendon, London, NW4 4EA [map]
Phone: 020 8203 2600
See full pub details


Nearest tube station: Hendon Central (0.5 miles)


Nearest train stations: Hendon (0.9 miles), Mill Hill Broadway (2 miles), Cricklewood (2.4 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Never really had a problem here but some of customers seem to get a bit aggressive after a couple of pints. Beers a bit pricey and 2 double gin and tonics came to £15!! Worth a look though
18 Mar 2009 21:32
agree with door staff - punch first ask questions later. they seem to charge by the look, so local scum go in free, we were charged three piound each and he stuck it straight in his pocket.... and it's no better inside - chavs, assorted travellers, and eastern euro-gangsters lurk with menace among the crowd. Beer ninjas all over the place nicking whatever bottle you leave alone. Without doubt the worst place in Hendon....
31 Dec 2008 13:10
If youy want a fight come here, the most unfriendly door staff in Hendon, my mate got decked by a polish git, and the door staff couldn't give a crap. rubbish bar avoid, i'd rather go to the greyhound or the Chequres then this crap_hole
31 Dec 2008 02:30

The Lord Palmerston, Dartmouth Park

picture of The Lord Palmerston, Dartmouth Park

Address: 33, Dartmouth Park Hill, London, NW5 1HU [map]
Phone: 020 7485 1578
See full pub details


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:

Back here over Christmas for the first time since the summer - still a great pub but food has gone seriously downhill. Ridiculous prices for at best seriously average food. Portions laughably small. Such a typically greedy turn of events. Shame.
5 Jan 2009 10:56
Agree with ascott about the food.
I used to work near here a few years ago and often went there for lunches - they always did good pub grub.
I went back last week with some friends for a sunday night meal.
We phoned up beforehand and asked if they had much veggie food, and were told there was a veggie roast and some veggie items on the menu.
When we got there the only veggie item was a risotto starter which they could do a bigger portion of. We asked about the veggie roast and it turned out it was actually just a plate of the veggies that come with a regular roast - which were very bland and boring anyway (for £9).
The meat and fish dishes were also fairly unimpressive.
5 Dec 2008 19:40
Ate there yesterday (a Sunday). More show no substance. Great draft bitters. Trying to sell itself as a Gastro pub: but normal pub fare.
Go there for a drink but not to eat!
Very average food
Few veggie options
Expensive prices.
Friendly service but slow.
17 Nov 2008 11:56

The Chequers, Hendon

picture of The Chequers, Hendon

Address: 20, Church End, London, NW4 4JT [map]
Phone: 020 8203 5658
See full pub details


Nearest tube station: Hendon Central (0.6 miles)


Nearest train stations: Hendon (1 mile), Mill Hill Broadway (1.9 miles), Cricklewood (2.5 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Dear oh dear. I don't think pubs can get much worse than this! Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was the stench from the lavatories; it fair knocked me back, and I should have turned on my heels there and then. Foolishly, I persevered. Gingerly stepping over three mangy cats, I approached the bar where the other (two) customers were sitting happily, seemingly impervious to the effluent pong. The only ale on offer was, allegedly, Deuchars. The piss-warm, opaque sludge that I was served bore no resemblance to a pint of Deuchars; indeed, no resemblance to anything drinkable that I can recall. Sir Henry Rawlinson's maxim came to mind "As a general rule, once I've eaten something, I don't care to see it again". Ale lovers avoid.
15 Jan 2009 13:46
I had a great evening at The Chequers in Hendon. Great Food, and friendly staff, who always seem to be having fun. Everyone was very welcoming. There was a great dj, pool table and great people. I will deffinetely going there again, alot better than my previous night in The Greyhound, yawn!!!
23 Aug 2008 15:38
Ok pub. Staff not very friendly, lots of chavvies about and a fight over a girl. Apart from that, average boozer.
5 Jul 2008 01:44

Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, Swiss Cottage

picture of Ye Olde Swiss Cottage, Swiss Cottage

Address: 98 Finchley Road, London, NW3 5EL [map]
Phone: 020 7722 3487
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Swiss Cottage (0.1 miles), Finchley Road (0.4 miles), Finchley Road and Frognal (0.4 miles)


Nearest train stations: South Hampstead (0.2 miles), Finchley Road & Frognal (0.7 miles), West Hampstead (0.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Hmm. Surprised by the very negative comments. Agreed about the poor lighting and sullen staff, but at least they were quick and efficient! Great price and perfectly acceptable pint of Sam smiths. Beer garden ok. Pity about the roundabout!
18 Apr 2009 14:43
Horrid, simply horrid. The place smelt like a urinal. I worked in a bar and my landlord told me that I should only ever touch the bottom third of a glass. Stay well away from the bit that touches the punters lips. The guy that served my pint held it so near the rim he got head on his fingers. The beer was sour and undrinkable. I knew it wasn't the sort of place you even bother to complain so I went to watch a terrible Tom Criuse film next door cursing under my breath. There are loads of lovely Sam Smith pubs in London, this ain't one of them.
6 Feb 2009 14:15
This is a big pub of sprawling dank that offers no discernable reason to visit.

Sullen staff, moody manager and the usual Sam Smiths range puts this place in the blue square league of pubs. The pub and its large paved beer garden are in the middle of one of the busiest roundabouts in the country and you have to brave a 4 lane road or getting mugged in the subway to get to it.

Very poor show.
28 Oct 2008 15:50

The Rising Sun, Mill Hill

Address: 137, Marsh Lane, Highwood Hill, London, NW7 4EY [map]
Phone: 020 8959 1357
See full pub details


Nearest train stations: Mill Hill Broadway (1 mile), Elstree & Borehamwood (2.6 miles), Oakleigh Park (3.5 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

good pub, bit out of the way but worth the effort...Orange Tree further up the lane is good for sunday dinners.....
31 Dec 2008 12:45
Went for a couple of pints on Christmas day. As described below a nice looking and cosy old pub with open fires and decent Adnams and Youngs. Abbot also on offer. Locals seemed friendly as did the helpful landlady. A nice spot and a semi rural feel for a London borough.
29 Dec 2008 15:14
this is a very pretty little pub, all hanging baskets and wisteria, with nice inside as well and good reasonable priced food, staff were polite enough and locals at the bar were not menacing ( I went in as a lone female and got no smirks or stares!!)
23 Oct 2008 18:33

The Greyhound, Hendon

Address: Church End, Hendon, London, NW4 4JT [map]
Phone: 020 8457 9730
See full pub details


Nearest tube station: Hendon Central (0.6 miles)


Nearest train stations: Hendon (1 mile), Mill Hill Broadway (1.9 miles), Cricklewood (2.5 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Nice multi-room pub in an attractive part of old Hendon. Serves the usual range of Young's ales, in good condition, and staff were friendly and quick to clear tables. Darts and bar billiards on one side of the pub (+ piped music), the other side distinctly quieter. A range of locals with some amusing silly banter going on during our visit.
6 Apr 2009 16:09
Now in a new (and safe) pair of hands, The Greyhound is once again a pub worth going to. Properly kept ale, clean and pleasantly appointed.
1 Mar 2009 12:07
The only decent pub in Hendon, the land lord looks after the ales well, and the place is spotless, the bar staff are friendly and the fire is welcoming, if your coming to Hendon this is the only pub worth visiting!
31 Dec 2008 02:35

More information

Want to find out more about pubs in North West London? Why not have a look at our advanced pub search or full text pub search? You might also want to browse pubs by county or region. Or have some fun with the random pub crawl generator.

 

Blog | Forums | Copyright Neransk Limited 2001-2009. All Rights Reserved. Calls to 0871 numbers cost 10p/min.