The Stag, Belsize Park - pub details

Painted a painfully out of place black on the outside, it only gets worse once you get inside, dark and unwelcoming, poor service, eye-wateringly expensive food. Sadly no longer free of Nathan Barleys.
On the plus side it's got a great garden, now with far, far better accommodation than previously, and with heaters too. There’s only two beers; Black Sheep, Landlord, which are well kept and, surprisingly for the area, reasonably priced, just don't ask for a top up even if there's a inch plus head on your pint and you're almost alone in the pub - apparently that's one way to make yourself unpopular, and I was my most politest I could be too!
Previously it was always a friendly local, as far as the building itself it was somewhat underwhelming, and there’s no doubt The Stag was crying out for some TLC or even a complete renovation, however what happened was it got wrecked. If you like spending too much money on your dinner, like staff who are far too cool to waste their time giving good service to paying customers, and you'd like to pretend you're in Shoreditch or Hoxton without the trouble of getting the bus; this is the pub for you.

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Teuthida - 14 Nov 2009 14:24

Haven't been for a few months so I hope it still has the same great staff, led by a manager who actually cares about the place. The place looks good, especially the massive garden, and I agree that it wouldn't look out of place in Camden or somewhere similar as its often packed with a well-dressed relatively young crowd. They always seem to have stuff going on - booze tastings, quizzes, themes, etc - but it doesn't feel forced or cheesy.

Had two great meals here and one really bad Sunday lunch, but I'll forgive them as it was insanely busy. If you're eating I'd visit mid-week and go for the burgers which are consistently good and always cooked medium as they should be. Don't miss out on the white chocolate bread and butter pudding either - its far beyond pub grub.

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anonymous - 25 Sep 2009 00:57

The service is reasonably fast unlike some of the other pubs in the area. The food always looks good but am yet to try it. The garden is the place to be on a summers day. If you are lucky you may even get a booth with protection from random rain showers.

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jaytee - 5 Aug 2009 13:29

A pleasing refurb. massive garden with covered areas. will be superb in the summer. lots of original features retained, such as the old victorian bar. 2 real ales, both very good. obviously not trying to be a gastro but the food is simple and reasonably priced. Music left a little to be desired but wasnt bad enough to drive me away. Overall a very nice pub and pleasent place for a few pints.

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mortonmorton - 13 Nov 2008 22:42

As per the othee message. This place has had a full re-vamp. Foods is excellent and so was the service. If your after a snack, which I was at the time, opt for the cheese & pate menu. Burger look mega too.
Keep up the good work, we'll be back

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snipet - 3 Nov 2008 15:27

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