BITE user comments - thehappydrunkard
Comments by thehappydrunkard
The Sir Richard Steele, Belsize Park
Went Friday before last and had a decent pint however being offered"marchng powder" on both my visits to the toilet and the pretty blatant dealing in the bar and smoking of joints outside the pub do nothing to encorouge me to return!
19 Mar 2012 13:49
Clever pm from kon23uk so for them (and other morons) I will clarify my last comment. The lager purchased by myself was crap! you would find more life in a cemetry that was closed. This was my 2nd visit in 4 months with the same result, the dis-interested bar staff when dragged away from their private conversations did eventually change it for a slightly livelier one but the snide asides about customers "being fussy" did nothing to make me think things will improve in the near future. and finally kon23uk the pub itself was very nice.
18 Oct 2011 16:55
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
Seven months down the line and it appears the pub is settling down into a really nice proper boozer. The newest guvnor has settled in nicely and looks like he is here for the long term, always friendly and open to ides. Drinks are fine (even the real ales so I am told), Sunday roasts have sold out for the past two weeks and other food also available towards the end of the week. One customer who asked for food on Monday was told that the kitchen was closed but the accepted the offer of a toasted cheese sandwich! not something Woody would have done. Definately worth a visit when in Hampstead.
28 Sep 2011 09:38
Open again after being closed down for a short while by the local Council due to a mouse problem.
11 Apr 2011 13:31
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
Now been sold to the owners of "the Barnsbury" in Liverpool Rd who take over in January. Fod in cellar bar and on 1st floor but bar should stay the same following a refurb, Thats the story so far anyway!
24 Dec 2010 12:57
I use this pub a couple of times a week usually to play darts and cannot believe the comments about the poor dartboards! is ArryArrows used to using a board once and then disposing of it? The reason some of the boards occassionally appear a little well used is because, er, they are used a lot! They are changed over on a regular basis and I have not noticed any more of a problem with darts bouncing out than experienced in the several hundred other pubs I have thrown a dart in! A couple of the boards that are used in areas by "fun" players are maybe not of the same quality but that just makes sense to me with boards costing up to �30 a time. The lighting and scoreboards are being improved but this obviously takes time! I drink Lager so cannot comment on the pump beers but have not had a dodgy pint (or a dirty glass) yet.
Agreed the toilets are not always the best but,again, are improving as lately soap and hand towels have been available in abundance. To stop getting damp while peeing I suggest AppyArrows takes his time and tries to improve his aim!
24 Nov 2010 13:29
Strongers, there used to be a dartboard but that was several years ago. The pub was once the home of Newcastle United Supporters Club (London Branch)
5 Jan 2010 13:11
Official! Last quiz is in two weeks before the pub closes for a few months. When it re-opens it will be a tapas style bar with possibly a couple of fancy beers on sale. Hampstead loses another pub, only the Duke (for now) and the Flask left.
2 Oct 2009 08:04
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
Went in last week and the bloke who used to be the drummer with Culture Club was banging on a drum kit. Dirty glasses and flat lager with a sullen and disinterested barman. Only good thing was the lovely smiling barmaid but not that good to make me want to return. Pub up for sale apparently so maybe it will improve.
26 Jun 2008 13:23
spent a very enjoyable day/evening on my first visit on Saturday despite being apprehensive having read previous reviews. Fosters was fine and only �2.20, bar service was very good even when the pub filled up later on ( the bald guy is still there).Dont know if it has been cleaned up but it seemed as good as most Weatherspoons, will definately return when next in the area.
25 Feb 2008 11:49
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
as a local "fogie" I must have missed the no-smoking law being extended to outside areas as in "illicit smokers"in the last review. Have always enjoyed my visits to this establishment especially the witty banter from the jovial & rotund barpersons.Only downside are the pretentious on-off visitors who would really rather be in a wine bar "up West" and are looking for any excuse to have a moan. Give the place another try!
25 Jan 2008 14:31
Back to thehappydrunkard's profile
The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead
beerman44: having read your last 14 reviews of which 13 are negative ( the one positive review then states that all other pubs in the area ,Cheam, are poor) I suggest you would be much better off keeping out of public places and staying indoors where I am sure you would be happier!
By the way your assumption regarding the Manager is wrong, She does not smoke!
5 Apr 2012 14:23