The Duke of Hamilton, Hampstead

The landlord (or at least the ex-landlord) of this pub is extraordinarily rude. You'll see him mentioned many times in these reviews, usually in the context of insulting his customers or just being surly as he lurks at the bar, in the gloom. But despite several visits (I live round the corner) I hadn't witnessed him in action, until this weekend, when I was treated to the most obnoxious display I've ever witnessed from a pub owner. Too long a story to tell, but suffice to say that he has absolutely zero customer skills, a foul temper and an apparent distaste for anybody under 30 (especially children), especially if it appears they're not 'local'. While others on this site have tried to excuse him as a 'character', he's obviously a complete embarassment to his staff (who, to be fair, came out to apologise to us afterwards) and I imagine to his son (who is currently running the place, and is supposed to be an OK bloke). A pity because the beer is good and the terrace nice on a Sumemr day - but with so many pubs to choose from, he's committing commercial suicide by being so obnoxious to so many people.

26 Apr 2010 16:37