The Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

We visited for lunch yesterday and had booked a table at 12:30pm. We arrived early and were shown to a table in an attractive area of the pub, drinks order taken quickly so all looked promising...it quickly went downhill from there. We asked to order food and I asked for a burger, I expected to be asked how I'd like it cooked so after I wasn't I asked if I could have it medium...only to be told they only cook their burgers 'Well done'. When I asked why I was told it is company policy...strange that policy is to spoil the food and not give the customer a choice.
Anyway, we ordered starters and main courses and food for the kids. After fifty minutes of waiting for starters and kids food we asked how long it would be. We were told another twenty minutes because they were busy. So after an hour and fifteen minutes they finally arrived and the quality was distinctly average (especially considering the premium this place charges). We then waited a further thirty minutes for main courses to arrive and again the quality was poor.
I don't know what they are trying to do with this pub but it seems like they are not capable of coping with the number of food orders they are taking. The place is huge and I'm guessing the kitchen just can't cope...I would advise they limit the number of covers they offer for food as the quality of it is suffering and judging by the number of people waiting it just isn't working. Service is shocking and food quality is poor. Add to this being surrounded by a large, loud table of families with kids names like Sahara and you have one of the worst pubs I've ever had the misfortune to visit...Never again.

23 Apr 2012 11:03

The Nightingale, Balham

By far the best pub in the local area. A 'proper' pub with a warm welcome and good beers. The food is decent as well. There is a sense of community about the pub and it always seems like a relaxing environment in there. Staff are always friendly and welcoming. Even though I have to walk past a few pubs to get to it from my house it's always where I go if I fancy a pint.

24 Feb 2010 12:45

Blithe Spirit, Balham

The best thing about this pub is watching the assistant manager get really annoyed and shout 'Thank You!' at people who use the toilet without asking at the bar first. Also it's enjoyable if you enjoy surly service from a bunch of miserable looking young women who look they just won the lottery and then lost the ticket on the way to pick up the money. On the plus side it has Ringwood Best on tap which is a nice pint and it has a few screens upstairs for sport. Overall, average.

24 Feb 2010 11:06