12/09/16 - Hampstead Pub Crawl

Distance - 2.4 Miles
Walk Inspiration - Frommers 25 Walks in London
Pubs - 3
Geocaches - 1

For the first time in six months, I am working in the Smoke.  It's London Fashion week and the only hotel that appears to be sub £200 and not aimed at backpackers is the Premier Inn, Hampstead.

Which is actually in Belsize Park.

I review my entertainment options for the evening.

How about a walk to survey all that London offers from on high and the chance of four handsome looking pubs?

Of course, one is a dead pub and its the first one.  Alas, I will never get to see the Magdela Tavern. Unless they sort out the lease.

Another Dead Soldier

There's always another one around the corner, and indeed I stumble on the Freemasons Arms before I have done the heavily lifting on the walk.  Despite being drier than Gandhi's flip flop, I make the ascent of Parliament Hill first.

All as I remember it

Exercise over.  Now the Pubs.

The Freemason's Arms - Devonshire Hill - London Pride

Random Beerintheeveing Quote - "This nouveau riche hang out seems out of place in knowing Hampstead - Erno Goldfinger would have turned in his grave"

Scores a whopping 2.8 out of 10 on my favourite pub rating web site.  That's very harsh.  Unless Erno was giving the review.

It's a large pub, built in its present form in 1936.  It's in a suburban street but wouldn't look out of place in the countryside.  To be fair, on the edge of Hampstead Heath, it almost is.

Freemasons Arms - Worth so much more than 2.8

There's usually a sharp intake of breath after I order a pint in London and the landlord rings it up on the till.  Bearing in mind the location - and the fact it was very much aimed at diners - I thought £3.60 for a decent London Pride was reasonable.

Taken outside and imbibed whilst watching darkness fall.

Take Pride

Pint over, it's an ever upwards climb to the edge of the heath, shunning the Wells Tavern to go geocaching on the heath in the dark.

I didn't bump into the former lead singer of Wham.

The Hollybush - Holly Mount - ESB and my tea

Random Beerintheevening Quote - "The customers all now seem to be tourists , so that's another good pub down the pan."

Does this include me?  Well I have been here once before within the last 12 months.

If is possibly my favourite pub in London.  Apologies to the Blackfriar.  And the Lamb.  Oh, and the Southwark Tavern.  My favourite this week.

If you haven't been - you should.

Proper Dark now

Built in 1643 - originally as stables - it's a joy to sit in and feel the history oozing out the walls.  Or listen to the tourists.  Mainly from America.

It does food - but this doesn't interfere with the way that it feels like a real drinkers pub.  I decided it might be more interesting to dine here than the KFC opposite my hotel.  To give you a clue on prices, the cheeseboard was £12.50.  But did come with quince.

ESB is a great pint.  Especially when served in the ceremonial chalice.

Losing its head, a touch

Fed and watered - its off down the hill to revisit another one of my favourites.

The Flask - Flask Walk - Youngs Bitter

Random Beerintheevening Quote - "The Flask used to be a socialist hang-out and you can imagine Michael Foot in here playing dominoes and nursing an ale"

Behind the tube station, down an alley and next to all the "I Saw You Coming" antique shops, is a lovely little boozer.  But no sign of Corbyn.

The Flask

When I arrived - and bearing in mind it was the hottest Septermber day in a century - there were lovely tables and chairs outside.

I got my pint and made use of one of them - only for the barman to come out and tell me to get in. The council only allow them to be populated until 9pm.

The first pub I have ever been chucked into.

So, inside I go and admire the partioned 1880s rooms, divided by etched glass and mirrors with various scenes.

Having had a couple of pints of Fullers - I never thought I would say that the Young's Bitter was pint of the night.

Well done Youngs - Pint of the Night

Tube back to the hotel and there may have been a night cap at the George, Haverstock Hill.  Purely as it's a cask marque pub and I needed the check in (8 off the fridge magnet, app fans).

If I were to blog about it, it would be to protest that paper money was required to make a purchase of fine Italian Lager.