Latest reviews in Hampstead, London, United Kingdom

Marine Ices - great local Italian by DeborahD

DeborahD — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:38:50 +0000

Review by DeborahD

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7482 9000

Tags: mediterranean, ice cream, bargain

The ice-cream is great, but let's not forget about the restaurant. This is a local, family type place, cheep and cheerful but really good, basic Italian. Their linguine al scoglio is fantastic, and they do pretty good pizzas as well. I wouldn't bother with the starters, but for a great plate of pasta or pizza with some house red wine, it's a winner.
Plus, the dessert menu is gigantic and you can invent your own sundaes. Coconut ice-cream with ginger pieces was a recent one of mine. The ice-cream is great, but let's not forget about the restaurant. This is a local, family type place, cheep and cheerful but really good, basic Italian. Their linguine al scoglio is fantastic, and they do pretty good pizzas as well. I wouldn't bother with the starters, but for a great plate of pasta or pizza with some house red wine, it's a winner.
Plus, the dessert menu is gigantic and you can invent your own sundaes. Coconut ice-cream with ginger pieces was a recent one of mine.

Curry Paradise - Good Indian food by hibiscus

hibiscus — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:08:06 +0000

Review by hibiscus

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7794 9352

Tags: indian, vegetarian dishes

Been going there for years. Never disappointed. Good food. Friendly service. Our favourite Indian restaurant in North London.Been going there for years. Never disappointed. Good food. Friendly service. Our favourite Indian restaurant in North London.

Goldfish - Relaxed by de_uk

de_uk — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:37:00 +0000

Review by de_uk

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7794 6238

Tags: chinese, takeaway

The first time I ate here, I had mocca chocolate ribs - I didn't think they worked at all. But ordering more standard fare seemed to be much more satisfying.

Look out for the strange shredded wheat pudding!The first time I ate here, I had mocca chocolate ribs - I didn't think they worked at all. But ordering more standard fare seemed to be much more satisfying.

Look out for the strange shredded wheat pudding!

La Creperie de Hampstead - la creperie by gilka

gilka — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:55:26 +0000

Review by gilka

Rating: 2.00

Website: http://www.hampsteadcreperie.com/

Tags: great, delicious, french

Well la Criteria is a special place and the crepes are nice
but be prepared for the 'soup Nazi' experience... The staff there is working in a sweatshop conditions and it is no wonder that they don't have patient to customers... I prefer the South Kensington branch which is bigger and have the same quality of crepes.Well la Criteria is a special place and the crepes are nice
but be prepared for the 'soup Nazi' experience... The staff there is working in a sweatshop conditions and it is no wonder that they don't have patient to customers... I prefer the South Kensington branch which is bigger and have the same quality of crepes.

The Holly Bush - Super-pie in a Super-pub by sokratis

sokratis — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:35:05 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7435 2892

Website: http://www.hollybushpub.com/

Tags: traditional pub, relaxed, food

Maybe Iâ¬"m being influenced by having watched Superbad very recently, but the superlatives are justified in this case. The Holly Bush is one of those â¬Üthey donâ¬"t make them like they used toâ¬" kind of places you rarely encounter in London anymore (says I, the old-Londoner who grew up on the cobbled streets of Whitechapel!). Itâ¬"s a pub in the proper sense on the word.
No music. No fruit machines. No shiny, â¬ÜSlug & Lettuceâ¬"-type surfaces and silly prints on the wall.
Solid selection of beers and ales (unfortunately no Bombardier). No-nonsense, friendly staff. Unique ability to distort time and keep you there until closing.
It really is one of those places you can go with friends and spend hours getting merrier as the time passes by, setting the world to rights, recounting old stories and generally doing what friends do.
The pies that are mentioned in the title deserve a special mention. They are the specialty of the house and Iâ¬"m confident the Organic Beef and Harveyâ¬"s served with Cheddar mash is one the best youâ¬"ve ever tried. At Â£9.50 itâ¬"s reasonably priced as well. The rest of the menu is excellent too, with the burger and roast chicken being a couple of my favourites and the bread and butter pudding an amazing dessert. The menu seems to have been set in stone there, but why mess with something that works so well? Iâ¬"ve probably eaten or sampled every item in it and nothing was short of really good, going all the way to the superb. There is a cosy, beautiful dining room on the first floor and I recommend you book if youâ¬"d like to eat as the pub floor gets very busy.
Youâ¬"ve probably worked out that this is probably my favourite pub in London. Itâ¬"s also tucked away from public view so you really have to look for it to find it, but trust me itâ¬"s worth a detour or even a special trip.
Maybe Iâ¬"m being influenced by having watched Superbad very recently, but the superlatives are justified in this case. The Holly Bush is one of those â¬Üthey donâ¬"t make them like they used toâ¬" kind of places you rarely encounter in London anymore (says I, the old-Londoner who grew up on the cobbled streets of Whitechapel!). Itâ¬"s a pub in the proper sense on the word.
No music. No fruit machines. No shiny, â¬ÜSlug & Lettuceâ¬"-type surfaces and silly prints on the wall.
Solid selection of beers and ales (unfortunately no Bombardier). No-nonsense, friendly staff. Unique ability to distort time and keep you there until closing.
It really is one of those places you can go with friends and spend hours getting merrier as the time passes by, setting the world to rights, recounting old stories and generally doing what friends do.
The pies that are mentioned in the title deserve a special mention. They are the specialty of the house and Iâ¬"m confident the Organic Beef and Harveyâ¬"s served with Cheddar mash is one the best youâ¬"ve ever tried. At Â£9.50 itâ¬"s reasonably priced as well. The rest of the menu is excellent too, with the burger and roast chicken being a couple of my favourites and the bread and butter pudding an amazing dessert. The menu seems to have been set in stone there, but why mess with something that works so well? Iâ¬"ve probably eaten or sampled every item in it and nothing was short of really good, going all the way to the superb. There is a cosy, beautiful dining room on the first floor and I recommend you book if youâ¬"d like to eat as the pub floor gets very busy.
Youâ¬"ve probably worked out that this is probably my favourite pub in London. Itâ¬"s also tucked away from public view so you really have to look for it to find it, but trust me itâ¬"s worth a detour or even a special trip.

The Freemasons Arms - Great Post-Heath option by sokratis

sokratis — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:16:40 +0000

Review by sokratis

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7433 6811

Website: http://www.freemasonsarms.co.uk/

Tags: relaxed, traditional, food

The Freemasons Arms is a great ending to a nice day in Hampsted Heath if youâ¬"re finishing on the south-west (if youâ¬"re heading north-east then Cafe Mozart on Swains Lane is a excellent option too). Very spacious and with a modern, slick finish it serves a variety of beers and ciders. One of the best outdoor spaces in the area and a great kitchen that serves what youâ¬"d expect by the â¬ÜWinner of the Sunday Independent/ LBC Gastro Pub of the Year!â¬". Be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny Sunday afternoon as the place gets very busy. Of course be also prepared to be surrounded by yummy mummies, Â£500+ baby carts, noisy small children and generally the rest of the Sunday family squad that descends on Hampsteadâ¬"s surrounding areas on a weekend.
Donâ¬"t let that put you off though. The Freemasons is still one of the best places to enjoy a drink and a bite after a hard days navigating the heights of the Heath.
The Freemasons Arms is a great ending to a nice day in Hampsted Heath if youâ¬"re finishing on the south-west (if youâ¬"re heading north-east then Cafe Mozart on Swains Lane is a excellent option too). Very spacious and with a modern, slick finish it serves a variety of beers and ciders. One of the best outdoor spaces in the area and a great kitchen that serves what youâ¬"d expect by the â¬ÜWinner of the Sunday Independent/ LBC Gastro Pub of the Year!â¬". Be prepared to wait for a table on a sunny Sunday afternoon as the place gets very busy. Of course be also prepared to be surrounded by yummy mummies, Â£500+ baby carts, noisy small children and generally the rest of the Sunday family squad that descends on Hampsteadâ¬"s surrounding areas on a weekend.
Donâ¬"t let that put you off though. The Freemasons is still one of the best places to enjoy a drink and a bite after a hard days navigating the heights of the Heath.

The Spaniard's Inn - Top Notch by Thomasinho

Thomasinho — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:24:12 +0000

Review by Thomasinho

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 8731 6571

Tags: food, beer garden / outside seating, vegetarian dishes

I love this place, it has it all. Great food, Great Beer Garden, Great looking Bar Girl, Wooden beams, the odd celebrity, and its away from anything.

For escapism to the country without leaving the city, then The Spaniards Inn, is the place to head for,
Not the cheapest place, but high quality, high service, and a fantastic atmosphere.I love this place, it has it all. Great food, Great Beer Garden, Great looking Bar Girl, Wooden beams, the odd celebrity, and its away from anything.

For escapism to the country without leaving the city, then The Spaniards Inn, is the place to head for,
Not the cheapest place, but high quality, high service, and a fantastic atmosphere.

Tesco Express - tesc-oh by imwearingatowel

imwearingatowel — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:02:45 +0000

Review by imwearingatowel

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0845 026 9299

Website: http://www.tesco.com

Tags: delivery service, newspapers / magazines

some of the women at the till can be awful
one star is to muchsome of the women at the till can be awful
one star is to much

Sir Richard Steele - Olde Worlde by freestanding

freestanding — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:23:29 +0000

Review by freestanding

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7483 1261

Tags: food, real ale

In my opinion its the 2nd best boozer in NW3 after the hill across the road. First up its a huge old victorian boozer that retains its olde world charm.The locals are friendly enough around here. Good selection of beers on offer and the Thai food is excellent at Â£5 a plate. I love the upstairs with its battered leather sofas. A good spot for a party. Downstairs the beer garden is a must in the summer. big and plenty of seats.
Lovely olde pub thats not been changed inside for a long long time. I only hope it stays that wayIn my opinion its the 2nd best boozer in NW3 after the hill across the road. First up its a huge old victorian boozer that retains its olde world charm.The locals are friendly enough around here. Good selection of beers on offer and the Thai food is excellent at Â£5 a plate. I love the upstairs with its battered leather sofas. A good spot for a party. Downstairs the beer garden is a must in the summer. big and plenty of seats.
Lovely olde pub thats not been changed inside for a long long time. I only hope it stays that way

The Hill - Love this place by freestanding

freestanding — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:15:16 +0000

Review by freestanding

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7267 0033

Tags: food

Years ago it was just a downtrodden boozer situated on the cusp of a hill in NW3. Now its a fully fledged gastro pub with an upmarket twang. Beer prices are ok Â£3.30 pint, its the food thats the killer. Lovely grub dont get me wrong. but Â£13 quid for bangers and mash is excessive by anyones standards. In saying this the outside area is handy in the summer and i just love the layout of the place, its funky but not flashy. The staff are decent enough also.All in all a lovely place for a night out..Years ago it was just a downtrodden boozer situated on the cusp of a hill in NW3. Now its a fully fledged gastro pub with an upmarket twang. Beer prices are ok Â£3.30 pint, its the food thats the killer. Lovely grub dont get me wrong. but Â£13 quid for bangers and mash is excessive by anyones standards. In saying this the outside area is handy in the summer and i just love the layout of the place, its funky but not flashy. The staff are decent enough also.All in all a lovely place for a night out..

Al Casbah - Ethnic, Amusing and Different by Angella

Angella — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:05:27 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7435 7632

Tags: live music, north african, terrace

A casbah is the old quarter of a city and the owner likes old things. This place might get sold soon. If so you'll see a spring clean and some changes. Meanwhile it's an unhurried place by day when you can come in for coffee, snacks and heavy light lunches. Tables are reserved for diners on the busier evenings.

Food
Large menu of meats and potatoes, casseroles and breads. Couscous. Chicken. Vegetarian options include Tabouli, a Lebanese dish of cracked wheat, tomatoes, onion and herbs.

Best most memorable were the aromatic and flavoursome desserts, such as those made with rose water. Also what the Brits call 'Turkish delight'. I think there was once a singing TV advertisement using those words.

Drink
Herbal teas and coffees.

Crockery
Constantly importing cockery and metalware. Often no two pieces on the table alike. Moroccan items with conical lids.
Not for those who insist on matching sets. I like every button on my blouse to be different, so restaurants with dozens of different pieces amuse me for hours.

Service
When the owner is around he's an outspoken, chatty, extravert who can tell you the story behind every food or item in the restaurant. (And he seems to know the passers-by.)

Decor
Funky, all sorts of things to look at, hangings, brasswork.

Seating
Tiny tables for two, bigger tables or couches.

Souvenirs
Often something interesting to buy beside the till. A cookery book, t-shirt, crockery, ethnic clothing or knick-knacks.

Tidy & Clean?
While a member of staff was busy at the back wiping a mirror or something, I was fretting at the front timing whether the tap water would arrive within four minutes and fifty-nine seconds. I squinted to see whether coffee cup jug handles were exactly at three o'clock. I spent some time lamenting the good old days when I had never seen a cup handle not placed just so. Whilst admiring the amusing lids whose handles others had touched, I used my water and a paper tissue to do my own super-clean.

If you are like me and think hospital white is obligatory, and believe cleanliness is next to Godliness, and you feel faint at the mere idea of a a wobbling table, a cracked piece of tile on the floor, a picture or hanging which is not quite straight, a chip on crockery, having to swap a piece of culery, or don't like a piece of wood that's splitting, or a piece of wrought iron which might gather dust ... , go somewhere else. The manager will be glad you did.

But if you are like my easy-going host, the sort who thinks other people are too fussy, and you shrug and say, 'You'll eat a heap of dirt before you die,' then shrug and be glad the service is slow at off-peak hours and lie back on the couch and enjoy it.

Main attractions
Funky decor. Intriguing spiral staircase down to basement toilets and extra seating area.

One of the main attractions is the ability to hire a hookah, also called a shashi, to smoke tobacco through water outside in the famous Flask Walk pedestrian alley. (Smoking indoors is illegal.)

Occasionally somebody stands outside offering a free taste of coffee to passers-by. A nice touch.

Rating
Go there not so much for food as for atmosphere.

Location
Easy to find. Steps away from Hampstead station. On the corner of Hampstead High Street and Flask Walk.

Wonderful in summer when you can sit surveying the colourful characters of Hampstead parading past. Bohemian area, lots of rich young trendies as well as grey-haired intellectuals. All living in expensive crumbling mansions and down towards Belsize Park art deco flats. You won't be worrying about them watching you eat. You'll be too busy watching them.
Update 2008. Under new owner. A casbah is the old quarter of a city and the owner likes old things. This place might get sold soon. If so you'll see a spring clean and some changes. Meanwhile it's an unhurried place by day when you can come in for coffee, snacks and heavy light lunches. Tables are reserved for diners on the busier evenings.

Food
Large menu of meats and potatoes, casseroles and breads. Couscous. Chicken. Vegetarian options include Tabouli, a Lebanese dish of cracked wheat, tomatoes, onion and herbs.

Best most memorable were the aromatic and flavoursome desserts, such as those made with rose water. Also what the Brits call 'Turkish delight'. I think there was once a singing TV advertisement using those words.

Drink
Herbal teas and coffees.

Crockery
Constantly importing cockery and metalware. Often no two pieces on the table alike. Moroccan items with conical lids.
Not for those who insist on matching sets. I like every button on my blouse to be different, so restaurants with dozens of different pieces amuse me for hours.

Service
When the owner is around he's an outspoken, chatty, extravert who can tell you the story behind every food or item in the restaurant. (And he seems to know the passers-by.)

Decor
Funky, all sorts of things to look at, hangings, brasswork.

Seating
Tiny tables for two, bigger tables or couches.

Souvenirs
Often something interesting to buy beside the till. A cookery book, t-shirt, crockery, ethnic clothing or knick-knacks.

Tidy & Clean?
While a member of staff was busy at the back wiping a mirror or something, I was fretting at the front timing whether the tap water would arrive within four minutes and fifty-nine seconds. I squinted to see whether coffee cup jug handles were exactly at three o'clock. I spent some time lamenting the good old days when I had never seen a cup handle not placed just so. Whilst admiring the amusing lids whose handles others had touched, I used my water and a paper tissue to do my own super-clean.

If you are like me and think hospital white is obligatory, and believe cleanliness is next to Godliness, and you feel faint at the mere idea of a a wobbling table, a cracked piece of tile on the floor, a picture or hanging which is not quite straight, a chip on crockery, having to swap a piece of culery, or don't like a piece of wood that's splitting, or a piece of wrought iron which might gather dust ... , go somewhere else. The manager will be glad you did.

But if you are like my easy-going host, the sort who thinks other people are too fussy, and you shrug and say, 'You'll eat a heap of dirt before you die,' then shrug and be glad the service is slow at off-peak hours and lie back on the couch and enjoy it.

Main attractions
Funky decor. Intriguing spiral staircase down to basement toilets and extra seating area.

One of the main attractions is the ability to hire a hookah, also called a shashi, to smoke tobacco through water outside in the famous Flask Walk pedestrian alley. (Smoking indoors is illegal.)

Occasionally somebody stands outside offering a free taste of coffee to passers-by. A nice touch.

Rating
Go there not so much for food as for atmosphere.

Location
Easy to find. Steps away from Hampstead station. On the corner of Hampstead High Street and Flask Walk.

Wonderful in summer when you can sit surveying the colourful characters of Hampstead parading past. Bohemian area, lots of rich young trendies as well as grey-haired intellectuals. All living in expensive crumbling mansions and down towards Belsize Park art deco flats. You won't be worrying about them watching you eat. You'll be too busy watching them.
Update 2008. Under new owner.

Hampstead Tea Rooms - Cheats by gendafamily

gendafamily — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:36:48 +0000

Review by gendafamily

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7435 9563

Tags: takeaway

I work locally and had the misfortune to order a birthday cake for a very special person from this local cafe. It was recommended by my work colleagues. The price quoted was not only exorbitant along with a Â£5/- surcharge for writing the name of the person the cake was intended for. I was asked to pay the amount in full at the time of placing the order. When I landed to collect my cake to my horror the cake prepared for me was half the size of what was shown. At the time of ordering I was told the cake will be atleast 1 KG in weight but this was less than 500gms. The name on the cake was unclear and to top it all there was no apology for the incorrect size or offer of refund. I was told that I must have mistaken the size. This is nothing but thuggery. I was extremely disappointed and I was told I could take 2 pastries since they could not bake the size at that time. It did definitely spoil the special day for my loved one. I would never again order anything from these crooks.I work locally and had the misfortune to order a birthday cake for a very special person from this local cafe. It was recommended by my work colleagues. The price quoted was not only exorbitant along with a Â£5/- surcharge for writing the name of the person the cake was intended for. I was asked to pay the amount in full at the time of placing the order. When I landed to collect my cake to my horror the cake prepared for me was half the size of what was shown. At the time of ordering I was told the cake will be atleast 1 KG in weight but this was less than 500gms. The name on the cake was unclear and to top it all there was no apology for the incorrect size or offer of refund. I was told that I must have mistaken the size. This is nothing but thuggery. I was extremely disappointed and I was told I could take 2 pastries since they could not bake the size at that time. It did definitely spoil the special day for my loved one. I would never again order anything from these crooks.

ASK - Relax and cosy by MaryamF

MaryamF — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:52:28 +0000

Review by MaryamF

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7433 3896

Website: http://www.askcentral.co.uk

Tags: italian, bar, family & home feel

ASK chain Italian Restaurant is quite a nice place to go with friends and family to spend a quiet and relax evening.... The one in Belsize park is quite nice and cosy, but the service wasn't what we expected.... The food wasn't bad, but not so tasty comparing to other Italian chain restaurants in London. Pasta was over cooked and smashed! Bruschetta had big chunks of tasteless tomatoes which wasn't very professional.ASK chain Italian Restaurant is quite a nice place to go with friends and family to spend a quiet and relax evening.... The one in Belsize park is quite nice and cosy, but the service wasn't what we expected.... The food wasn't bad, but not so tasty comparing to other Italian chain restaurants in London. Pasta was over cooked and smashed! Bruschetta had big chunks of tasteless tomatoes which wasn't very professional.

Nando's Chickenland - Experi-perience! by MaryamF

MaryamF — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:43:14 +0000

Review by MaryamF

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 4644

Website: http://www.nandos.co.uk

Tags: portuguese, family & home feel, air conditioning

As a chicken lover, i can highly recommend Nando's Restaurant for their great chicken and friendly atmosphere. Nando's has got so many branches in UK, but the O2 Centre branch has got the essence of Peri Peri experience! As a chicken lover, i can highly recommend Nando's Restaurant for their great chicken and friendly atmosphere. Nando's has got so many branches in UK, but the O2 Centre branch has got the essence of Peri Peri experience!

Ye Olde White Bear - Quaint, but bitchy barmaids? by iamroninator

iamroninator — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 07:33:47 +0000

Review by iamroninator

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7435 3758

Tags: food, vegetarian dishes, sport pub

Really nice atmos, nice ale too... The pub cat just adds to the quaint village-y feel.

Didn't eat here, though may come back as seems a good place to watch football.

One downer - not sure my girlfriend will ever come back here with me - when she went to the bar to get a round, was deliberately ignored by the (bitchy? Jealous?) female bar staff. Blokes were served in front of her, and she only got service when the (v friendly) barman eventually returned to serving.

Some peope, eh?Really nice atmos, nice ale too... The pub cat just adds to the quaint village-y feel.

Didn't eat here, though may come back as seems a good place to watch football.

One downer - not sure my girlfriend will ever come back here with me - when she went to the bar to get a round, was deliberately ignored by the (bitchy? Jealous?) female bar staff. Blokes were served in front of her, and she only got service when the (v friendly) barman eventually returned to serving.

Some peope, eh?

The Horseshoe - Wetherspoons reborn by iamroninator

iamroninator — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 07:30:01 +0000

Review by iamroninator

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7431 7206

Tags: gastro pub, lively, food

Replacing the Wetherspoons' 3 Horseshoes which was here prob a good idea? But where will all the old codgers and underage kids go to drink?

Ah well, had cheap lunchtime special - 7.50 for a stew and an orange juice - nice, though a little school dinner-esque.

The ale was average. When I went downstairs for a slash, the door to the kitchen was open, and an almighty smell of not-so-fresh fish was around.

Glad I didn't have the fish dish. Phew...Replacing the Wetherspoons' 3 Horseshoes which was here prob a good idea? But where will all the old codgers and underage kids go to drink?

Ah well, had cheap lunchtime special - 7.50 for a stew and an orange juice - nice, though a little school dinner-esque.

The ale was average. When I went downstairs for a slash, the door to the kitchen was open, and an almighty smell of not-so-fresh fish was around.

Glad I didn't have the fish dish. Phew...

King William IV - Cozy gay-friendly pub by Sami

Sami — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 22:08:13 +0000

Review by Sami

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7435 5747

Website: http://www.kw4.co.uk/

Tags: food, hampstead, pub

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a native Londoner and do not know much of the insider's knowledge regarding this city. So when my native Londoner friend took me to this pub this past week-end, I was curious as to why there was a gay pub smack in the middle of Northwest London's bastion of uptight, WASP-y, middle-class existence - until she informed me that Hampstead Heath has long been a gay cruising ground - and the KW4 is at the foot of the Heath.

Recently renovated, KW4 is cozy, with a large patio at the back of the bar and hosts a variety of gay nights, from gay pub quiz to drag queen nights. I was absolutely taken by it and have since enlisted my friend to take me here on a regular basis. The service was good, the crepes are supposed to be good, and it was friendly. I'm a fan. But as with the majority of gay bars, the pints were on the expensive side :(

Let me preface this by saying that I am not a native Londoner and do not know much of the insider's knowledge regarding this city. So when my native Londoner friend took me to this pub this past week-end, I was curious as to why there was a gay pub smack in the middle of Northwest London's bastion of uptight, WASP-y, middle-class existence - until she informed me that Hampstead Heath has long been a gay cruising ground - and the KW4 is at the foot of the Heath.

Recently renovated, KW4 is cozy, with a large patio at the back of the bar and hosts a variety of gay nights, from gay pub quiz to drag queen nights. I was absolutely taken by it and have since enlisted my friend to take me here on a regular basis. The service was good, the crepes are supposed to be good, and it was friendly. I'm a fan. But as with the majority of gay bars, the pints were on the expensive side :(

The Roebuck - Two thumbs up by mif

mif — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:51:10 +0000

Review by mif

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7433 6871

Tags: independent pub, standard pub food, beer garden

Been here at least a handful of times (when in the neighbourhood) and it has never disappointed. Terrific grub - the cottage pie is my favourite and I've heard their Sunday roast is to drool for. Service is pretty good. The place is eclectically decorated, managing to look very cool and comfortable at the same time. At the back, there is an outdoors area where it's lovely to sit when the sun is shining and also a conservatory for when the sun isn't shining. Basically it's a lovely laid-back pub that will please everyone.Been here at least a handful of times (when in the neighbourhood) and it has never disappointed. Terrific grub - the cottage pie is my favourite and I've heard their Sunday roast is to drool for. Service is pretty good. The place is eclectically decorated, managing to look very cool and comfortable at the same time. At the back, there is an outdoors area where it's lovely to sit when the sun is shining and also a conservatory for when the sun isn't shining. Basically it's a lovely laid-back pub that will please everyone.

Cafe Rouge - Cafe Rouge by shunter

shunter — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:49:52 +0000

Review by shunter

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7435 4240

Website: http://www.caferouge.co.uk

Tags: french, lively, bar

The food here is of high quality, a bit expensive, but well worth it. They have a large choice on the menu and a daily specials menu.The food here is of high quality, a bit expensive, but well worth it. They have a large choice on the menu and a daily specials menu.

Tobia - Fun evening by lenalouise

lenalouise — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:14:39 +0000

Review by lenalouise

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 0207 431 4213

Website: www.tobiarestaurant.co.uk

Tags: lively, smoking, friendly

I went to this place when it was the Ethiopian New Year or some similar sort of celebration so there was a private party downstairs, all the waitresses were wearing traditional dress and there were two dancers performing throughout the evening.

It made it a very special night since we also hadn't had ethiopian food before and didn't know it could be so delicious! The home brewed honey mead, Abyssinian Tej should definitely be sampled if you are into beer. It's very good value for money here. I went to this place when it was the Ethiopian New Year or some similar sort of celebration so there was a private party downstairs, all the waitresses were wearing traditional dress and there were two dancers performing throughout the evening.

It made it a very special night since we also hadn't had ethiopian food before and didn't know it could be so delicious! The home brewed honey mead, Abyssinian Tej should definitely be sampled if you are into beer. It's very good value for money here.