Duke of Hamilton NW3

London’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars updates
North London — Hampstead

Traditional pub
23-25 New End NW3 1JD
T (020) 7794 0258 W http://thedukeofhamilton.com tw dukeofhamilton
Open 1100-2330 (2300 Sun). Children welcome until early evening.
Cask beer 4-5 (Brodies, Fuller’s, unusual/local guests), Other beer 2 keg, 6 bottles
Food Rolls and jacket potatoes, Outdoor Front terrace, rear beer garden
Fri occasional live music, Sat in summer barbeque, poker & quizzes planned, darts, occasional big screen sport, functions 

Duke of Hamilton, London NW3

A veteran real ale stalwart and regular Good Beer Guide listing with a lengthy roll call of arty celebrity regulars, including Oliver Reed who often overindulged here, the Duke would have been an obvious choice for the Guide. But when I paid a research visit early in 2011, the place was being run down prior to longstanding landlord Woody moving on, its future beer policy uncertain. Happily it’s ended up in the hands of the same people who’ve recently made the Barnsbury in Islington (see Canonbury & Barnsbury) into a great beer destination. The main drinking area around the island bar has been spruced up but the slightly eccentric decor is essentially unchanged – traditional furnishings, liberal use of red paint, unusual stained glass above the bar and tiles bearing advertisements for long obsolete cleaning products below it.

The pub is curiously sited on a raised platform which, given its popularity with actors and the presence of the New End Theatre, one of London’s most respected fringe drama venues, next door, might remind you of a stage. The new owners have refurbished and reopened the cellar below, creating an attractive additional space for music, functions and overspill at busy times.

Longstanding favourite London Pride is now supplemented by a changing Brodie’s beer. Adnams and O’Hanlon’s are popular choices on the other pumps and they aim for a variety of flavours. Keg German black lager Köstritzer Schwarzbier is an unusual sight and Schneider Weisse, Achouffe McChouffe and Jever Pils might be spotted in a small but intriguing range of bottled beers. Food is restricted to rolls and snacks – the Scotch eggs are particularly popular. A commanding performance.

Overground Hampstead Heath Underground Hampstead Cycling Walking Links to Hampstead Heath paths