London’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars updates
North London — Hampstead
Contemporary pub
14 South End Road NW3 2QE
T (020) 8874 8460 W http://thegardengatehampstead.co.uk
Open 1200 (1100 Sat-Sun)-2300 (2400 Fri-Sat, 2230 Sun). Children welcome until 1900.
Cask beer 6 (Sharp’s, Timothy Taylor, M&B guests), Other beer 8 keg, 6 bottles, Also wines
Food Gastroish menu, Outdoor Large beer garden
Fri monthly hog roast & live band, summer Sat barbecue, board games
Garden Gate, London NW3
“This is the nicest pub I’ve ever been in,” said the customer to the assistant manager as he took his leave. “And I’m a 48-year-old Scotsman so that’s saying something.” While I wouldn’t go quite that far, there’s certainly something very charming and attractive about this Brewer’s Tudor place in Hampstead’s southern reaches, on recently restored South End Green with its historic fountain, just down from Hampstead Heath Overground station and within easy reach of the Heath itself.
The pub’s most notable feature is a very large and well looked after beer garden, decked out with greenery and with a cloister-like wooden terrace around the side, its walls decorated with an impressive collection of flower pictures. The floral theme continues indoors with some big murals as well as real flowers enlivening a good mix of seating. Stained glass and painted pillars enhance the colourful aspect, complemented by the cheerfulness of the staff.
This is a Mitchells and Butlers Castle pub: Doom Bar and Landlord are regular cask ales while three other handpumps dispense guest beers on rapid rotation. BrewDog (strongish Alice Porter), Fuller’s and Red Rat were in evidence when I called and more unusual styles aren’t uncommon. Camden Lager, Duvel-Moortgat Vedett White and Sierra Nevada pale are among the kegs while it’s always good to spot classics like Duvel and Worthington White Shield in the fridges. Food is a cut above too. Given the area, don’t expect rock bottom prices, but a weekday prix fixe deal will get you two courses for £10, which might include smoked trout, roasted butternut squash and fennel salad, asparagus risotto or chargrilled gammon amongst the mains.
Overground Hampstead Heath Underground Hampstead Cycling Hampstead Heath paths Walking Hampstead Heath paths, links to Belsize Walk
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