Keston's reviews
Review of The Freemasons Arms
02 May 08, 15:09
A Mixed Bag 
I've had a mixed bag of experiences in this pub.
It was the subject of a huge redevelopment a few years ago when the whole place was overhauled. Unfortunately, the rumour was that they hadn't sized the kitchen properly and for a long time after the renovation it wasn't possible to eat at a table outside. This was a bit disappoointment as the outside seating area is large and is one of the best things about the pub. I'm not sure if this is still the case or not.
The decor inside is very chic and so are the people a lot of the time (I guess that is what you get with hanging out in Hampstead). The food is good, although it is wortwhile booking a table.
We've had a mixed bag of service, with sometimes with fairly offhand and snooty waiting staff, and other times very friendly.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Horseshoe
02 May 08, 15:03
Newish Gastro Pub in Hampstead
The Horseshoe is a newish renovation of an older pub. They've done a good job with weather wooden chairs and tables paired with modern paintwork.
The pub is always full on a Friday evening with drinkers, and eaters. Towards the back of the pub there is a restaurant serving a quality menu with a British bent.
It is not the cheapest meal you will have, but then you are in Hampstead.
I still prefer the menu at The Wells Inn, but that can be quite difficult to get into. In these situations The Horsehoe is a good back up.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Prospect Of Whitby
25 Apr 08, 16:43
Pub you go to for the location
The Prospect of Whitby makes its money on the back of its location and history.
It has an original pewter bar, and you can sit in the room and balcony out the back literally hanging over the Thames. While you are there look out for the hook they used to hang the pirates up on for three washes of the tide.
The service is not the fastest, the food is not the best, but it is totally reasonable. If you are looking for a taste of the wild old days of the docks, have a drink here.
The locals are also very friendly.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Three Compasses
25 Apr 08, 16:32
Good Herts Lunch Destination
Another pub I would recommend when looking for somewhere for a Sunday lunch.
The pub is quite large with good dining facilities and has very recently been renovated.
The whole pub is themed on a rugby theme, and there are rather too many South African rugby jerseys hanging from the walls from my liking.
However, having observed the Sunday roasts I would say they are definitely worth a try!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Peldon Rose Inn
25 Apr 08, 16:28
Nice lunch stop south of Colchester
When looking for reasonable weekend lunch spots around Colchester keep the Peldon Rose in mind.
The front of the pub is small and old, but in the back they have added a large conservatory - dining room. There ae also tables in the garden out the back, very nice in the event of good weather to eat in the shade of one of the trees.
The food is good too!
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Ye Old Black Lion
09 Apr 08, 16:31
Rejuvenated pub
This previously "old man's pub" has had a major overhaul to create West Hampstead's first gastropub.
They've done a great job on the interiors and the place is generally full, but I have been a bit disappointed with the scope of the menu, which seems to be a bit static and doesn't really live up to the rest of the pub.
Also, service can occasionally be a bit slow.
A place llike this is a welcome addition though to West Hampstead, which was really lacking a quality pub.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of Fitzroy Tavern
09 Apr 08, 16:21
Good cheap pub for ex-UCL students
This pub is "pub of choice" for the large group of ex-UCL students I've found myself hanging out with.
It's central, the beer is cheap, and there are good options for curry / thai afterwards.
As the other reviewer says, the bar can become congested due to its layout, but that only proves that many people go there.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Banana Tree Canteen
09 Apr 08, 16:08
Good place for a quick eat
The Banana Tree provides a good option for a quick eat or a takeaway in West Hampstead.
It can get very busy on Friday nights, though so be sure to be there early.
The food is good but not fantastic, but generally always hits the mark.
Now that there is no more smoking in restaurants it has also improved as non-smokers are not forced to sit up the back.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Railway
09 Apr 08, 16:04
Good Local Pub
If you are in West Hampstead and don't want to swan it up with those around the corner at The Gallery, The Railway is a good option.
It's a good size and generally full of locals and playing the football.
Staff are friendly and provide good service.
Food is god standard pub grub.
If you're looking for a place for a regular drink with your mates you won't be let down by this place.
0 out of 0 people found this review helpful.