The Flask, Hampstead, NW3

Rather typical refurbished Youngs Pub in Hampstead, just off the main high street. On a saturday afternoon it was pretty busy with families and couples eating but there was space for non-drinkers and we perched on a spare table. The multi-room layout is fine and the original features are impressive, although I've had better pints of Youngs Bitter. This place was reasonable and I'd think about returning if in the area.

It still retains its multi-room format – Public Bar, Saloon Bar, and a couple of rooms at the back separated by archways. A few high stools/tables were in evidence, but furniture consists mainly of normal tables and chairs. Real ales on offer were the normal Young's/Wells range – Bitter, Special, Kew Gold and Bombardier. It was pretty empty when I was in at 12.20 on a weekday lunchtime, with the staff seemingly hanging around waiting for the customers to turn up in order to give them something to do. I didn't see a games machine, fruit machine or TV, but I didn't go into the Public Bar. The Saloon Bar seemed a quiet and peaceful place for a quiet pint, but I doubt whether it is always like that. It retains many of its original features, including etched and cut glass, and some excellent painted panels in the divide between the Saloon and Public bars. There was some jazz playing in the background, making a welcome alternative to the banal pop music that gets dished up in most pubs these days. This is an attractive pub, set in the attractive Flask Walk. Definitely worth a visit.