The Flask, Hampstead, NW3

Official site of the Flask - www.theflaskhampstead.co.uk

I’ve been using the Flask on and off through good and bad patches for many years. Thankfully the German manageress in control at the moment seems to be doing a very good job meaning that my recent visits have become more frequent. Granted most of them are on a Friday night once my local has closed as this place is open until midnight at the weekend. There was a young’s refurbishment carried out here 2 ½ years ago which I thought was thoughtfully done, but this is a contentious issue with some of the locals. Most of them now stick to the public bar which was left alone except for a lick of paint and the shameful removal of the dartboard as it was one of only two in Hampstead. The public bar is separated from the saloon bars by a listed and hand painted Victorian screen. These saloon bars are split by an arch half way up the pub and there is a fire place in the front bar along with some high tables and chairs by the front windows. The rear bar has some more conventional seating along with a huge table which is available for reservation for parties etc. There is also a conservatory at the rear of the pub which is used as a dining area during the day and a function room in the evenings. On the drinks front there are at least four ales on at a time with an obvious leaning towards Youngs’ beers and a selection of standard and premium draught products. I have never experienced a bad pint of Guinness here, but it is pricey rolling in at £3.70 a pint. Along with the usual food menu this pub also offers take-away fish and chips with mushy peas for £8.95 and I have been reliably informed that it is very good. There used to be a couple of tables out the back, but I’m not sure if they are still there. However, there is still seating until 9pm out the front on Flask Walk and there is also a small smoking area at the side of the pub next to a La Cage Imaginaire which is a lovely little French restaurant. I like this pub and I think that it accommodates all types of people and it is well worth a visit if in Hampstead.

Official site of the Flask - www.theflaskhampstead.co.uk