The Old White Bear, Hampstead, NW3

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Pub SignMan left this review about The Old White Bear

I'm not sure how I've never previously encountered this attractive pub, set in the backstreets of Hampstead, but less than a five minute walk from the tube station. The pub has a characterful exterior with lots of bright flower boxes which can be admired from the limited pavement seating. Once inside, you find yourself in a parquet floored room that was clearly divided into two or three separate bars in the past, but now forms a shallow yet wide single space. The bar is directly opposite the entrance and has a dark wood counter, matching, pump clip lined canopy and a rather plain, fairy light strewn bar back, whilst a water dispenser and dog treats have been placed at one end of the counter. High tables and stools fill the limited space opposite the bar, with seating areas to either side offering comfy button backed banquettes and basic pub chairs. Much of the interior has been painted in a pleasant purple shade with lots of retro, polar bear themed pictures on display, a tidy fireplace to the right and a few promotional posters for upcoming live music and pub quiz nights filling any remaining space. A great 80's alt-rock and hip-hop soundtrack was playing throughout my stay and the pub was doing a good trade on my mid-week, early evening visit.
This place has found its way into recent editions of the Good Beer Guide, and I spotted four handpulls dispensing Harvey's Sussex Best and Leeds Pale - the latter at a very reasonable £4.00 a pint - with one turned clip and one unused pump completing the row. The barman was very prompt and friendly with his service and the Pale was in good condition and quite enjoyable to drink whilst watching the well-heeled clientele come and go.
There are some pretty solid pub options around Hampstead and this place certainly deserves consideration when visiting the area. I found it a smart, pleasant spot in which to enjoy some well-kept and reasonably priced ale, and although it may not have the impressive heritage features of some nearby pubs, it's a solid option and a good addition to any local crawl.

Date of visit - 27th May 2024

On 29^th September 2024 - rating: 7
[User has posted 3387 recommendations about 3387 pubs]