The Washington, Belsize Park, NW3

Situated on the Swiss Cottage/Chalk Farm border of Hampstead, this pub dates from 1865 and I remember it once as having more partitions; over the years it has been opened up. Quite justifiably, this pub is listed on CAMRA's London Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors; it's a veritable cornucopia of cut, etched and painted glass, ornate tilework, partitions and stucco ceiling, all of which could be better appreciated if this pub weren't so gloomy. Furniture is mixed with some upholstered bench seats, some button-backed as well as a little modern furniture. Somewhat erroneously, the countenance of the eponymous US president looks down from the corner splay; lavatories are termed 'Wash Room' for 'Presidents' and 'First Ladies' - this really is a bit naff, especially when you consider that the pub was in fact named after Washington in West Sussex, from where, depending on who you believe, hailed either an early landlord or the area's developer. This pub is quite big on food but I wouldn't call it a gastro pub. It is however not what I'd call a boozer either. I come here periodically, if only for the interior, but it does get very crowded on most nights - the Friday/Saturday midnight licence is a bonus.

Quite a dark but very ornate interior. 5 real ales served from a horseshoe shaped bar. Food served.