The Old White Bear, Hampstead, NW3

I warmed to this pub in a very attractive corner of Hampstead village.The exterior is traditional in brick and the two doors are marked Public Bar and Lounge,although the Lounge door is kept bolted. The bar is central with high tables opposite,there is parquet flooring throughout while to the right of the entrance is a relaxed area with some fitted bench seating and some comfy chairs around a fireplace.On the left side the traditional furniture has more dining style tables but also a flatscreen for terrestrial sport and lots of board games. There is a community vibe with all real ale all day Monday at £4 per pint,Tuesday open mic,Wednesday quiz and occasional gentle live music.The food is from a short menu with mediam mains £18. At the bar 4 handpumps offering on my trip Allsops Pale,Leeds Pale,Harvey Sussex Best and Five Points XPA (barman sampled it before serving,very good nick NBSS 4 and £2.65 the half).It fully deserves it's GBG 2024 listing on this evidence.There were also some interesting craft keg options besides mainstream kegs. A friendly proper pub and if the ale range had a bit more variety with less focus on pales,this pub could easily be a real ale destination worthy of even higher marks.I would certainly use it if in the area again.

Official site of The Old White Bear - www.theoldwhitebearhampstead.co.uk

Official site of The Old White Bear - www.theoldwhitebearhampstead.co.uk