Old White Bear

Bars

Music and nightlife

Hampstead

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Time Out says

Mon Jul 23 2012

Decked out like a hipster’s country house hotel, this tucked-away New End spot has confidently distinguished itself from the slew of Hampstead gastroboozers with a discreet luxury vibe and highly accomplished kitchen. Don’t roll up on Sundays expecting a cheap ’n’ cheerful roast: lunch dishes are cooked, presented and priced like an upmarket restaurant, an impression underlined by the expensively attired crowd, though the charming ease of the staff forestalls stuffiness. You’ll need to book well in advance too. When the kitchen is open, bar snacks such as sautéed chorizo with fennel seeds and lemon, and cod croquettes with aïoli provide light alternatives to the likes of roast quails with creamed onions, sage, wild garlic and Madeira sauce. Desserts (chocolate marquis, sticky toffee pudding, lemon granita) are a strong point. Cheeses come from the esteemed La Fromagerie. Outside mealtimes, well-conceived (though still pricey) boards of antipasto and charcuterie provide gourmet sustenance. Even the regulars would prefer another couple of hand-pumps (the bar is tiny), but the wine list is fun and friendly, and staff make Pimm’s a real treat by starting from scratch.

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Venue location

Address:
Old White Bear 1 Well Road
Hampstead
London
NW3 1LJ

Phone:
020 7794 7719
Website:
www.theoldwhitebear.co.uk
Opening hours:
Open/tapas served 5.30-11pm Mon; noon-11pm Tue-Thur; noon-11.30pm Fri, Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun. Lunch served noon-3pm Tue-Fri; noon-3.30pm Sat, Sun. Dinner served 6.30-10pm Mon; 5.30-10.30pm Tue-Sat; 5.30-9.30pm Sun
Transport:
Tube: Hampstead tube
Price:
Main courses £12.50-£20.50. Tapas £4.50-£9.75
Map
1. Old White Bear
  - 1 Well Road
    Hampstead
    London
    NW3 1LJ
  - 020 7794 7719
  - www.theoldwhitebear.co.uk
  - 51.558673,-0.175589

Categories:
Food and drink
Facilities:
Restaurant and bar facilities. Lunch. Sunday lunch. Function rooms. Accessible facilities. Outdoor facilities. Tables outdoors
Occasions:
Drinks. Speciality beers. History buffs
Type of event:
Parties

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Comments & ratings

(7 ratings)

cacca

Sergio Checa Alvea Thu Feb 28
Rated as: 5/5
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caca

javier de dios herrero Thu Feb 28
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cacca

javier de dios herrero Thu Feb 28
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caca

Moisés Romero Ortiz Thu Feb 28
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Fantastice food and a great atmosphere - highly recommended!!!

Kim Sat Feb 25 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Many locals may have thrown up their hands and decamped to The Duke down the road (arguably the last boozer in Hampstead) - and the new incarnation of Ye Old *is* much more gastro than pub - but the beers they do keep are always good and there are worse places to find a pint in NW3.

JC Sat Feb 11 2012
Rated as: 3/5
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I'm only going to comment on the decor side of things as I was put off going there when I saw what had been done to this old Hampstead favourite. From old athmospheric local pub with lots of patina and warm, victorian paraphernalia fitting in with the area, toa poncey, alien decor that would fit a tapas theme restaurant in the west end but is out of place here. Sometimes, new landlords just don't realize what they've got... The food may be great (it was average before, I do admit) but I just don't have the heart to eat there now it's lost its original soul.

catheirne Sun Dec 18 2011
Rated as: 1/5
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agreed - have passed this place many times but had first meal here last night. The food was delicious - a reasonably short menu offering a great selection of dishes, we were a table of six and all were delighted with starters and mains. The service is really something special - warm and efficient and very welcoming of our dog! I am looking forward to my next visit already!

Ciara Wed Oct 12 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Fantastic gem in the heart of charming Hampstead. I've eaten there several times and can't stress enough how overwhelmingly wonderful everything is!

Peter Wed Sep 7 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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