Freemasons Arms, Hampstead

Our rating: FAP Rating 2 - Click for an explanation of our ratings User rating: Community Rating 3 - Click for an explanation of our ratings (3 reviews)
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FancyaPint?'s review...
FAP Rating 2 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
The Freemasons Arms' location next to the southern end of Hampstead Heath ensures a steady stream of custom, but it's a million miles from the 'country pub' it claims to be. A cornucopia of contemporary furniture, beige and brown are the overriding colours here. Service veers from slow to stroppy and now half the space is dedicated to eating, so terse signs inform you how to get to the garden without interrupting their diners. Happily they've still retained Britain's oldest skittle alley and despite their unwitting efforts to make this an incredibly uninteresting drinking venue, The Freemasons is still a grand affair and handy for that post-prandial drink. Unsurprisingly, the impressive beer garden - which happens to be the only real reason to come here - takes the strain on the warmer days. At a practical level there's a couple of token ales, the lager choice is pretty good and the food veers between £11 and £20 for main courses. As a pub, however, this one leaves us cold; leave it to the tourists.
Review: 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Reviewed by 23 Mar 2011    Helpful? yes/no
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Reviews (3)
09 Nov 2011
Rating 3 - Click for an explanation of our ratings
This large pub lies very close to Hampstead Heath. On entering you pass through the front garden area which has plenty of tables and chairs From the main door the bar is opposite you. There are again plenty of tables,comfortable chairs, armcahirs and sofas situated all around the bar area.
To the right there is a large dining area which is in 2 sections. Behind that there is a magnificent large landscaped garden expanse with also plenty of tables and chairs.
This pub is now a gastro bar which would work very well if there was enough staff to attend to the diners and drinkers. The food is reasonable and well priced for the neighbourhood. The beer and ale selection are average. and the service is slow but very polite and friendly.
The very well kept toilets are downstairs.
A good mix of people visit and there seems to be a high proportion of women on some occasions. A good place to relax and added bonus if you like to sit outside. You would be happy to take your mates, girlfriend or even granny. As with many gastro bars the service is slow due to food orders and staff shortages.. The Freemasons is very clean, bright and well maintained. and worth a visit .
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29 Sep 2009
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Avoid this place. I hope this place goes bust as soon as possible so that someone who has any idea about running a restaurant/ pub can take over. I echo all of the previous comments. The only reason anyone goes there is because of the great location and the spacious garden. Those that are tempted in, as we were, will be enormously disappointed.
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Contact details

32 Downshire Hill, Hampstead, London, NW3 1NT

020 7433 6811
enquiry@freemasonsarms.co.uk

Opening times
Monday-Sunday Bar 11am-11pm. Food 12pm-9.30pm.
Please check opening times with the pub before making a special journey.
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How to find the Freemasons Arms pub

From Hampstead Heath BR: Follow the road up toward the Heath. When the Heath appears on your right you'll see Downshire Hill on your left. Walk down Downshire Hill and you'll see the pub on the right. From Hampstead: Exit the tube station and turn left down Hampstead High Street. Keep walking as the road becomes Rosslyn Hill. The turning for Downshire will be on your left, take it, keep walking and you'll come to the pub.

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History
28 Feb 12 Updated by canvassing2