Going Out
Due to its location, South Hampstead residents have the advantage of being able to sample the many delicious restaurants and bars in West Hampstead, St. Johns Wood, Kilburn and Swiss Cottage.
The Little Bay
228 Belsize Road
Tel: 020 7372 4699
The Little Bay is tucked away on Belsize Road, just off Kilburn High Road and is always busy due to word of mouth. It has an excellent reputation for not only the superb food quality, but also the cheap affordable prices. Before 7pm starters and deserts are priced at £1.95 and mains £4.75 and after 7pm, the prices are raised by an extra £1. The staff are always friendly, attentive and polite. The service is excellent and food is served quickly, even with big groups. The Moules Marinerre as a starter is delicious, it is served with shallots and parsley in a white wine and cream sauce. The mouthwatering braised knuckle of lamb in a red wine sauce is definitely a tasty choice. Or the baked haddock option with crushed new potatoes, served with a bacon and shallots hollandaise is a good one. They offer the most delectable chocolate cheesecake with a passion fruit coulis for the sweet tooth. This little gem is certainly worth a visit.
The Arches
7 Fairhazel Gardens
Tel: 020 7624 1867
Just off the roundabout, by South Hampstead rail station, The Arches is the perfect local choice for wine enthusiasts serving a variety of quality wines from countries all over the world. It is owned and run by quite the character – Harry, who has spontaneous wine/cognac tasting at lunch times to suit the mood. The bar has a distinctive interior with an eclectic mix of memorabilia on the walls including antique mirrors, old school signs, pictures and dim lamps which help create its unique atmosphere. There is also a range of entertainment in the form of backgammon, cribbage and dominoes. Seating on the terrace area is provided, weather permitting. There is also a restaurant downstairs which serves good quality European food at fair prices.
Singapore Garden
83 Fairfax Road
Tel: 020 7624 8233
Singapore Garden Restaurant is situated on Fairfax Road and has a pleasant bright modern interior, efficient and helpful staff. The menu exhibits all the eclecticism of Singaporean cuisine. Fresh crab or lobster in mild chilli sauce, spare ribs, steamed chicken in a light soy sauce and sesame oil. The food is first rate with wonderful authentic dishes like green curry, bean curd cubes or chilli crab arriving promptly and tasting divine. There are tables out at the front in the warmer weather. You’d be well advised to book early for a table at this well-loved restaurant
Clifton Hotel
96 Clifton Hill
Tel: 020 7624 5233
This lovely late-Victorian pub is tucked away on the quiet residential street Clifton Hill and was the meeting place of King Edward 7th and his lover Lilly Langtry. The pub is 200 years old and is one of the only true traditional family-run pubs left unspoilt in London. They offer a wide and varied food menu ranging from Thai fragrant mussels with Italian breads (£6.50) or salmon and pepper kebabs served with cous cous and mixed salad (£7.90). It has wood sectioning, a front terrace with heaters and a conservatory and patio area in the back where BBQ’s are held on summer’s evenings.
The Belsize
29 Belsize Lane
Tel: 020 7794 4910
The Belsize is a lovely traditional pub tucked away in the heart of Belsize village, a short walk from South Hampstead. It has a wide range of drinks to complement the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The pub is divided into 2 halves, the front for socialising with your drink of choice and the rear for enjoying some of the tasty treats on the menu. The food is excellent with dishes ranging from king prawns, cod and mash on a bed of spinach to the more traditional pub favourite - bangers and mash. The pub has the advantage of being open until midnight on Friday and Saturday and until 11:30pm on Sundays.
The Abbey Road
63 Abbey Road
Tel: 020 7328 6626
Located a 5-10 minute walk from South Hampstead Station is The Abbey Road, a lively pub previously known as The Salt House. An established gastropub in the heart of Beatles territory there is good quality cuisine, a pleasant atmosphere, a wide selection of wines and reasonable prices to make this a good option for eating and drinking.