Duke Of Hamilton, Hampstead

In May 2023 the sole cask beer was Doom Bar - said to be due to contractual reasons - but in Oct 2023 Purity Gold was back on tap. The Jazz Club referred to below continues - see their wesbite for details of events https://hampsteadjazzclub.com/

Had a brief period as 'Hampstead Lounge & Jazz Club' so it was good to see it revert to its original name. The first impression is of the large front terrace, elevated from the street which leads to the main bar area. It now has a large roof covering the space with heaters. The sides are of a plastic film which can be removed when the weather allows.

On entering you are greeted by a semi-island bar which on one side leads to a rear seated alcove. The main bar retains most of the features it had before the change of name but with new fixtures and fittings, candles on the tables, carpet and so forth. To the right of the bar is a fireplace and log fire. There is a much greater emphasis on food but it is not a requirement that you eat. For those so minded there is a good range of keg beers from the likes of Two Tribes, Kernel, Wild Card and Gipsy Hill. Toilets are upstairs.

The downstairs cellar-bar was converted into a small, intimate jazz club with its own stage and bar (no cask beer). Regular events will continue to be held. Nice to have a live music venue when so many in London have closed. For details of events go to https://hampsteadjazzclub.com/

To the rear of the pub you will find a large, partially covered yard area with plenty more seating. A bit cool in winter mind. Operated by Loci Pubs who also run the Clifton, NW8 and Alliance, NW6.

It had been run for twenty years by Michael and Mary Wooderson, in 2010 it was saved from conversion to residential following a huge campaign by local residents, councillors, CAMRA and the local press.

Over 200 years old, the pub is named after a prominent Civil War Royalist. North London Branch local CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2002 and 2003. Listed as an ACV Nov 2015 following an application by the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum.

The key picture is as the pub looks now without its new canopy (there is a night shot which does show it) but for the record we have kept some previous images as well showing it in blue and burgundy - white is now the colour scheme.