29 Market Street, Tamworth, B79 7LR
Albion Road, Marden, TN12 9DT
Riviera Centre, Torquay
11-13 April 2025
23 Haltwhistle Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5ZA
Unit 11, Valley Point Industrial Estate, Beddington Farm Road, Beddington, CR0 4WP
Argyle Place, Love Road, Lowestoft, NR32 2NZ
116, Foregate Street, Chester, Chester, CH1 2HH
One of north London's best known pubs, rebuilt in 1874 and bought by Young's in 1904. A veritable Hampstead institution, originally the Lower Flask, which, after its acquisition by Young's, underwent a sympathetic refurbishment, albeit one that was somewhat controversial with locals. The old public bar, with its separate entrance, darts board and TV screen, is very much as it was and, incidentally, this is the only part of the pub open from 11.00, the lounge opens at noon. As you enter the lounge, your eyes are immediately drawn to the fine tinted sepia photographs which adorn a full-height timber-and-glass screen separating this room from the public bar. This small, intimate area then leads into a larger back bar. Finally you are led into a conservatory, very much for eating. A CAMRA London Heritage Pub listed for its historic interior. Tuesday quiz nights. Third of a pint taster paddles available and are good value. Various board games including dominoes. Children permitted until 20.00.
Historic Interest
Grade II:- Rebuilt 1874 by Cumming and Nixon. Yellow stock brick with stucco dressings; roof not visible. 3 storeys and cellars. 4 windows and 3-window north return. Twin entrances set between tall windows and flanked by three pilasters enriched with glazed tiles. Paterae over pilasters at frieze level. First floor windows with moulded segmental heads and enriched impost bands. Second floor windows with moulded sill band, recessed within rectangular frame with corbels over gauged window arches. Moulded course at parapet level. INTERIOR retains mahogany and glass partitions and bar fittings and counter, wall tiles, cast-iron fireplaces with tile surrounds, moulded cornices. Partition screen in lounge bar retains Victorian chromolithographs. Rear of premises extended 1990, when a brick vaulted cellar was unearthed. (The Builder: 26 September 1874: 818).
Three star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic importance
Listed status: II
This popular and iconic pub on a passageway in the heart of Hampstead village retains many of its original fittings.
It was rebuilt in 1873-4 by architects Cumming & Nixon. The chief historic parts are at the front and what makes them special is the mighty timber and glass partition dividing the two bars, with a richly decorated archway over the servery bearing a clock.
On the saloon side (on the right) are displayed five chromolithographs of delightfully sentimental paintings by artists Jan Van Beers (1852-1927) and John William Godward (1861-1922). Van Beers' name and a partially obscured date "188?" appear on the painting nearest the street. The middle painting of a young woman looking out to sea is Godward's 'Wistful', and the model is almost certainly Rosie Pettigrew, who incidentally is the great-great-aunt of this publication's editor. Such paintings clearly appealed strongly to the landlord of the day. Above the lithographs are etched glass panels with the familiar swirling patterns and depictions of small birds, and at the top a ‘bee trap’. The impressive mahogany counter and bar-back are original, and three impressive mirrors to the right add to the ambience.
The former public bar on the left is now larger than it once was, having incorporated a private bar at the back (so named in the glazing of a disused side door). Both front bars have fine tiled dados and prominent decorated cornices. There’s a splendid cast-iron column in the public bar with a very eccentric capital, and both cast iron fire surrounds are notable (particularly ornate in the saloon).
The room at the rear of the former saloon was brought into public use in the inter-war period: note the characteristic plain, semi-circular counter. The dado has linenfold panelling, and two plain but substantial mirrors dominate.
A careful refurbishment by Young’s in 2007 achieved a good balance between the needs of drinkers and diners at this famous Hampstead pub. It is up an alleyway right in the heart of Hampstead village and was rebuilt in 1873-4 by architects, Cumming & Nixon. The historic parts are at the front and what makes them special is the timber and glass screen dividing the two bars. On the saloon side it carries five chromolithographs of delightfully sentimental paintings by the Belgian artist, Jan Van Beers (1852-1927), whose name and partially obscured date ‘188?’ appear on the one nearest the street. Van Beers specialised in this kind of work and it quite clearly appealed mightily to the landlord of the day. Above are etched glass panels with swirling patterns and birds. The public bar (left) is now larger than it once was, having incorporated the former private bar (so-named in the side door glass). It’s a pity that the front windows have been replaced with plain panes. The counter and bar-back are original and other features to note are the strips of tilework in both front bars, the extraordinary cast-iron column in the public bar, the metal fire surrounds (particularly ornate in the saloon), the decorated cornice and clocks on either side of the screen. The rear parts are almost exclusively modern.
This Pub serves no changing beers and 4 regular beers.
Flask, Hampstead
Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Garden
Family Friendly
Games
Real Fire
Separate Bar
Smoking
Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub
LocAle
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