Historical version 2 of Old White Bear, NW3 1LJ (view current version)
- 020 7794 7719
- Well Road, NW3 1LJ (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
- theoldwhitebear.co.uk
- 5:30pm-11pm Mon; noon-11pm Tue-Thu; noon-11:30pm Fri-Sat; noon-10:30pm Sun
Gastropub (or self-described "restaurant and bar") in Hampstead.
Previously a traditional real ale pub (as the Olde White Bear), it reopened under new management in March 2010. The focus and ambience have changed completely, though there are still two handpumps on the bar; in July 2013 these offered London Fields Hackney Hopster (£1.95/half) and Sharp's Doom Bar.
On a Friday afternoon in July 2013, most of the tables were already set with cutlery, napkins, and glasses photo, though a couple were left bare for drinkers. Music was playing, not too loud.
As of July 2013, lunch and dinner photo of dinner menu are served 6:30pm-10:30pm Mon; noon-3pm and 6:30pm-10:30pm Tue-Fri; noon-3:30pm and 6:30pm-10:30pm Sat; and noon-3:30pm and 6:30pm-9:30pm Sun, though bar snacks are available all day.
Kake tried one of the bar snacks, the broad bean puree with bruschetta (£4.50) photo. This was pretty good, with a nice texture and flavour to the puree. The thin shavings of parmesan on top went well with it, and the accompanying bruschetta was made with good bread, competently toasted.
Kake's verdict: I enjoyed the food and would consider coming back for more. However, despite the friendly service, the ambience doesn't really appeal to me; it's just a bit too posh (an impression not helped by the casual bigotry being expressed by the customers at the table next to me).
Accessibility: A large step to get in. Toilets are up another flight of steps.
See also:
- Fancyapint review
- Pubs Galore comments
- Time Out review
- Thoughts Of An East London Drinker review
- Beer In The Evening comments