Randomness Guide to London - Differences between Version 17 and Version 16 of Spaniards Inn, NW3 7JJ
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* [http://hiphopsbeer.wordpress.com/2009/06/26/over-the-hill-and-far-away/ Hip-Hops review] |
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An "unbranded" (Castle) Mitchells & Butlers pub in Hampstead, in the Good Beer Guide. Claims to have 23 draught products, refreshingly few of which are standard lagers. Cask Marque plaque at entrance.
Keats is reputed to have written "Ode to a Nightingale" in the gardens, and Charles Dickens mentioned the Spaniard's Inn in his novels. The gardens are superb, particularly in summer. They include an aviary! Inside, the place is a warren of small wood-panelled, and somewhat claustrophobic rooms.
Decent but fairly commonplace range of cask ales on handpull, Harveys Sussex Best is a usual fixture but was off last visit. In September 2008, the line-up was the Sussex Best, Bass, Deuchars IPA (£2.95/pint), Adnam's Southwold Bitter, as well as Weston's Vintage Cider and Country Perry. Decent draught selection, including Belgian fruit beers, Kirin Ichiban, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Franziskaner, Leffe and Pilsner Urquell.
Despite a really nice selection on tap, Joel went for bottled beers on a visit in March 2008, of which there was an excellent selection too. The Goose Island IPA (a very floral/fruity American IPA) was delicious, and I was very glad to see Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier (a dark German smoked ale) and Fuller's Vintage Ale 2006 in the fridges too. We particularly enjoyed Karmeliet Tripel (a 3 grain belgian golden ale, very fruity smelling), and the Rauchbier.
The food looked OK but not outstanding - good for most areas but not a patch on some of the other Hampstead and Highgate pubs.
Getting there:
- it's on the road from Highgate to Hampstead, metres from Kenwood House;
- the bus 210 runs past;
- it's 10-15 minutes walk from Hampstead Station.
See also:
List all versions