The Horseshoe, Hampstead

A few days ago I agreed to make the trip to North London to meet a friend.  We were meeting at Hampstead station but, as I was running late my friend was already at the pub. I haven't been to Hampstead in a while. I started walking to find new restaurants and shops have opened, a change to what I remember, although the famous 'La Creperie de Hampstead', the take-away pancake place, is of course still there and the queu just as long as I remember.

I found my friend in the pub and after two glasses of wine for me and beer for him, we agreed to get some food. The pub had stopped serving- it was 7.15pm on a Sunday. Lucky for me my friend is more local so suggested we walk round the corner to a place he knew. We found the Horseshoe. Now, I remember this place as your typical corner pub. It was completely redone. I'm not sure how to describe it. Large windows, a nice long bar (wood again) but it was just wasn't very welcoming. It reminded me of the pub equivalent of wagamama. However, wagamama I like, this place I wasn't so sure. In any case it was so cold outside we decided to sit down.

The place was busy. Quite a casual crowd, they were there for a quick bit to eat as opposed to a relaxing meal. I commented to my friend that for a wannabe pub which was not welcoming to be busy the food must be good. We ordered our drinks. The menu is that of a gastropub.

We went straight for a main. Prices range from £8-£15. I had the fish and chips. It came on a bed of mushy peas. I was right, the food was good. The fish was breaded and cooked very well. And the mushy peas- I think the best I've had, with a hint of mint.

Beware though, the service at times was a bit slow, the staff were too busy gossiping amongst themselves. Once we managed to get their attention and our bill, it came to £37 for a main and one drink each.

If you are after a pub to relax for the afternoon, have a few drinks and some good food then I don't think this is the place. But if you are looking for something fast but good, try this place.

The Horseshoe, 28 Heath Street, Hampstead, London NW3 6TE, Tel: 020 7431 7206