Freemasons Arms

Where can you find a genuine country pub in London with probably the largest garden in the capital? Moreover, one that also benefits from an enclosed courtyard external bar following through to a open landscaped area, and finally, with a front terrace that can provide dining for 100 people. Search no further, as all you need to do is to journey out a little way from Central London to Hampstead and locate The Freemasons Arms, situated a stone's throw from The Heath.

In 2004 it was converted back to its former glory and has already taken its place as one of London's premier gastropubs. You should appreciate the new interior, featuring open kitchens, stone fired ovens and log burning fires, offset by beautifully landscaped decking for al fresco dining, making a stunningly different experience to anywhere else that you could find in London.

The atmosphere at the Freemasons Arms is relaxed, friendly and informal, while the overall impression is of a pub which is comfortable, light and open.

How wonderful to find somewhere with two beautiful gardens, seating a total of two hundred people? Over the summer months you could meander the day away there enjoying fine food and chilled wines and beers, trying to forget about the worries of work; mind you, you would have probably got the sack at the end of it as you would have lost track of time!

To set the right note of fashionable sociability there are sharing plates, baked Camembert with rustic bread, Greek mezze of taramasalata with humus, tzatziki, feta and flatbread, or a pizzette with garlic, rocket and Parmesan.

Amongst the starters, there is baked French onion soup with gruyere cheese, smoked haddock with bubble and squeak, seared pigeon with roasted beetroot or red onion and apple tarte tatin with rocket. The salads - sorry, that should read 'leaves' - offer chicken Caesar with marinated anchovies and parmesan, for the seafood fiends some seared prawns, chorizo and baby spinach or Dolcelatte, honey roast pears, chicory and walnut salad.

These days no self-respecting gastropub can afford to be without its pizza range; expect to find a classic Margherita of tomato, mozzarella and basil, another with pepperoni, chorizo and jalapeno. Pastas include spaghetti with salmon, peas, spinach and cream or chef's choice risotto.

For the big event, there is always a fish of the day on request. The line caught swordfish with warmed salad of pak choi, shitake mushrooms and mango is worth trying too. The lamb burger, which has risen from the confines of fast food chains, carves a niche for itself on the menu and comes with minted Greek yoghurt and frites. For hearty eaters there are good fillet steaks with flat mushroom, pate and mash.

A wide range of supporting dishes includes Belgian frites, creamed potatoes and green beans. For desserts resort to the blackboard, where there is always a good display, often with some of the local cheeses to set the buffs alight.

In the winter the two log fires welcome people looking for a calming oasis amongst the bustle of Hampstead. An interesting wine list as well as great beers all adds to the reputation of what must now be considered as one of London's finest pubs.

For their latest menu and much more information, visit their Website. Please note that the E-Mail Contact is for enquiries only, not for bookings.