Freemasons Arms (Bar)
32 Downshire Hill, Hampstead, London, NW3 1NT
Cuisine: Gastro
Tel: 020 7433 6811
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| Transport: Hampstead
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Freemasons Arms Description
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The Freemasons Arms enjoys an unrivalled position next to Hampstead Heath. Over the summer months you can meander the day away enjoying fine food and chilled wines and beers.
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. The pub dates back several centuries and is only one of two pubs with a traditional skittles alley in its cellar. Although this needs to be booked in advance through the London Skittles Club.
The menu at the Freemasons Arms is simple but up-to-the-minute, with lots of
After a refurbishment in late 2007 the Freemasons Arms has a new interior, featuring open kitchens, stone fired ovens and log burning fires, offset by beautifully landscaped decking for alfresco dining.
The Freemasons Arms has been a previous Winner of the Sunday Independent / LBC Gastro Pub of the Year.
Customer Reviews for Freemasons Arms
Average (based on 9 votes): 9
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The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Freemasons Arms.
“Dreadful pub, run by people who have zero idea about hospitality or running a pub. Upon arrival we sat in the back garden that only had one other table occupied , when we tried to order off the lunch menu we were told we could only have something off the garden menu, I explained we only wanted Mezze between the 2 of us, the bar man/manager said we had to sit indoors on the 'restaurant tables' . Even though I pointed out the pub was 90% empty and the garden only had 3 people on one table he insisted we had to sit indoors - It was utterly ridiculous, the food arrived on one big plate, tiny portion of what I can only describe as a complete rip off. The waitress gave us no side plates to eat from and never once came to the table . Frankly its a badly run soulless place that I would never recommend ”
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Sacha, London (8 months 10 days ago)
“I was so disappointed to come into the pub, not get served when I tried to order food, and then go back out to find some people had taken away my place. So I left without trying either the drinks or the food. The staff were relatively unapologetic.”
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Ollielollie, London (9 years 9 months 19 days ago)
“This is the third time I've been to the freemasons. Although a bit pricey the food is superb and the staff very polite. It has a huge garden at the back which is great for the summer and for sunny days. ”
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vk, london (13 years 5 months 6 days ago)
Show all user reviews for Freemasons Arms
“A pub for people that don't like pubs. Haughty staff and anaesthetised decor make this chain pub as country as a mcdonalds.”
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Jack, London (13 years 7 months 16 days ago)
“The revamp has completely changed the Freemasons. Great atmosphere with a strong mixed modern menu. I have been a couple of times since they reopened and while there were a few serving hiccoughs first time, this has improved and the staff are good and friendly. not cheap for a gastropub experience but worth it. finally hampstead gets a proper decent pub.
the new outside area will be great (and no doubt busy) in the summer too.”
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James Statham, [ Unknown ] (14 years 4 months 15 days ago)
“my god! the rants to the brewery seem to have had an effect!
the freemasons arms has had what seems to be the makeover needed to bring it upto the standard the location deserves. It now sports a large airy bar area, with pre-requisite leather sofas. The restaurant area seems to be busy serving what looks (ive not eaten there yet) good quality food - and the garden (which lets face it, this pub is all about) has had a full refurb - unrecognisable from the old concrete patio with benches.
full marks!”
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edmundg, [ Unknown ] (14 years 6 months ago)
“We went there yesterday; the bar staff seemed polite. It’s a great building too, but my god if Gordon Ramsey went into this place he would hang them.
The beef and ale pie was dry, the cauliflower under cooked and not fresh.
However it was when I pulled out the longest hair from the luke warm mash that I returned the food. Quietly I might add - I didn’t cause a fuss and asked for the meal to be refunded on the bill.
Then all of a sudden the cook - I wouldn’t call him a chef - came out looking like he was going to kill me!! He said he didn’t know where it came from as no one in the kitchen apart from him worked there - no apology - he wanted to drag me to cash register for the refund - rather undermining - we waved he away.
will not be returning to this place.”
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David Craig, [ Unknown ] (14 years 10 months 8 days ago)
“Myself and four gerations of my family have been patrons of this pub/restaurant for 30 years.What a pleasure to find such a country style gem in london with the style of food to match. menu is great and very well priced. Staff are good and at times work very hard considering the tools of the trade they have been given. Keep up the great work guys . See you soon.”
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thomas, [ Unknown ] (14 years 10 months 9 days ago)
“the biggest pub in hampstead. the biggest beer garden in hampstead. the handiest pub for an evening pint after a saturday afternoon in biggest park in north london.
however, will this pub ever ever have more than 2 working behind the bar? i doubt it. will the manager tell you "im too busy to talk about this now, im training these 2 waiters up" and walk off when you point out that saturday afternoons are normally fairly popular in here to her? yes she will. will i go somewhere else next time? yeah, and i advise you to do likewise.”
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edmundg, [ Unknown ] (14 years 10 months 27 days ago)
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Food
The menu at the Freemasons Arms is simple but up-to-the-minute, with lots of comfort appeal, with homely things like pizza, steaks and pasta as well as contemporary, global touches.
Updated 06/11/2007
Additional Information
- Cuisine Type: Gastro
- Dress Code: Not Specified
- Group: (Independent/Freehouse)
Nearby Venues
Nearby Pubs & Bars
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The Giraffe Cafe
(0.27 km)
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The Magdala
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The Garden Gate
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The Wells
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Nearby Restaurants
- Curry Paradise (0.21 km)
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Mimmo La Bufala
(0.25 km)
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The Giraffe Cafe
(0.27 km)
- Carluccio's (0.27 km)
- Ascanio (0.33 km)
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