The Spaniards

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Spaniards Inn - Wikipedia

Review analysis
location   food  

The Spaniards Inn is a historic pub on Spaniards Road between Hampstead and Highgate in London, England.

These boundaries are still relevant today – the pub is in Barnet and the tollhouse is in Camden, both are now listed buildings and traffic is reduced to one lane between the two.

[2] The Inn remains a quaint, oak panelled and atmospheric pub with one of the best pub gardens in London - originally created as pleasure gardens and capable of seating 300[3] - with an artificial mound from which one could see views over London and even as far as Windsor Castle.

[4] What is certain is that highwaymen frequented this area and likely used the Inn to watch the road; at that time the Inn was around two hours from London by coach[citation needed] and the area had its fair share of wealthy travellers.

[citation needed] In 2007 The Spaniards Inn was listed in 4th place by The Guardian in an article detailing the "Top 10 UK pub roasts".

The Spaniards Inn Hampstead | London Pub Reviews ...

Review analysis
drinks  

Earning its place quite literally in the history books, this 16th century inn has been immortalised in works such as Dickens's Pickwick Papers.

After a Sunday morning ramble over Hampstead Heath, The Spaniards Inn is the perfect place to head to for a comforting daily changing menu of seasonal British food.

The food menu is also accompanied with a helpful beer matching to each dish, chosen by the cellarman.

Whilst the building may be traditional, the impressive range of drinks on the top shelf shows the pub has its feet firmly in the present.

A country pub in the city, expect roaring fires in the winter and relaxed alfresco drinks in the summer.

The Spaniards Inn | restaurant review | restaurantsOMH

Review analysis
food  

Inside is most pleasing as it is so rare to see a proper old school pub in London.

To keep with the hearty nature of the menu we opt for a Chicken Hot Pot (£14) and a Fish Pie (£14); traditional pub fare.

My hot pot is a delight and it feels like they have taken a lot of time and effort in making this dish.

The lack of sauce in the pie and the abundance of potato has dried the fish and the dish out.

If you want to see an establishment steeped in history and how pubs used to be in London before they were gastro-cised, then visit this charming venue.

The Spaniards Inn review: A historic Hampstead pub | London ...

As the pub proudly declares on the exterior, this charming old pub has been serving Hammersmith’s punters since 1585.

It’s welcomed a few famous faces during that time too, including Charles Dickens who “found inspiration” within the Spaniards Inn.

However, the contemporary menu is helping to keep the Spaniards Inn firmly planted in the 21st century: You’ll fresh seasonal dishes and stylish takes on pub classics on the menu, as well as a pretty wide selection of cask beer at the bar.

Definitely one to try if you like your London pubs steeped in history.

The Spaniards Inn, north London, pub review - Telegraph

Review analysis
food  

There aren't many pubs which can claim to be both literary landmarks and geographical obstacles, but The Spaniards Inn is an exception.

In less heritage-conscious parts of the capital, the council would long ago have removed the pointy bit of pub that protrudes into the road, as well as demolishing the redundant toll house opposite.

On the ground floor, too, the walls are still wood-panelled, and the high-backed pub pews still invest the interior with the air of old-fashioned intrigue.

Rather more 21st century is the way in which there are "Reserved" signs on most of the tables, and you have to wait for your food order to be taken by young men in black uniforms, pushing the establishment not just over the line that separates pub from gastropub, but over the even more significant gap between drop-in boozer and book-in-advance bistro.

And why the food is prettily presented, but pricey, too: £14 for a cheeseburger, and £5 for a Scotch egg, albeit hot and crunchy on the outside, and beautifully warm and yokey in the middle.

Spaniards Inn | Bars and pubs in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London

Review analysis
food  

Most Londoners know the Spaniards Inn – it’s been a feature of Hampstead Heath since 1585, with Keats and Dickens both former quaffers.

Now run by booze behemoth Mitchells & Butlers, it relaunched in 2013 but remains as atmospheric as you’d hope, with dark panels and low beams stretching through the bar and restaurant rooms.

The real change is in the menu, which now aims for gastro heights with smart beer pairings for every dish (Czech black lager from Bernard Dark was a great match, as you’d hope at £4.94 a pint).

A beautifully tender gigot was among the more exciting options, but its bed of chickpeas (tingly with harissa), parsley, super-sweet tomatoes, black olives and chunks of merguez should have been warmed through.

The big garden (with twinkling fairy lights at night and a doggie wash) backs right on to the Heath.

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