The Horseshoe (ex The Three Horseshoes), Hampstead  

From the ashes of a dire Wetherspoon, with a couple of the 'horseshoes' in the name removed, The Horseshoe became a gastrofied 'Brewhouse and Dining' establishment. Inside, although the colour scheme is light, it somehow manages to be rather dour, unimaginative and (towards the back) almost gloomy. The chairs - which look like they've come from a local primary school - are neither ironic nor comfortable. Thankfully the 'eating only' section appears hidden away, as the main front area was clearly open to everyone. Indeed, on the issue of food, with little surprise, it was being prepared in an open kitchen and prices were in the £10-18 range; although not frightening to moneyed Hampstead residents, the prices might make some baulk. On the drinks front things get pretty good with top marks for having two barrels of gravity drawn Adnam's behind the bar, plus a small but commendable on-site microbrewery. It's certainly a welcome change from the building's previous incarnation (even if that wasn't difficult), but unfortunately its not a place we've yet been able to warm to.

reviewed:
21/03/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

real ales

microbrewery

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