Oh, West Hampstead, you charming little hub of nocturnal delights! Tucked away just a jaunt from the bustling city, this spot is a treasure trove of cosy pubs and trendy bars, all within a stone’s throw of the station. Whether you’re after a classic pint in a pub oozing with character or fancy sipping cocktails in a swanky spot, West Hampstead has got you covered. This area is perfect for those spontaneous nights out where the only plan is to follow where the night takes you. So, if you’re looking to explore the vibrant local bar scene, look no further – West Hampstead is where your adventure begins.
The Railway
Address: 100 W End Ln, London, NW6 2LU
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Railway is conveniently located a short walk from West Hampstead station.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue boasts a friendly and inviting atmosphere, striking a balance between a café and a pub. With its cosy and cute ambiance, it offers a welcoming space to enjoy good food, beer and company. The pub is also dog-friendly, adding to its relaxed and inclusive feel.
What’s On Offer
- Great Variety of Beers & Delicious Burgers: The Railway is praised for its extensive selection of beers and the quality of its burgers. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a tasty meal, this pub has got you covered with its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Live Rugby Games: Apart from serving great food and drinks, The Railway is the perfect spot to catch live rugby games. Its location opposite the station makes it an ideal venue for sports fans.
- Additional Features: The Railway combines the charm of a traditional British pub with modern amenities, including outdoor seating, takeaway, dine-in options, and fast service. It’s equipped to accommodate a variety of needs with wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating, and toilets, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
The Black Lion
Address: 295 W End Ln, London, NW6 1RD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Black Lion is nestled in the heart of West Hampstead, offering a welcoming ambiance with its stylish interiors and a large, beautiful beer garden that caters to all seasons. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a cosy pub vibe with the convenience of city life close by.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue presents a fabulous mix of traditional charm and modern flair, providing everything you need for a relaxed pub experience. Whether it’s enjoying the live sports screenings, indulging in the culinary delights, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, The Black Lion caters to a variety of preferences.
What’s On Offer
- Scrumptious Food & Drink Deals: The Black Lion boasts a menu of feel-good comfort food, legendary cocktails and craft beers. From BBQ sweetcorn ribs and grass-fed sirloin steak to delicious Sunday roasts with all the trimmings, the food is a highlight. Not to forget, there are enticing deals throughout the week, such as 2 Cocktails for £12 on Wednesdays and TWOSDAYS with 2 burgers & 2 fries for £20.
- Epic Live Music: With live bands every Friday and Saturday night covering genres from Soul and Funk to Indie and Rock & Roll, The Black Lion ensures your weekends are filled with energetic entertainment.
- Sporting Events: Additionally, it’s a go-to spot for live sports action, including golf, rugby, and football, making it a perfect venue for sports enthusiasts.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open seven days a week with specific hours for each day, ensuring ample time to plan your visit. It operates from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM from Monday to Wednesday, extends its hours till 12:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and closes a bit earlier at 10:00 PM on Sundays.
Whether you’re in for the live music, the sports, or just the fantastic food and drinks, The Black Lion in West Hampstead is a stellar choice for a memorable pub experience in London.
The Gallery
Address: 190 Broadhurst Gardens, London, NW6 3AY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Gallery is located in the heart of West Hampstead, an area known for its vibrant local scene and community feel. Its address positions it conveniently for both locals and visitors seeking a warm, welcoming pub with a lively atmosphere.
- What’s the Vibe? The Gallery offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere, characterised by its eclectic mix of traditional pub elements and modern flair. With a reputation for its wide range of whiskies, craft beers, and a menu featuring delicious pub classics with a twist, it’s a perfect spot for casual gatherings, celebrations, or a relaxed evening out.
What’s On Offer
- Whiskies & Craft Beers: One of the standout features of The Gallery is its impressive selection of over 101 whiskies, alongside a variety of 9 taps serving craft beers. This extensive collection is a major draw for enthusiasts looking to explore different whiskies and enjoy quality beers in a vibrant setting.
- Bottomless Brunch: The Gallery is known for its engaging weekend activities, including a bottomless brunch with waffles every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am, where guests can indulge in unlimited selected cocktails.
- Quiz Nights: Additionally, they host a popular Quiz Night every Wednesday at 7:30 pm, offering a £50 bar tab for the winners, among other prizes, for a £2.50 entry fee.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: 12 pm-11.30 pm (Bar), 4-9.30 pm (Kitchen)
- Tuesday-Wednesday: 12 pm-11.30 pm (Bar), 12-4 / 5-10 pm (Kitchen)
- Thursday-Friday: 12 pm-12.30 am (Bar), 12-4 / 5-10 pm (Kitchen)
- Saturday: 10 am-12.30 am (Bar), 10-4 / 5-10 pm (Kitchen)
- Sunday: 10 am-10 pm (Bar), 10-8 pm (Kitchen)
Alice House
Address: 283-285 W End Ln, London, NW6 1RD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Alice House is situated in West Hampstead, an area known for its vibrant local community and bustling atmosphere. The venue proudly positions itself as a neighborhood social hub, catering to a wide array of tastes and preferences.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue offers a relaxed and cosy environment, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy all-day brunches, Sunday roasts, seasonal cocktails, and a wide selection of English craft beers. Its welcoming ambiance is complemented by a warm and engaging team, ensuring a memorable experience for both regular patrons and first-time visitors alike.
What’s On Offer
- Seasonal Menus & Craft Beers: At the heart of Alice House’s offering are its sustainably sourced, seasonal menus which feature everything from weekday lunches to Saturday brunch and Sunday roasts. Their commitment to quality is mirrored in their beverage selection, offering fair trade coffee, a vast array of independent local beers, and an impressive wine list.
- Events & Entertainment: Alice House hosts a variety of events, including Quiz Nights every Tuesday, DJ Nights on Saturdays, and live music every Sunday from 6 pm. They also feature comedy nights under the “Sorry Not Sorry” banner, showcasing stand-up comedians from London’s best comedy venues, ensuring laughter-filled evenings.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The venue is open from Monday to Wednesday from 11 am to 11 pm, extending its hours on Thursday until midnight, Friday and Saturday until 1 am, and scaling back on Sunday to close at 10 pm. The kitchen operates daily until 9.30 pm but takes a break between 4-5 pm from Monday to Saturday.
Luna Gin Bar
Address: 32 Downshire Hill, London, Greater London, NW3 1NT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Luna Gin Bar is located in the heart of West Hampstead, making it a convenient destination for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue presents a warm and inviting atmosphere, characterised by its love affair with gin. With a setting that spans three floors, including a ground floor, lounge, and mezzanine, Luna Gin Bar offers ample space for guests to relax and enjoy Mediterranean small dishes cuisine amidst an array of exquisite gin and tonic selections. The interior boasts comfortable upholstered seats, delicately finetuned lighting, and music, all of which complement the aromas and tastes of their libations, creating a cosy environment for all.
What’s On Offer
- Extensive Gin Selection & Mediterranean Cuisine: At Luna Gin Bar, connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike can marvel at the vast collection of gins and tonics, ranging from well-known brands to unique and rare finds. The bar’s commitment to quality is also evident in their selection of ingredients for their Mediterranean dishes, offering a generous selection of meats, vegetarian, and seafood options to complement the fine drinks. Desserts are not to be missed, with each dish designed to delight the senses.
- Offers: Regular offers add to the allure of Luna Gin Bar, including a special deal featuring a chef’s selection board for two plus two glasses of wine available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and a Happy Hour offering 2-for-1 cocktails every day from 4 pm to 7 pm.
- Live Music: The weekends are brought to life with a DJ every Friday and Saturday from 8 pm to 1 am, ensuring that Luna Gin Bar keeps its guests entertained with a blend of soulful beats, funky vibes, and party anthems alongside their delicious cocktails
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Mon & Tues 16:00-22:30, Wed & Thurs 16:00-00:30, Fri & Sat 16:00-01:00, Sun 16:00-22:00.
Ready to Visit?
West Hampstead, a quaint yet lively area in London, is renowned for its vibrant bar scene, encapsulating the essence of both traditional British pubs and modern cocktail bars. Among the standout venues is The Railway, a pub celebrated for its warm atmosphere, extensive beer selection, and delectable burgers. Not far behind in popularity is The Black Lion, which impresses with its stylish interiors, lively music, and sports screenings, along with a diverse menu that caters to all tastes. These establishments exemplify the eclectic mix of options available in West Hampstead, making it a prime destination for those seeking a memorable night out.
Share the Love
Why not dive into the spirited heart of West Hampstead on your next night out? Sample the exquisite offerings at The Railway or The Black Lion, and experience the warm, inviting community vibe firsthand. Afterward, share this article with your friends and encourage them to explore these gems too. And when you’ve had your fill of joy and jollity, don’t forget to leave a review to spread the word about your adventures in West Hampstead’s charming local bar scene.