Possibly the best beer garden in Hampstead

Opening on the 20th September, The Stag in Hampstead is the second pub from the Perritt brothers, owners of the popular Regent in Kensal Green. Jonathan and Andrew Perritt have brought that laid back feel, friendly and genuine service and great food that The Regent is famous for to their second venue. The Stag’s main draw, however will be its ample outdoor space, a garden for diners and drinkers alike, cleverly designed to remain open for the whole year.

Inside The Stag, the wood panelled walls are painted grey, with high, book-lined shelves all around. Black Italian leather high-backed banquettes provide comfortable seating while large red lampshades, made especially for The Stag by Pamela Flemming, add a touch of colour. The interior, made relaxed and welcoming since the Perritts’ takeover still retains some of the original features, namely the imposing, traditional maple bar and the real fireplace in the corner. The brothers have added a few quirky touches, such as the Copper Beech logs flanking the fireplace; these came from and family friends farm in Oxfordshire.

The garden, previously described by the locals as ‘the best beer garden in Hampstead’ is at the back of The Stag. This large space, with enough seats for 100, is now divided into a number of distinct areas to suit different moods and different sized parties. Small and intimate tables with ‘love seats’ are near the entrance, with tall grasses, palm trees and other plants hiding them from general view. Covered ‘cabana’ booths, distinguished from one another by the vintage fifties and sixties lighting and art deco mirrors can seat parties of six to eight and have table service. Each cabana is also equipped with its own heating, perfect for the coming colder months. Herbs for the kitchen are grown in old pots, and drinkers will be encouraged to help themselves to mint leaves, plentiful throughout the garden and make DIY Mojitos in their cabanas.

The great food offering at The Stag focuses on simple, hearty dishes, with Andrew Perritt, the executive chef overseeing the well-priced menu. Delicious homemade organic burgers form the main part of the menu, with the selection including: The New Mexican, The Deli and The Market, all served with the option of chips, French fries, coleslaw or green salad. For those seeking comfort food, a list of seasonal specials is sure to appeal with Organic Cottage Pie, a classic Macaroni Cheese and Organic Chicken and Chorizo Salad. A great selection of 12 mostly British cheeses is offered as a bar snack and includes Cropwell Bishop, Cornish Blue, Stinking Bishop and Yarg. No pub offering is really complete without a Sunday Roast – The Stag’s is Organic Forerib of Beef or Homemade Vegetarian Wellington, both with all the trimmings. A good selection of wines, beers on tap and long drinks completes the offering.

Just as The Regent quickly became a neighbourhood favourite in Kensal Green, the Perritt brothers are sure to have another hit on their hands with The Stag in Hampstead.

The Stag is located at 67 Fleet Road, London, NW3 2QY

Find out more at TheStagHampstead.com.

Opening: 20th September 2008