Where to drink in Belsize Park: four pubs and what each is for

Belsize Park is a residential corner of the London Borough of Camden, and its drinking is pub-led. Do not go looking for a cocktail-bar scene: the main drinking streets are England's Lane and Haverstock Hill, and the best answers are pubs. The nearest Tube is Belsize Park on the Northern line. Opening hours below come from listings, so check before you set off.

The Washington, England's Lane: for the interior

The Washington is at 50 England's Lane, NW3, on the junction with Eton Avenue, Primrose Hill Road and Belsize Park Gardens. It is the one to take visitors to. The Grade II listed pub was built around 1865 for the developer Daniel Tidey, and CAMRA gives it a Three Star rating on its National Inventory of historic pub interiors, meaning interiors of outstanding national historic importance.

Look for the island bar, the back-painted mirrors, the glazed screen above the servery and the entrance mosaic reading Washington Hotel and Billiards. CAMRA lists two regular real ales plus a changing guest. It is also known for Sunday roasts and a Monday pub quiz, and it works for groups: there is a basement events space, with hire listed from £300 by Tagvenue for up to 35 seated or 60 standing.

WhatPub lists hours of noon to 23:00 Monday to Thursday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 22:30 on Sunday, with food to 22:00 Monday to Saturday and 21:30 on Sunday. Check before you go.

• Good for: a proper Victorian pub interior, a pint of real ale, a Sunday roast, a group booking.

The George, Haverstock Hill: for a polished meal and a drink

The George is at 250 Haverstock Hill, NW3, between Belsize Park and Hampstead Heath. Time Out calls it a poshed-up pub and files it as a gastropub. Greene King describes the building as a Brewers Tudor facade with leaded windows upstairs, and says it was originally a hotel.

Time Out lists it opening at 10:00 on Saturdays and 11:00 on other days, so it suits a late breakfast or an early start. Closing is listed as 23:00 Monday to Saturday and 22:30 on Sunday. Check before you go.

• Good for: a sit-down meal with drinks, a Saturday morning start, a stop on the way to or from the Heath.

The Stag, Fleet Road: for the garden

The Stag is at 67 Fleet Road, NW3, a short walk from Hampstead Heath. Time Out describes a gastropub with a gorgeous interior and heated, covered cabanas in the garden, so the outdoor space works all year. DesignMyNight and Candace Abroad mention craft beers, pub grub, Sunday lunch and a big beer garden. The Belsize Society also names it among the pubs reopened as local hospitality revives.

• Good for: a Heath walk followed by a pint outside, whatever the weather.

Sir Richard Steele, Haverstock Hill: for character

Known locally as the Steele's, this is at 97 Haverstock Hill, NW3, towards the Chalk Farm end. CAMRA describes a multi-roomed corner pub packed with bric-a-brac, with a bowed stained-glass window and a patio. Candace Abroad adds a beer garden and Sunday roasts. It is named after Sir Richard Steele (1672 to 1729), the Irish-born co-founder of The Tatler and The Spectator.

One for the beer drinkers to know: CAMRA records that the licensee said in October 2024 that there is no cask ale. Ownership has also been in motion, with an agent's brochure in late 2024 offering the freehold, so check the pub is trading as you expect.

• Good for: a pub with plenty to look at, a garden, a Sunday roast.

Just over the border: the Roebuck

The Roebuck is in Pond Street, Hampstead, across the road from the Royal Free Hospital, so it is not strictly Belsize Park. Time Out describes a kitschy but comfy interior, outside space and local breweries on tap. DesignMyNight mentions a private basement bar for up to 60. It is about 0.3 miles from Belsize Park Tube.

How to put a night together

• Want the best room: the Washington.
• Want dinner and drinks: the George.
• Want a garden: the Stag.
• Want bric-a-brac and a corner pub: the Steele's.

More is on the way: the Belsize Society reports the former Haverstock Arms at the lower end of Haverstock Hill is due to reopen as Belsize Bar and Brasserie under owner Esref Ergis. Details are worth checking nearer the time.

Sources and listings: WhatPub on the Washington, Time Out on the George, Time Out on Hampstead pubs and CAMRA on the Steele's.