Alice House West Hampstead

Just what West Hampstead needed - another gastropub masquerading as your friendly neighborhood watering hole. The Alice House West Hampstead joins London's ever-growing collection of establishments trying desperately to convince us they're both casual and sophisticated. You know the type: exposed brick walls, industrial lighting, and a menu that can't decide if it's pub grub or fine dining.

I'll admit, though, I found myself lingering longer than intended during my first visit. Maybe it was the surprisingly competent cocktail list, or perhaps the way sunlight streams through those absurdly large windows, making even the most hardened Londoner feel momentarily optimistic. The dog-friendly policy means you'll occasionally have to dodge an enthusiastic labrador, but somehow that adds to the charm rather than detracting from it.

The food menu initially had me rolling my eyes - another place doing "elevated" pub classics? Please. But then the Sunday roast arrived, and I found myself struggling to maintain my professional cynicism. The pork was actually tender (imagine that), and the roast potatoes had that perfect crisp-outside-fluffy-inside combination that's apparently becoming a lost art in London. Yes, occasionally the Yorkshire puddings emerge a tad too crispy, but I'm beginning to suspect that's part of their character rather than a flaw.

What's particularly infuriating is how they've managed to nail the atmosphere. It's busy without being chaotic, trendy without trying too hard. The seating arrangement shows actual thought - sofas at the back for those settling in for the long haul, proper tables for dining, and that outdoor seating that becomes London's hottest real estate during our annual week of summer.

The service, well... it's a mixed bag. During peak times, you might find yourself wondering if making eye contact with staff is an Olympic sport. But when they do attend to you, there's a genuine warmth that's hard to fake. They know their menu, they know their drinks, and they seem to actually enjoy being there, which is increasingly rare in London's hospitality scene.

Speaking of drinks, they've managed to curate a list that satisfies both the "just a pint" crowd and the "what's your most interesting natural wine" brigade. The cocktails are crafted with surprising precision, and they've got enough non-alcoholic options to make your sober friends feel less like social pariahs.

For families, they've somehow achieved the impossible - creating a space that welcomes children without making childless diners feel like they've wandered into a nursery. There's a proper children's menu too, not just smaller portions of adult meals at adult prices.

The pricing sits in that sweet spot where you can't quite call it a bargain, but it's hard to feel genuinely outraged when the bill arrives. You're paying for the ambiance as much as the food, but at least they're delivering on both fronts. The breakfast menu is particularly good value, assuming you can drag yourself there before noon.

Located in the heart of West Hampstead, The Alice House has become an unfortunate necessity for the neighborhood. Whether you're planning a family Sunday lunch, a date night, or just need somewhere to park yourself with a laptop and pretend to work while nursing a flat white, it irritatingly ticks all the boxes.

Fine, I'll say it: The Alice House West Hampstead is actually worth your time. Book ahead for Sunday roast (trust me on this one), bring your dog if you have one, and prepare to become one of those annoying regulars who knows all the staff by name. Just don't blame me when you can't remember what you used to do with your evenings before this place became your second living room.