Wolfpack West Hampstead

Just what West Hampstead needed - another gastropub with craft beer pretensions and a wolf-themed name. The Wolfpack West Hampstead in London initially struck me as yet another attempt to cash in on the craft beer revolution while serving mediocre pub grub to unsuspecting locals. But damn it all if this place hasn't managed to charm even my cold, cynical heart.

Let's address the obvious first - yes, they've got the requisite exposed brick walls and industrial lighting that seems mandatory for any London pub renovation post-2015. And sure, the wolf imagery could've easily veered into "teenager's first tattoo" territory. But somehow, they've managed to keep it subtle enough that you won't feel like you're drinking in a "Game of Thrones" fan club.

I arrived fully prepared to mock their craft beer selection, armed with years of experience enduring countless "carefully curated" tap lists. But the rotating selection at Wolfpack West Hampstead actually impressed me - despite my best efforts to remain unimpressed. Their house brews show genuine craft rather than just craftiness, and the guest beers are chosen with what appears to be actual thought rather than just picking whatever has the most outrageous name or highest ABV.

The outdoor seating area deserves special mention, if only because finding decent al fresco drinking space in London that doesn't feel like you're participating in a traffic-watching competition is surprisingly rare. The front terrace manages to be both spacious and somehow sheltered from the chaos of West End Lane, which is nothing short of miraculous.

Inside, they've done something even more impressive - created a space that works equally well for sports viewing and casual dining without making either crowd feel like they're invading the other's territory. The screens are positioned strategically enough that you can watch the match without feeling like you're in a sports bar, or ignore them entirely while having a meal without missing out on the pub atmosphere.

Speaking of food - and I can't believe I'm saying this - but it's actually good. Not "good for pub food" or "good enough after three pints" but legitimately enjoyable. The burgers (which I ordered fully expecting to write a scathing comparison to any number of superior options in London) are properly seasoned, cooked to order, and served on buns that don't disintegrate halfway through. It's almost annoying how competent the kitchen is.

The pricing sits in that sweet spot where you can't quite complain but also aren't entirely sure you're getting a bargain. Main dishes hover around the "this better be worth it" mark for pub fare, but portions are generous enough to justify the cost. The beer prices are standard for London (which is to say, painful but unsurprising).

The staff, frustratingly, give me very little to criticize. They know their beer list well enough to make solid recommendations, and they manage that delicate balance of being attentive without hovering. Even during quiz nights (which happen on Mondays, hosted by someone named Ellie who apparently runs a tight ship), they maintain their composure and efficiency.

What truly sets Wolfpack West Hampstead apart in London's crowded pub scene is its ability to be multiple things without failing at any of them. It's a proper local that doesn't feel localized to death, a sports pub that won't scare away the non-sports crowd, and a craft beer venue that won't make you feel like you need a degree in brewing science to order a pint.

For those keeping score at home: yes, they take cards (including contactless), yes, they're dog-friendly (because of course they are, this is London), and yes, they take bookings - which, surprisingly, you might actually need, especially for quiz nights or big matches.

Look, I didn't want to like Wolfpack West Hampstead. I really didn't. But if you're in this corner of London and looking for a pub that manages to tick all the right boxes without being insufferably smug about it, you might as well give in and visit. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain.