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Jolly to ’Appy ’Ampstead
February 21st 2009 saw a dedicated band of enthusiasts take part in a mini tour of the best that Hampstead, North West London could offer. The itinerary included The Flask, The Wells Tavern, The Duke of Hamilton, The Holly Bush, The Freemasons’ Arms and The Magdala. One enterprising member visited The Spaniards too. In the vicinity but not investigated thoroughly were Jack Straw’s Castle and The White Horse. As a Londoner and not unfamiliar with the list of pubs it nonetheless was an eye-opener in terms of how quickly venues change, not always for the worst but...The Flask for instance had been renovated in 2007. Fair do’s as it had began to look a bit tatty. A lick of paint and a new sign (too modern for the rest of the refurb!) didn’t go amiss. The Duke of Hamilton retained its “good local” feel albeit with a new colour scheme and The Holly Bush didn’t disappoint. The Wells Tavern however had been transformed into little more than a humdrum restaurant complet e with bland interior decor. Similarly The Freemasons’ Arms had lost every trace of character. The Magdala had kept some of its cachet with its smaller bar still exuding a stylish 1950s feel. All these pubs had their own historical patinas which are beginning to look a bit faded. Nonetheless a good time was had and it was pleasant to meet up with known colleagues and some new faces.
Chris Murray
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