The Belsize

just visited the belsize yesterday, beer was good if a bit expensive. this establishment is trying to hard to be "trendy" and doesn't appear to have found its niche. lots of old people, american tourists in an old looking boozer trying too hard to put itself on the map. i have just read the essay below....maybe i'm a bit cynical but i would say that it might just have been written by the proprietor!!
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jay
Tuesday, March 29, 2005

NIce relaxed pub with good atmosphere. Bar staff have changed recently and aren't quite as friendly but apart from that a decent place to find yourself.
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Rob
Thursday, December 30, 2004

Nice pub shame about the clientele.
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Saturday, July 03, 2004

Since it's refurb over a year ago The Belsize has undergone a great transformation from a seedy boozer to a great Local Pub with a fine restaurant at the back. A very modern 'gastro' menu which has many vegertarian options is available in the dining room as well as in the front bar. Food is served daily right through from midday til 10.30 when the kitchen closes. The service is great, the staff and managment are so friendly and welcoming and there are the usual local 'characters' to keep you entertained whilst you sip your pre-dinner cocktail/pint of pride/glass of periquita at the bar. The crowd is diverse primarily monied couples, but also old soaks at the bar and a hardcore of young uns who obviously don't mind £3 a pint. There are a few tables on the pavement outside which are great for spilling onto on those heady summer evenings after a day on Hampstead Heath. The wine list is sunstantial for a pub and has a few suprises like Portuguese House Wine, NO Pinot-frickin-Grigio, and a Canadian White. The cocktail list is standard enough, again with a few surprises like the Maciatto Martini and a lovely Bloody Mary. Food-wise the Butternut Squash Canelonni, Pork Belly with Savoy Cabbage and Pancetta and the Ramsay-esque Warm Chocolate Fondante were my highlights. There is much attention to detail in this place from the choice of music and lighting, down to the inclusion of Fino and Muscat on the wine list. Also amazing homemade bread and hand cut home made chips, and crisps, made to order. A lot of thought has gone into this place and the staff actually seem to enjoy being there which, in addition to good service, is a rare feature of many bars and pubs these days. Top place, go there.
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Tuesday, April 06, 2004