This famous Hampstead pub, a favourite of heritage pub guides, is currently in fine form with a range of ales and a warm welcome following a sympathetic 2007 refurbishment.

The Venue
Down one of those flowery Hampstead alleys that make tourists reach for their cameras, and only just round the corner from the Tube station, the Flask is a rambling old Young’s house that traces its history back to the early 18th century when the leafy suburb came to prominence as a spa resort. The name refers to the flasks in which spring water was bottled, and the pub was originally the Lower Flask to distinguish it from two other hostelries of the same name. Rebuilt in 1874, it still retains its subdivision into smaller rooms typical of Victorian pubs, and numerous heritage features qualify it for inclusion in the CAMRA Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. An old style tiled public bar is separated from a small saloon bar with a grand fireplace by carved wood and etched glass screens displaying original chromolithographs of sentimental paintings by Flemish artist Jan van Beers. Then there’s a carpeted corner snug, and a restaurant area with a small patio at the back. Tables on the alleyway outside complete an attractive picture.

The Atmosphere
Big enough and established enough to hold its own as a locals’ drinking hole while integrating the inevitable visitors and tourists, the pub extends a particularly warm welcome to all with its habit of offering free roast potatoes and other treats on a random basis. It accommodates a genuine mix, including well-heeled Hampstead residents and arty types – it was a favourite haunt of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. A Tuesday quiz underlines the community feel, and you get a free drink if you join the mailing list via the website.

The Food
The kitchen here delivers upmarket pub grub at prices you’d expect for the area. There are gourmet sandwiches (£5-£7), sharing platters of Mediterranean snacks and mini-pies (around £12), and main courses of lamb shank (£10.20), aged beefburgers (£14.95) or butternut squash risotto (£9.20), plus various starters and desserts and regular specials.

The Drink
The pub takes pride in selling cask beer to a wide audience including an increasing number of younger drinkers and for a Wells and Young’s house has a decent selection, with five handpumps, one of which dispenses Sambrook’s alongside Young’s Bitter, Special, Gold and a seasonal. Leffe Blond, Pilsner Urquell and Erdinger wheat beer are on keg and a couple of Young’s bottles are in the fridge including the very decent Special London Ale. The wine list approaches 40 with a good choice by the glass (small £3.35 to £8.20), with much classic French, Spanish and Italian stuff alongside new world flavours.

The Last Word
It’s pleasing to find that a pub much written about and celebrated as a heritage treasure is still a great place to visit for a relaxing and sociable night out.

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