If you’re heading off for a sneaky Sunday pint you can always claim to be going to church and technically still be telling the truth as here we have the only pub in London that hosts its own church service. Seriously.

The Venue
Maid of Muswell is a lovely pub with a fantastic location close to Hampstead Heath. The front is welcoming and traditional, with outdoor seating and parasols set back off the main road. And inside is beautiful with large period windows flooding the space with light, a mix of bar stools, dining tables and comfortable yet stylish sofa seating set against swathes of dark wood. It’s given a stylish edge courtesy of their chandelier-style light fittings, fairy lights and a piano. It’s an eclectic and strange mix that really works.

The Atmosphere
Maid of Muswell does manage to attract a couple of Eastenders stars, but you’re more likely to spot Hampstead locals than A-list celebrities. This is one of those places you visit for a meal and a pint after taking the dog for a walk on the Heath – and yes, dogs are welcome. And it’s easy to see why when the staff are as friendly and welcoming as they are. And yes, they do host a Sunday church service here every week as part of their efforts to build a real community pub.

The Food
Maid of Muswell may not really be a gastropub as such, but they raise the usual pub grub up a couple of notches with a regularly changing menu of fresh fish, seasonal meats from British farms and cheeses sourced from ‘artisan producers’. A good example of this is their homemade West Country beefburgers or their Norfolk pork as part of their Sunday roast menu. The food isn’t exactly cheap and you’re looking at the £15 mark for a dinner here, but for the quality it does represent value for money.

The Drink
Maid of Muswell really pushes the boat out with its beer selection – they have up to 20 specialty beers and ciders on tap at any one time, including the likes of Young’s Bitter, Adnams Stout and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord. They also throw in some unusual spirits, such as an English potato vodka, and even make their own seasonal soft drinks.

The Last Word
Maid of Muswell really pushes the boat out and it’s easy to see why this pub has gained such a loyal following.

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