After fantastic refurbishments in August 2007, this sophisticated dining destination is definitely worth visiting. Filled with your typical Hampstead residing types, it is a wonderful place to enjoy food and kick back with a cold beer or glass of wine.

The Venue
The Freemasons Arms is nestled on the edge of Hampstead Heath. On a cold night the pub and restaurant offers a warm, cosy refuge with big leather sofas to curl into and sit in front of the open fire. Accompanied with cowhide rugs and warm sandstone interiors, this pub provides a perfect, if overly bright, atmosphere for a quiet evening.

For alfresco dining you can enjoy the award-winning pub garden. Large and beautifully landscaped, accommodating any social occasion and conveniently positioned just a few steps from the Heath. A perfect spot for the summer to sip on a chilled white wine, or one of the many cold draught beers. The restaurant is more sophisticated with good quality wooden furniture and a comfortable distance between tables offering enough privacy for all. The restaurant could make a good place for an intimate date or big group dinner with friends - ask for the particularly cosy little alcove with the big sofa and private space.

Interestingly, this pub is home to one of the only Old English Skittle Alleys in London. Played with 9 skittles and a 'cheese' for a ball, with the blessing of the English Skittle Association you can go down and play.

The Atmosphere
Soft music plays in the background at the Freemasons Arms and, on looking at the clientele, this is not a particularly young scene. Expect mainly thirty-to-fortysomethings and lots of well-off yummy mummies with kids and dogs running through the outdoor beer garden. However, on a Friday or Saturday night this is different with all types frequenting. It’s always nice to see plenty of friendly staff around to help and they’re very informative regarding the wine and food menu.

The Food
Starters at the Freemasons Arms average at a moderate £5.50 a dish, and there is an interesting selection of traditional and contemporary pub foods. One that particularly catches the eye is the seared pigeon (£6). Also be sure to ask about the Scallops of the Day, just be aware that the scallops with mushroom is a little more mushroom than scallop and can be a little oily in consistency; however, they are very flavoursome and the dish just about works.

The salads include the delightful house signature, crispy duck salad of a very decent and hearty size, served with mouli, spring onions, watercress and plum sauce. The duck is delicious, lean meat and in a suitably sweet marinade with a very generous amount of watercress. Other salads include a honey roast pears, chicory and walnut salad; a traditional chicken caesar; and seared prawns, chorizo, chilli, baby spinach and lemon dressing.

If you want something a little more substantial then the main courses vary from £10-£20 and are also recommended. Grilled lobster at £20 is the most expensive of the bunch; however, it’s meaty and tasty and served with a (very strong) garlic and parsley mayonnaise with fat frites. The fillet steak, £17.50, comes highly recommended - an enjoyable piece of lean red meat and unusually served with pate. The pate is a refreshing alternative, very rarely seen in this combination. If you like greens, then it is recommended ordering one of the wide range of supporting sides such as green beans with sun dried tomatoes to complement the meal.

Big dessert servings could easily be shared between 3-4 people! Ask the manager for recommendations, or if you love chocolate then try the chocolate fondant with fruit and nut. Sensational, rich and very chocolaty. Maybe a little on the dry side; however, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream it makes a perfect mouthful. Also of huge proportions are the scrumptious banoffee pancakes. Thick, caramel sauce with chunks of banana will make you want to savour every bite! Great value as desserts are priced at just £4.50-£5.00.

The Drink
Wine by the glass is affordable and the cheapest bottle starts at £12 creeping up to £30. There is an impressive range of wines from around the globe; however, if you’re after a delicious bottle of white wine then the Salek Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is exquisite with underlying passionfruit flavours. Victoria Beckham recently visited the Freemasons Arms and enjoyed the Riscal 1860 Spanish red wine, which is a modern, non-complex drop. This is also one of the first bars to adopt the draught wine option with a choice of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Merlot.

You will also find a nice selection of lagers from the gleaming bar taps. A pint of Amstel is your cheapest at £2.85. Other lagers on draught include Star, Birra Moretti, Munchen, Leffe, Guinness, and Edelweiss. Bitter Ales are London Pride and Timothy Taylor Landlord.

The Last Word
If you were after a fast-paced night out at a loud, hip bar then you wouldn’t necessarily come to the Freemasons Arms. Instead, come here for a relaxing atmosphere and to share a terrific meal from the diverse and innovative menu. After kicking back with several drinks with friends you will definitely leave feeling happily satisfied and impressed.

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