94 Haverstock Hill, Steeles Village,
Hampstead,
London,
NW3 2BD
0871 971 3553
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
With decor that evokes the atmosphere of a Parisian brasserie and a food menu that gets the taste buds tingling, The Hill is well worth tackling the steep incline you have to climb to get there.
The Venue
After a short trek up Haverstock Hill you will see the light blue awnings of The Hill’s exterior. As you get closer, a chalk board will entice you in, with a couple of small tables and chairs on a small terrace outside making the place even more inviting. The interior is stylish, with sleek dark wood, gold decorative fringing to the ceilings and ornate mirrors around the room. The bar is the centre point of the room and tables for dining or high-top tables for drinking make up the rest of the room. The space is large and airy, without being cold.
The Atmosphere
As you walk in (no doubt feeling thirsty if you’ve climbed the hill), you’ll be greeted by staff and made to feel instantly welcome. The feeling is relaxed but upmarket and, if you forget the rumble of the big red buses outside, you would be forgiven for thinking you were sat in one of Paris’s top eateries. The place is likely to be filled with couples enjoying a meal, friends drinking at the bar and even one or two people enjoying a coffee while busily typing away on a laptop. The staff go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need, and have plenty of knowledge on the menu if you need some help choosing.
The Food
Just reading the menu is enough to build an appetite. Starters include plenty of fish dishes: freshly shucked rock oysters (£2 each), Manhattan clam chowder (£5.50) and crispy squid (£7.95) – perfectly cooked, deliciously spiced and served with a chilli and tomato mayo. There’s also beef carpaccio (£10), drizzled with truffle oil and served with a rocket salad, and pressed ham hock (£6.50).
Mains offer a good selection of salads, steaks, fish and burgers. The ‘Up Hill’ burger (£13.50) is a gargantuan tower of Aberdeen Angus mince with coriander, red onion, Monterary Jack cheese, bacon, an onion ring and red onion chutney all served with chips or salad. The yellow fin tuna steak (£13.50) is pan seared and is succulent and full of flavour, served with cherry tomatoes on the vine and salsa verde. It’s perfect with a mixed leaf salad (£3) on the side.
Desserts are worth leaving room for - and you will need some room as all portions are fit for a king. Try the peanut butter and jelly cheesecake (£5.50) with fresh cream and jam or, for chocolate-lovers, don’t miss the warm chocolate brownie (£5.50) with vanilla ice cream.
The Drink
Continuing the brasserie theme, there’s a good list of wines available by the glass, carafe or bottle. House white and red starts at £4 for a small glass, £10.80 for a carafe and £16 for a bottle, and prosecco is just £5.50 a glass or £28 for the bottle. There is also a small selection of beers by the bottle and on tap.
The Last Word
Delicious food, an enticing wine list and a great atmosphere, The Hill is the perfect place for a romantic evening meal or a lazy brunch with friends.
The Hill has been reviewed by 5 users