The Freemasons Arms is an upmarket gastropub on Downshire Hill in Hampstead. Its handsome interior, split between dining area, lounge and bar, has boutique written all over it. It’s an interior which could have quite easily have been designed by Ralph Loren. On a sunny summer day or even a warm breezy evening (as we have seen many of these past weeks) its outdoor ‘garden’ area is THE place to spend a lazy p.m.
The Freemason’s menu is predominantly British with a couple of Italian favourites thrown in, including a whole pizza section. We tried a couple of starters and simply loved the superb Deep-Fried Somerset Brie. The Whole Food Salad was a hit with the ladies. And the Rib-eyes drew praise too. But the Slow-Cooked Pork Belly & Seared Scallops earned them no more than a meh, which was very similar to the noise made regarding their burger.
Service was an absolute nightmare. The servers, unable to cope with a full house, were in a semi-state of panic; disorientated, agitated, a little snappy and very forgetful but not rude. If it were not for the constant stream of liquids we consumed, we would have been quite pissed off. Instead, we settled on getting pissed. Jokes aside, service was unacceptably bad. So, at the end of the day – ambience great, food good, service shit – you decide.
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Xerxes physically visits (and dines at) each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat and drink. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews. What you have read was not influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on: xerxes@dellara.com