"Hawley Arms is both debauched and cosy"

Added Sun 20 Feb 2011 by Leila

Beloved of Moss, then Winehouse, then the hangers-on, later reviled by the anti-hipster brigade, and eventually burnt down to cinders, The Hawley Arms has certainly had a colourful path so far. Not much seems to have changed in the layout since the 2008 fire that burnt down this popular pub along with the neighbouring shops, with the exception of having to move a staircase which was deemed a fire hazard after the event; the walls are still cluttered with photographs, the vintage chandeliers are in place again and the staff are still equally friendly.

During the week it’s relaxed, the sort of place where you can comfortably read the paper while sipping a pint, but weekends are another matter entirely. The upstairs is a little quieter and has the added bonus of a roof terrace; there is another outdoors space on the ground floor with heating.

In terms of booze, beer is the clear favourite, and there is a wide selection of imported tipples such as Budvar and Hoegarden as well as ales (Old Speckled Hen) and ciders. In terms of wine they offer a fairly standard pub selection: New World wines, Spanish tempranillo, Merlot and Prosecco. There is food too: mussels with fries for gastropub enthusiasts, good old fish and chips for the traditionalists, and Caesar salads for the dieters.

Celebs are still known to pop by, however since word got out it’s no longer the exclusive deviant rock star hangout it once was in our imagination. Hype aside, the fact remains that as long as the place isn’t rammed to capacity it’s a cosy-looking haunt with battered furniture and dim lighting, perfect for inciting debauchery as well as hiding panda eyes.