The Hill serves beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of traditional British meals in a lavishly decorated environment. Catering for private parties of up to 25 guests is available upon request.
The Hill Bar & Brasserie
Pub in Belsize Park
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No longer at this address
Our records show that The Hill Bar & Brasserie is closed.
Region
Belsize Park
Belsize Park
Category
Pubs
Pubs
Other Branches
Geronimo Inns
Geronimo Inns
The Hill Bar & Brasserie Picture Gallery
All In London Review
Good food, just steer clear of the sashimi
This new enclave can count the Sir Richard Steele pub and the (also recently rebranded) Hill Bar & Brasserie as local haunts. Having swapped its previous name of The Hill Bar & Garden to its more chi-chi current incarnation, the British pub fare has also been replaced with a “Pacific Northwestern” menu, inspired by the Vancouver-born owner, so there are North American staples like shellfish and steaks, as well as Szechuan bowls of noodles, macaroni cheese with lobster and cognac, and a “raw bar”, i.e. sashimi and oysters.
The décor is purposely aged, featuring turn-of-the-century-style dark wood furnishings, chandeliers and blemished mirrors, fitting given that there has been a pub on this site for several centuries.
Intrigued by the raw bar (which sadly, isn’t a bar at all but a section of the menu) we start with a couple of tasty native oysters, and a plate of not so tasty yellow fin tuna sashimi, which is hidden under a mountain of watery cucumber shavings, radishes and coriander. It’s limp and floppy, too thinly cut and partially cooked in salad dressing.
The mains have wholesome names like “overboard” burger and “baseball” fillet steak. The overboard is a herby fishcake of lobster, crayfish and prawns, with a generous dollop of lobster mayonnaise. The baseball steak is so peppery it verges on making my eyes water, but it’s once I get past this it’s really good, grilled to smoky perfection and succulent and pink when cut.
The chunky chips are humungous, more reminiscent of oval-shaped roast potatoes, they are crispy, and floury on the inside. Desserts are good too; the crème brûlée’s gloopiness is very satisfying, and the baked berry cheesecake is spongy and lovely, with plump raisins in the biscuit base. All this and the thoughtful wine selection (with unusual choices like a perfumed Coleridge Three Choirs from Gloucester) almost makes us forget about the soggy sashimi, where the menu got a little over-ambitious.
Reviewed by Leila
Published on Jan 25, 2012
User Reviews
Anonymous
Aug 25, 2009
The Hill is a really pretty place to eat. There are big comfy chairs and a bright vintage-feel dining room - perfect for a date [or just a cosy dinner with mates]. Hadn't been in ages but was glad I did, the change of ownership means it is more relaxed than ever. Friendly staff, happy diners and a great menu. We were just after simple pub food so we're surprised with the quality of the stuff we received. Pork sausages were seasoned with chilli and jalapeno and the [organic] burger came with really great homemade chips. Side dishes were a bit expensive [wouldn't pay that for some wilted spinach] but overall it was fairly priced with a good deal on. We were there on a Wednesday but I think it runs every day except weekends.
CrazyCowEvents
Jul 13, 2007
This former Victorian era boozer on Haverstock Hill is now an award-winning gastropub and predictably a hip new hangout for the young and beautiful of NW3. Immaculately restored with stylish couches and other furniture, its friendly bar staff offer a wide variety of beer, cocktails and top-shelf shots, while fine wine and modern European dishes are available in the adjoining restaurant. Louche, loud and lively.Great outside area with heated umbrellas and super lunch offer and small VIP room for private events!