The Duke of Hamilton — Restaurant in London

The Duke of Hamilton, nestled in the heart of London, offers a charming, quintessentially British pub experience with a few quirks. One of its standout features is the lovely small beer garden, which provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their drinks al fresco nestled at the back between other buildings.

The service at The Duke of Hamilton is notably friendly, with the staff consistently going out of their way to make customers feel welcome. However, it's worth mentioning that the bar was staffed by only one bartender during my visit on a Saturday, which struck me as a bit odd given the weekend crowd. This led to longer wait times for drinks and a somewhat slower pace of service, which could be improved with additional staff during peak hours. The poor bloke legged it downstairs to change the keg!

As for the food, the fish and chips came highly recommended on Instagram, but I found them to be slightly overrated. While the dish was certainly enjoyable, it didn't quite live up to the social media hype. The fish was well-cooked and the batter crispy, but there was nothing particularly exceptional about it that set it apart from other pub offerings in the area. For £19 it might be worth trying something else on the menu.

Despite these minor drawbacks, The Duke of Hamilton remains a lovely spot for a casual drink or meal. Its warm, inviting atmosphere and charming beer garden make it worth a visit, especially if you're in the mood for a relaxed and friendly pub experience. With a bit of adjustment to their staffing on busy days, this pub has the potential to elevate the overall experience for...

Disappointed...We were looking forward to trying this pub as it seems to have so many good reviews. Sadly it was a bit of a let down. They didn't have our reservation (6 adults, 2 kids - 2 adults coming in from out of town especially for the lunch) when we arrived despite me sending my mobile number to confirm the booking via email as requested. They sat us outside instead - fortunately it was under cover as it was October and pouring with rain - and were very apologetic but there was no thought of a complimentary drink or coffees as a courtesy. Most of our table wanted to have one of their specials of the day - chicken pie - but before we even had a chance to order they crossed it off the board. We ordered fish and chips instead which was pretty average and another of our party ordered the muscles which they said was 'ok'. My husband did order another of the specials - sea bream with chorizo - which he said was delicious. The service was friendly but a bit slack. All the sides we ordered were forgotten. The waitress very sweetly brought water and a treat for our dog but we had to ask her for water and then glasses for the table. The ladies' loos were pretty shabby with broken/leaky taps etc. It's a real shame that this lovely old pub didn't live up to...

The Duke of Hamilton – Hampstead’s Historic Hideaway

Tucked into a postcard-perfect corner of Hampstead, The Duke of Hamilton is more than just a pub—it’s a living piece of London’s cultural fabric. Established in 1721 and recently revived with style, it blends old-world charm with modern flair, offering locals and wanderers alike a warm, spirited retreat.

Atmosphere Imagine a working fireplace, moody blue ceilings, and a back garden that feels like a secret. The interiors are cozy yet stylish, with vintage touches and flourishing houseplants that whisper of quiet sophistication. It’s the kind of place where you overhear stories about loft conversions and jazz nights, and where Richard Burton once raised a glass.

Food & Drink The menu is classic British comfort with thoughtful execution:

Steak & stout pie — rich, hearty, and paired with creamy mash and cabbage

Cauliflower cheese croquettes — a standout special, golden and addictive

Fresh fish & mussels — light yet satisfying, with seasonal flair

Local ales & curated wines — perfect for slow evenings and lively debates

Vegetarian-friendly options are available, and portions are generous without being...