The Flask — Restaurant in London

This was my first pub or public house. We don't have them in America, we have bars, taverns, and tap houses. They are usually dark, decidedly masculine establishments with conspicuously large screens streaming games involving others men throwing, catching or a hitting an assortment of differently sized balls. I was less than excited to go to my first pub. I would learn that the Flask is a "gastropub" which is the English way of saying the proprietors focus on the quality of their food as much as their selection of draft beer. The food was very good. I had the pumpkin or squash soup, which was surprisingly flavorful, had a deliciously creamy consistency, and vibrant autumnal orange coloration. As the meme says it was "good soup." I paired it with Shandy, because that was the most British thing I could think of at the time. Although, I ordered dessert, which they make fresh upon request, I didn't have the time to wait for it to be served. Overal a very good meal. And has done wonders on changing my opinion on pubs. The space is inviting, clean, and simply decorated. It has an aire of authenticity that doesn't exist in similarly fabricated American establishment, with there forced sustainability of reclaimed imported barn wood, mason jar glasses and paper straws. This place seemed legit but not dated. There was also an array of patrons, families with kids, girlfriends catching up, and Co workers clearly there for happy hour. So all in all meet and exceed every expectation of a public house, but next time maybe have the desert...

Slightly hidden, family friendly, old world style. Where old world style isn't pretentious or covered in cobwebs. This is a pub that's been on this site for a long long time. Good selections of beers, ciders, spirits. Lovely, tasty, fresh made pub yummies. A densely packed with delicious pork - sausage roll tranche ......say how big a slice you want them to cut for you. Good quality mustard. Fishermen's snack (or some similar wording) comprising battered cod, potted smoked trout (fabulous) squid rings in a tempura style batter, crunchy French bread toasted. Enough for 2 portly gentlemen who also had a couple of slices of sausage roll.

We were starving when we went in. We split a really nice Scotch egg (with very mildly, soft yoke centre) while we tried some of the Young's bitter and an interesting cloudy cider (on tap).

Polite, efficient and happy service. More wood than upholstery furniture. Nicely laid out bars and eating areas (but you can eat where you like) A couple of tables and chairs outside for those who use tobacco.

My experiences have always been limited to daytime. Single parents with babes are particularly well cared for. This is not a noisy pub. There is no jukebox, piped music, overhead TV, darts or any other distractions. If you want to have a pleasant conversation without needing to shout, really good food and wash it all down in the traditional British pub way - the Flask is undoubtedly the best pub...

Tucked away along a side pedestrian street we found The Flask. An old historic pub untouched by modern pub Glam so it's comfortable scruff meets Southwark style in Hampstead.

Was popular lunchtime and many enjoying quite a varied menu of twist on traditional pub grub.

The Manager went out of his way to welcome us (to whom we thank) and showed us to our reserved tables which were comfortable and spacious.

We looked for beers from this Youngs Pub. Five Points Pale Ale at £6.40 a pint was probably the pick! Well Cellared, Fresh & Hoppy at 4.5% and a local East London Hackney Brewery too. Others in our party took the Youngs Original Ale at £5:60 one had the Youngs Special.

(Five Points Brewery looks worth a visit if this Pale Ale is a standard to be judged by)

Given a busy town center pub there might have been another offering to make it special but three real ales is ok.

Food took a little while but looking at the presentation and range of pub grub was worth waiting for. The only comment heard was the mustard served as "not nice" but that's hardly an issue and the burgers were stacked high and delicious.

Gents Loos were too small for such a busy pub but ok and quite clean. Not much creative thought here but adequate.

We all enjoyed our visit and a firm return to try more on the menu is certain. Thanks to the team...