Old Bull And Bush

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than strolling around a sunny Hampstead Heath followed by a sumptuous late pub lunch? Or, in our case, a morning frantically finishing homework, followed by an overheated car stalling on Hampstead Way and a sumptuous late pub lunch?

I was invited to try out the new spring/summer menu at the Old Bull and Bush, between Golders Hill Park and the Hampstead Heath extension - not far from the famed Spaniards Inn where it is notoriously difficult to get a table on the weekend.

The Old Bull and Bush is a modernized traditional British pub, with cosy corners, comfy armchairs, and when it's not so sunny, an open fire. The décor both in the bar and in the dining room has been recently refurbished to give a modern airy feel with calming greys and high ceilings, and beautiful tall windows, particularly prominent in the dining room with enormous bay window seating areas. Outside seating at the front offers canopies and comfort to tempt those wishing to prolong the sunny outdoor feeling.

On a Sunday, the menu offers a variety of Roasts, including a nut roast, with the most enormous Yorkshire puddings! Ample portions, with mini versions available for the kids (though the Yorkies are just as big). However we were here to try out the new menu so...

We arrived soon after 3pm, and it was still busy post-lunch. By the time we left it was nice and calm again, so the later the lunch, the better. A crisp and refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio was essential to start proceedings. To start, I chose Deep-Fried Somerset Brie in panko breadcrumbs with apricot and cumin chutney. Creamy cheese with a crispy edge and the sweetness of the chutney worked well. Himself had the pan-fried Tiger Prawns with sweet chilli and ginger sauce. Messy, but full of zing and flavour. The kids' meals were served, on request, at the same time as our starters. The brioche burger was a good size, served with skinny fries (lettuce and tomato removed immediately!). Some of these were swapped in the interest of fairness with the carrot sticks served with the chicken breast strips with warm tortilla. The chicken itself was a little dry and crusty, and the lemon yogurt unfortunately was immediately refused - kids, eh?

Duck and Waffle is so famous now (in the food world anyway) I couldn't resist ordering OB&B's version. A sweet, yes, sweet, crispy waffle topped with greens, honey-roasted pineapple rings, and a confit leg of duck. The meat was tender and meltingly delicious, though most of it was scoffed by a small person across the table. Delicious sweet potato fries garnished with Parmesan finished the dish and although it was unusually sweet for a main, I really enjoyed it. Did I mention the sweetness? Himself went into summer holiday mode and ordered steak with peppercorn sauce. He polished it off after begrudgingly offering me a small piece to taste, so I take it it was fairly tasty!

It suddenly went quiet when dessert arrived. Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, and two scoops of caramel ice cream. Mmmm. We grown-ups shared a glazed lemon tart, served with a raspberry coulis, whipped cream and edible flowers. Beautiful. And also, delicious.

OB&B also serve a range of fruity cocktails, from only £6.50, an extensive wine list (including magnums of specially selected wine and fizz), craft beers, refreshing ciders and premium gins with limited edition twists.

I would recommend booking a table if visiting on a sunny Sunday afternoon. It would be pure luck to grab a table after just strolling in off the Heath. Service was efficient though, so if you didn't mind a few drinks at the bar first...

The Old Bull & Bush in Hampstead is an absolute delight! My partner and I decided to make the short drive down from Watford via the M1, which took only 20 minutes, making it wonderfully accessible. Upon arriving, it was evident that the recent refurbishment had made a significant impact. The moment we walked in, we were greeted by an inviting atmosphere, and the restaurant section exuded a chic, modern ambiance. We opted to dine in the bar area as this charming pub is pet-friendly, and we had our beloved dog with us. Now, let's talk about the food. I had the pleasure of trying their fillet steak, and it was nothing short of perfection. Cooked to my exact preference, it was tender, flavourful, and paired with a the beef dripping sauce. Cocktails made to a really high standard too! The service was impeccable, and the staff were attentive and friendly. We also appreciated the convenient location, situated near the beautiful Hampstead Heath, making it an ideal spot for a post-meal stroll. In summary, The Old Bull & Bush exceeded our expectations in every way. We look forward to returning for another delightful dining experience."

Cannot fault this place. Have been looking for a great Sunday Roast for a while and stumbled on The Old Bull & Bush! Parts of the interior may look battered and bruised but don't let that fool you. It feels very cosy. The service was fantastic....and we were dining with 3 young kids. The food was delicious and on the table with minimal delay, which may be a concern at times, but there was nothing to be concerned with in the case. Great portions (even the kids' roasts) and incredibly scrumptious. Worth adding there is a very handy car park for guests of The Old Bull & Bush, which is very convenient. Will definitely be returning for a Sunday Roast

Fabulous for dining with family or friends. Great location and delicious food. Just make sure you remember to enter your licence plate if you park on the premises. I forgot (even though there were signs in the car park) and received a penalty by post. The Manager was very helpful when I contacted them. After a simple email explaining the situation and providing credit card proof that I ate there, they cancelled the fine without any fuss. Good choice for Sunday Lunch throughout the whole year.

A huge thank you to the chefs and kitchen staff. Our group of 8 enjoyed the meals very much. My friend loved her vegetarian Sunday roast. We look forward to returning many more times.

I had a fantastic experience at Old Bull & Bush. The food and drinks were absolutely divine. We were looked after by the amazing Julia who was very attentive, accommodating and hospitable! Her service definitely upped our experience another star level. We will definitely come back again! What a find!!