The Duke of Hamilton

I nominate the Duke of Hamilton as an Asset of Community Value. This is one of Hampstead's oldest pubs and serves a diverse community including City executives, retired professionals, and residents in the adjacent council housing estate. It is an independent pub which has been in the Good Beer Guide for years and is well rated by CAMRA. it's the home of Hampstead Women's Rugby Club and lays on post game food. The landlord has refurbished the area under the pub and made it into a 70 seat venue called The Rabbit Hole which puts on jazz, comedy, and magic shows. The pub donated £14K to charity last year and the staff know all their regulars by name because the Duke of Hamilton is a true community pub. It is also one of the few establishments that hosts traditional Morris Dancing on its front terrace. Many friends make the Duke a meeting place at the weekend. Without this venue, the community and Hampstead would be much the poorer which is why it should have the protection of an ACV. Roger Beam 8a Carlingford Road, London NW3 1RX beam.roger@gmail.com

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Madhavan Raman commented 2015-06-04 13:45:00 +0100
While many other pubs are changing into ‘gastro’ venues, the Duke of Hamilton still retains much of its character and charm; you can almost imagine Oliver Reed would still be sitting on a stool enjoying a pint were he still with us. Great beer, great atmosphere, great pub.
Richard Meyer commented 2015-05-26 23:01:39 +0100
This is one of the pubs that contributes significantly to the old world warmth and charm of Hampstead village. I meet there frequently with friends from the neighbouring streets, and its quiet secluded atmosphere provides the intimate backdrop to our many and far-ranging conversations. This is a meeting place for friends new and old alike, irrespective of “social class” and should be protected as providing a friendly and informal social setting, completely in tune with its neighbourhood setting and the unique qualities that make up Hampstead Village.
Nigel Higgins commented 2015-05-26 14:13:35 +0100
Real community pub
chris y commented 2015-04-26 14:07:02 +0100
As with all pubs in Hampstead they give locals and tourists alike a place to appreciate the history of the area, relax and socialise with friends – of course a financial value cant be put on this, and that is exactly why so many great pubs have been lost in Hampstead. For many people including me these old pubs are as important as museums, Dickins, Keats all sat drinking in these places it was part of their community and these pubs should be kept for future generations. I have lived in the area for 30 years and we have already lost so many great pubs to becomes clothes shops or estate agents which do not primarily benefit the community rather self interest of the companies who replace the pubs. This is our area and we need to fight to preserve the history for future generations.
Roger Beam published this page in Pubs 2015-04-11 11:13:01 +0100