Reopening of The White Bear

Before it closed for

refurbishment, The White Bear was my favourite pub in Hampstead. Cool and airy

in the summer and warm and cosy in the winter. There were board games to play

and most importantly, there was a cat called Buffy who was a bit of a flirt and

would sit on any lap going.

 

            The White

Bear re-opened last week and I’m surprised they’ve even kept the name. It’s

turned into a completely different entity and is verging on unrecognisable. As

is the world, this is bound to please some whilst others will be disappointed.

But I feel it wouldn’t be fair to review The White Bear in relation to how it

once was seeing as it now serves a completely different purpose entirely.

 

            The new

White Bear has a pretty good vibe. Decent music and friendly staff from the

get-go are always a good thing. We pick our seats and some rather excellent wine

is poured. The table behind us is full of young hip-looking people sharing wine

and tapas and it looks pretty tasty. Inspecting the menu, it's pretty

well thought out. There’s only a small selection (six or so dishes for each

course) but all the bases seem pretty much covered. Between us we go for the

chicken and the vegetarian option.

 

            Whilst we’re

waiting, we take the opportunity to survey the surroundings. There are some interesting

paintings on the walls whilst the furniture itself seems to be thrown together

from a combination of garden seats, regular chairs and tables and doors. Yes,

the benches are made from doors and to be honest they’re not the most comfortable

thing ever. Nothing a cushion or two wouldn’t fix though! Overall though, it

all appears very shiny and new which is strange considering there seems to be

an attempt at an old vibe. It’s an interesting style that should settle in well

as time takes hold.

 

            Arrival of

the food isn’t prompt, but I’m a firm believe in meals out being a leisurely pursuit

and bread is provided to keep those suffering from hunger from collapsing. The

amount of time it takes isn’t unreasonable, but my only concern is if it takes

this long when the pub is quiet, how would they fare on a busy night? That’s a

test for another evening. The food itself however, is excellent. The portions

aren’t massive, and pretty pricey considering size to cost, but the taste would

probably be worth the price. The chicken is just right, not too dry, and the

orange sauce and potatoes are an excellent combination. The vegetarian option

isn’t so spectacular, but anything involving butternut-squash is always good.

 

            We’re

convinced afterwards to try a pudding between us. A brownie is served up and

once it’s cooled, it’s pretty good. If you like your brownies nutty and moist

these may be the best you can get.

 

So overall impressions? People

might feel awkward about just going into The White Bear just for a pint, it

definitely feels like an eating establishment now. The question is if it’s

going to be able to compete with the many others that are better positioned up

on Heath Street.

The price could also be an issue. We’re not talking pop down to the pub for a

quick bite amounts for the main meals here. On the tapas front though, The

White Bear may be on to something as long as they get a reputation for it. It’s

a relaxed atmosphere and there’s a kookiness to it that could well appeal to

people. My one upset though? Bring Buffy back…