The Alice House

The Alice House use to be a regular haunt for me, being a NW dweller. However, I think there standards have dropped since they've opened the Queen's Park branch. Two friends and I went for Sunday lunch and had the worst possible time. It took 15minutes for a waiter to give us menus. Our prosecco came unopened, leaving us to pop the cork and go to the bar to get our own glasses. By the time our orders were taken and food was served we had waited 1.5 hours. Use to be the best place in NW6 but would never step foot in that establishment again.

The Alice House is a funky, gastropubby place in West Hampstead. It certainly stands out in the area, with its decking and funky decor – its ideal for after work drinks, or a good night out on the weekend. They have a great selection of drinks including cocktails – both alcoholic and non. Service is very good and informed. One big gripe was that I personally didnt like to put my card behind the bar but this seemed to be the done thing – perhaps they have had many people running off without paying but even buying one drink at the table meant doing this.

Foodwise – i had the burger, which was delicious and extremely meaty, all served on a stylish chopping board with a small pile of chunky chips. There is a selection of 4/5 mains, same for starters like goats cheese or rabbit rillettes. The burger itself would be a 9. Unfortunately the score was let down by the simply awful dessert – they only had two options, a chocolate tart vs a rhubarb food. I opted for the chocolate tart which was thick and stodgy and pretty foul. For me to actually say this about chocolate is a big thing! Even this was served on a small tea plate, which seemed crazy given the obvious efforts they went to with the starters and mains! Bill came to £50 for drinks and 2 course meals so wasnt extortionate.

Id definitely go back to The Alice House as its a well designed, cool hangout and perfect for Saturday night drinks – but id avoid the desserts at any costs, complete waste of money. Otherwise go to the Banana Tree down the road and just hit this place for drinks.