"I have a massive soft spot for The Spaniards Inn. It is a part of Hampstead history, I grew up nearby, my father use to take us year over 40 years ago, I had my first date with my wife here and it used to be a regular spot after a work on the Heath. It was a lovely place, one could just stop by for a pint in summer and look at the bird cages in the back garden or stand by the fire inside in winter so it really saddens me to write this. It seems Mitchell's and Butler the corporation of chain pubs that has recently taken over) is determined to extract every penny from visitors at the expense of value, atmosphere and service. I have visited now several times over the last couple of years in the vain hope my fee bad experiences were one offs but I was being optimistic. I'll just focus on today's visit 23rd Sep and possibly my last visit). The gates directly to the drinking area are now closed so if you are just popping in for a drink you have to join a line of people waiting for their table reservations odd for a pub), one also than has to input ones car registration as they now clamp cars in the car park can forgive this as some people may park here just to visit the Heath with now intention of being a customer). Were were the led by a very bored looking member of staff outside and told to sit anywhere why we needed a guide here I'm unsure), 10 minutes qlwe could finally sit down. My wife attempted to get some drinks by the bar in the garden area and despite this being fully staffed we were told to go inside to order. After waiting a while my wife was served and paid only to be barked at by one of the bar staff for not paying then apologising when my wife pointed out she paid to the very same same person assailing her. Red faces all round here. Drinks are pricey £6.80 for a pint of lager) but that's understandable in London these days. We decided to finish our drinks and leave, again having to go through the main building rather the the garden gate that had been closed. The two staff at the weird reception thing by the door totally ignoring us and in a deep conversation about how one of them has still not been promoted to Manager I can take a good guess on this). The times we have eaten here the food has been good but overpriced for what it is and small portion wise was roast beef on a Sunday). On another occasion we just wanted to stand by the fire and drink during winter but made to feel awkward and in the way if we were not eating and now all seating places were strictly for dining only. Again, it's sad seeing this happen to such a great institution and my only guess is that they are now aiming for the tourist trade hitting the Heath nearby and the pub must still be on guides of places to visit in Hampstead. The owners need to really decide what this place wants to be, a fully fledged restaurant or a pub. Many places have demonstrated you can combine a pub, great food and service and still make a good profit, so this is not beyond the realms of human achievement here. I hope The Spaniards can be turned around, for its sake and the sake of Hampstead."
