The Stag Belsize Park

London's Finest Sunday Roast Experience

Nestled in the heart of Hampstead, the enchanting allure of The Stag beckons one and all to indulge in a quintessential British pastime — the Sunday Roast. Upon entering on a crisp autumn afternoon, I am enveloped by the warm family-oriented ambiance that locals describe with fervor; it's like stepping into a living room teeming with life, laughter, and the reassuring crackle of a fire that’s just out of sight. The pub's charm isn't just an air, it’s in the very wood of its bones, with a vibrant beer garden extending an invitation to bask in the last vestiges of sun bordering a seasoned retreat for those chillier afternoons.

My journey begins with whispers carried by the swinging bar door, stories of Jonathan, Alex, and Josh carving out experiences as skillfully as roast dinners. Succumbing to suggestion, I lay claim to a famed lamb roast where portion size borders on the awe-inspiring; suffice to say, half my bounty is destined to journey homeward for a midnight rendezvous. Amidst niche complaints of fleeting ingredients noted by a handful of purists, what stood firm was the palpable dedication to spirited service at every bustling table. Interestingly, calf-aching stools vying with comfort alongside a patron-bait marquee add notes to this alehouse’s melody. Yet it is these cheeky riffs – much like their whiskey-spiked custards – that keep The Stag decidedly interesting and have locals and wanderers alike, marking return dates even before the indulgent stickiness of toffee pudding has left their palettes. — Clarissa Cuisinier