Duke of Hamilton To Close

[ROBCamra]

Been there, seen it, done it but didn't buy the t-shirt. To be honest, it does look rather run down and there doesn't seem to be any great enthusiasm from anyone I encountered within for it to remain open. I understand that the facade cannot be altered and, believe it or not, the tree outside has also had a part to play in securing its temporary reprieve from conversion to residential purposes.

I must admit that when I worked in London and often stayed in Swiss Cottage, I could never see what all the hype was about the Duke.

I didn't really like the place even when it was CAMRA North London pub of the year and on top of its game.

I also never thought that the beer was that good either.

Maybe it's just me.

[RogerB]

Word on the street is that the DoH closes on Sunday for a major refurbishment and will reopen again in March. It has been apparently been bought by the people who own the Barnsbury and the Duke is destined to become a bit more food orientated with the cellar being opened up to become a dining area.

[Alesonly]

Word on the street is that the DoH closes on Sunday for a major refurbishment and will reopen again in March. It has been apparently been bought by the people who own the Barnsbury and the Duke is destined to become a bit more food orientated with the cellar being opened up to become a dining area.

I just copied / nicked this from another web site it was posted yesterday

End of an era, last chance to pay a very-first or one-last visit to the last 'pub-pub' in Hampstead before it changes for ever. SUNDAY IS THE LAST DAY, closed as of Monday.

The Duke will close
for a redecoration on Sunday 6 Feb with a planned reopening on Tuesday 1
March. The cellar bar will be opened up, the walls repainted, new carpets
and a food offering that will not be gastro.

"The new tenants are planning on serving 'old fashioned pub grub' and spit
roasts on sundays. They are planning a dark burgundy colour scheme inside
and out with the intention of keeping a great and cosy old boozer feel to
the place (colour scheme has either been chosen by a former Eastenders
actress or someone with the same name (Kara Tointon). They have promised via
Twitter that 'this pub will remain a great boozer, amazing service, amazing
Ales and great food just like
@thebarnsburypub<http://twitter.com/thebarnsburypub>'.
They have also promised that it will NOT be a Gastro pub." Doesn't mean that it won't be: it's become a cliche for gastro operators and the like to say: 'I hate the term gastro-pub'; 'We're not a gastro-pub'; 'It won't be a gastro-pub', etc.~no one ever actually says that his pub is a gastro-pub even if it patently is, maybe they actually believe it; maybe it's just rhetoric to avoid a using the term........there are hundreds of thousands of posh people in Britain, but you'll go your lifetime never hearing some one's say that he's posh.

[RogerB]

I nicked it first!

[Strongers]

I'm glad the change is being made and the cellar bar was very under used When it was utilised it hosted the odd private do and maybe a rugby game on terrestrial on FA Cup final day, other times the football would have been passed over in favour of the egg chasers.

I've spoken to a few of my pals and they have said that the bloke (Steve I think - great name) has had a few evenings in there and seems to be an honest chap that wants to keep it as a locals boozer as much as possible. I've also visited the Barnsbury and although a little food orientated for my liking I did enjoy my stay.

Hopefully it will all pan out well and The Duke can be put back on the map.