Flask, Hampstead

This popular and iconic pub on a passageway in the heart of Hampstead village retains many of its original fittings.

It was rebuilt in 1873-4 by architects Cumming & Nixon. The chief historic parts are at the front and what makes them special is the mighty timber and glass partition dividing the two bars, with a richly decorated archway over the servery bearing a clock.

On the saloon side (on the right) are displayed five chromolithographs of delightfully sentimental paintings by artists Jan Van Beers (1852-1927) and John William Godward (1861-1922). Van Beers' name and a partially obscured date "188?"  appear on the painting nearest the street. The middle painting of a young woman looking out to sea is Godward's 'Wistful', and the model is almost certainly Rosie Pettigrew, who incidentally is the great-great-aunt of this publication's editor. Such paintings clearly appealed strongly to the landlord of the day. Above the lithographs are etched glass panels with the familiar swirling patterns and depictions of small birds, and at the top a ‘bee trap’. The impressive mahogany counter and bar-back are original, and three impressive mirrors to the right add to the ambience.                                                                                  

The former public bar on the left is now larger than it once was, having incorporated a private bar at the back (so named in the glazing of a disused side door). Both front bars have fine tiled dados and prominent decorated cornices. There’s a splendid cast-iron column in the public bar with a very eccentric capital, and both cast iron fire surrounds are notable (particularly ornate in the saloon).      

The room at the rear of the former saloon was brought into public use in the inter-war period: note the characteristic plain, semi-circular counter. The dado has linenfold panelling, and two plain but substantial mirrors dominate.