Pub Guides: The Three Hammers, Mill Hill

Address: The Ridgeway, Hammers Lane, Mill Hill, London, NW7 4EA

Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs (11:30am – 11:00pm), Fri – Sat (11:30am – 12:00am)

Web: https://www.emberinns.co.uk/nationalsearch/london/the-three-hammers-hammers-lane#/

Tel: 020 8959 2346

 

Nestled on top of Hammers Hill lies a pub that has been around for over three centuries and has long been a community hallmark in the area. The pub was originally built in 1680, then subsequently rebuilt by William Lambourne in 1754 whom added a Blacksmiths to the site. In 1899, the smithy housed a horse drawn fire engine which served the local area during the early 20^th century, and a laundry service was also set up for the nearby Mill Hill School. By the interwar period, under the ownership of Benskins, taking the advantage of the rise in ‘Road-House’ style pubs at the time, they took the audacious move to completely renovate and overhaul the pub, so 1938, the pub was rebuilt as a two floor, mock Tudor style construction which was spacious than ever before, gone was the Blacksmiths and Laundry and in came dining facilities and function rooms. This pub is classic example of a pub from that period, and from outward appearances, it’s largely unchanged from the time it was built. The interior however, has been extensively renovated, the formerly raised dining area in the far-left hand corner of the pub has been overhauled and been expanded, so now every table in the pub offers dining options, and by the pub garden, a covered conservatory has been built to offer more room for seating. Toilet facilities have been installed in the upstairs area, and the function room has been transferred to a small corner of the pub next to the kitchen.

Currently owned by Mitchell & Butlers, a company that owns a large number of restaurants and pub chains around the country which include the likes of Harvesters, Nicholson’s, Toby Carvery and O’ Neill’s to name but a few. This particular pub has been under the auspices of the Ember Inns chain for a number of years now, whose remit is to offer pubs with the hallmarks of a friendly local tavern which include a wide range of cask ales, wines and cocktails and a menu replete with traditional British pub classics. Upon entering the pub, it has a nice and spacious feel about the place, that offers plenty of seating for diners and drinkers alike, though dining is only available till 9pm daily. They offer brunch, lunch, fixed price and dinner menus along with Sunday lunch and buffet menus for functions. The menu offers effectively no-frills standard pub fare, offering the usual choices of steaks, burgers, fish & chips, pies and mixed grills, although every Wednesday they do a curry night. Moreover, the pub has been recently renovated, and the décor has a smart Ikea like feel to it, which is much in contrast to it rustic Tudorbethan like charm that it used to be known for; although if you look closely there are hints from it's past, the timber frame work is still evidently present and the art deco wood panelled bar area can still be seen, despite the modern upgrades over the years. Although it won’t make it onto the Heritage pub lists, this pub still retains it friendly and inviting charm that it has maintained over the past eight decades.

As common with Ember Inns pubs it offers a wide selection of cask ales, London Pride (4.1%) is a permanent fixture on their lists, though the likes of Landlord (4.3%) and Doom Bar (4%) also frequently appear as well. A recent feature is the inclusion of a guest beer, that rotates frequently every week. On this occasion they had Titanic Plum Porter (4.9%) available on tap, since it was a rare chance to sample a Porter on cask in a pub, I snapped up the opportunity. At £4.80 I found it rather pricey, and having visited this pub since my late teens I have found the prices have increased dramatically over the years, although on Mondays and Thursdays the pub does offer all cask ales for £2.89 per pint! The porter I had was in good condition, lightly chilled and a had a pronounced whiff of plum notes despite the noticeable bitterness, the bar manager noted this type of beer doesn’t particularly sell well, so I probably caught it towards the end of its run. If cask ale is not your preference, then this pub also includes a dizzying range of keg beers which include the likes of Camden Hells, Sharp’s Atlantic, Madri and the obligatory Guinness that one finds at nearly every pub in the country. There is also an extensive collection of bottled wines, and wide selection of Spirits behind the bar that offer punters the chance to try a cocktail or two. Bar snacks are generally limited to the usual suspects of Walkers Crisps, Mini Cheddars and Pork Scratchings, although Peanuts and Rice Cakes are also available. 

On weeknights and weekends the pub shows live sports on its TV screens, although the rest of time the TVs are generally off. The pub is usually quite busy during the weekend, with a wide plethora of diners and drinkers taking full advantage of the expansive seating availability, although at other times particularly on weeknights, it can be quiet and they sometimes have to close early due to lack of trade. The pub takes full advantage in its status as a community hub through hosting regular Quiz Nights, Live Music and themed evenings. It is also family and dog friendly, which helps attract further trade. For all things considered this pub is a perfect example of a late era 1930’s style road-house pub that offers a wide range of welcoming and hospitable facilities for the passing motorist. The pub continues to live up to that remit which was established all those years ago. Although far from being a traditional inn of historical reverence, as a community hub it offers everything from a good hearty meal to a quaffable pint of cask ale to while away the hours with.