The Stag (Belsize Park)

• Excellent cider on tap and a massive garden with cabanas and tables for socialising
• The Stag's outdoor cabanas have coverings so if it does rain you will not get soaked unless there is a strong wind
• Live music is advertised on their website
• Those out of towners who aren't familiar with South End Green
• So much so that at 3pm on Christmas Eve there was no set plan for Christmas Day
• I made a few phone calls and was pleasantly surprised to hear that the Stag had one table free
• My dad had some banter with the barman about sherry vs brandy glasses then we were escorted upstairs to our table
• Having assured my family (newcomers to The Stag) that it was a lovely place and by no means a dingy old man pub
• The smoked salmon was of a sashimi texture
• It was very tasty and went very well with the soda bread provided for the table
• Reports of the chicken liver pate suggested it was of a high standard
• I can handle my spirits but this was too strong and I couldn't have more than one spoonful
• My family are of varying degrees of T totalness and all were in agreement on the matter
• Everything was excellent the meat was succulent
• Between courses we were visited by the owner of the pub and his young son to check we were happy with our meal
• Dessert there was a choice of lavender creme brû
• It won't be surprising to hear that the Christmas pudding was bathed in brandy
• The chocolate terrine was very good and not too rich
• It was 5.30pm by this point and we were all a bit too full for courses 5 and 6
• Our waiter was more than happy to pack them up for us to take away and brought us cheese and designer crackers

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