Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+
  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me

Summer lunch at Wells Tavern, Hampstead

August 4, 2011 by Helena Halme 8 Comments

The Wells Tavern

A London friend and I realised last week that since I’d moved up to the city, we hadn’t once had lunch together. When I lived in the country I came up about once a month and we’d take in an art exhibition (with an MA in History of Art she’s had the uphill struggle for many years to educate me on the subject). Then there followed a long lunch where we’d sort out each other’s problems, as well as cure all the ills of the world (Ok, possibly not the latter).

We had great plans to make yesterday’s lunch an epic one. We’d start with cocktails on the roof of Shoreditch House. A visit to an exhibition was briefly mentioned but disgarded: we needed to TALK. Talk with lubrication.

Yesterday morning I woke up feeling very groggy. I hadn’t slept a wink. My tummy was aching from the small op I’d had on Saturday. I kept thinking about the warnings I’d got from the consultant to ‘take it easy’. The weather forecast for London was +30C and the thought of a crowded steaming tube up to EC1 filled me with dread. (As I write this the rain is beating down my office window – what a difference a day makes in London).

As befits a good friend, she understood, and instead booked us a table locally at Wells Tavern, just a skip and a hop away in Hampstead.

It took me much longer to walk into the village than usual, and when I arrived the heat had got into each crevice of my body. When the barman asked what I’d like to drink, the only thing I could think of was an old-fashioned Spritzer. I can’t remember when I last had one, but boy did it taste good! Sitting and waiting for my friend on one of the tables outside, on the shady side of the pub, I began to feel somewhat normal again.

An arty picture of my drink – thanks to Instagram.

Wells Tavern is not the old-fashioned pub it used to be – dirty and smoke-filled. It’s not quite a gastro pub either, although most of the lounge is taken up with tables with white linen draped over them. But there’s a nice bar and the menu isn’t too pretentious; it includes burgers as well as fresh fish and steaks.  
The bar was empty – everyone was enjoying the sunshine outside. 
The staff were incredibly accommodating when I couldn’t decide whether we’d want to eat at the table inside by the window they’d reserved for us, or stay outside. They kept the window table free until we’d had our drinks and chose the relative cool of the terrace. 
We ordered a really decent bottle of French Rose and burgers without chips. The burgers came exactly as we wanted them; mine was very pink in the middle and my friend’s less so.
I forgot to take a picture of the food, so here’s the menu instead. (Not good enough, I know.)
We sat and talked for a couple of hours, politely left alone by the staff, until it was time for me to get back home and rest again. We didn’t quite sort out all the ills in the world, but I think we sorted ourselves out.

One thing is for sure: I will not let a year pass before we have a proper lunch again!

You may also like:

Default ThumbnailCrouch End Knowledge – Done! Default ThumbnailHow I came to be in England – Part 48 Default ThumbnailMy Nordic Adventure: Part Three – the rest of it (almost) Default ThumbnailDamien Hirst at Tate Modern

Comments

  1. Midlife Jobhunter says

    August 5, 2011 at 7:49 am

    I like that you forgot to take a photo of the food. I would have liked to see it, but so glad you had such good conversation instead.

    Reply
  2. Helena Halme says

    August 5, 2011 at 8:08 am

    Midlife Jobhunter, It's funny how I never seem to be able to remember to either take a picture of the venue or the food…

    Helena xx

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    August 5, 2011 at 11:16 am

    You have good points there, that's why I always check your blog, it looks like you are an expert in this field. keep up the fantastic work, My friend recommends your blog.

    My blog:
    rachat de credit lille http://www.rachatdecredit.net

    Reply
  4. Lola X says

    August 6, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    Great Blog! Love it!!!

    Lola x
    http://lola-x.blogspot.com

    Reply
  5. Alison Cross says

    August 6, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    I'm like you, I NEVER remember to take a photo of the food until I've eaten most of it! I do hope that your op WAS minor and that you are not downplaying something more substantial – keyhole surgery is not always MINOR!

    Feel better fast!

    Ali x

    Reply
  6. Crosby Kenyon says

    August 8, 2011 at 7:25 am

    I appreciate your effort to blog even when you're perhaps not feeling your best.

    Reply
  7. Talli Roland says

    August 9, 2011 at 7:28 am

    That sounds ideal, Helena. I love Hampstead!

    Reply
  8. Cathy says

    August 17, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I've been to The Wells twice and both times excellent food and service. Glad you enjoyed it.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

First time on the Elizabeth Line. #elizabethline First time on the Elizabeth Line. 
#elizabethline #londonlife #tube #farringdon
I’m into orange at the moment, I wonder why? 😄🧡📙
Five weeks to publication of AN ISLAND HEATWAVE today. 💃
https://mybook.to/AIH #linkinbio
What a lovely surprise! AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hi What a lovely surprise! 
AN ISLAND HEATWAVE has hit #No1 on Amazon.💃
The novel is now on pre-order offer. 
https://mybook.to/AIH
Link also in bio. 😉🧡📙
It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Fe It’s a frosty, sunny morning in North London. Feels a bit like home. 🥶🇫🇮🇬🇧
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in