If you were reading our print magazines over the last six years, you’ll know this isn’t the first time that we’re writing about The Washington Pub. But recently I chanced upon Antonia, The Washington manager, and she told me about new events happening at our lovely local, on the corner of England’s Lane and Belsize Park Gardens.
Music at The Washington
From 15 October, a live DJ will be bringing French House Chill music on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday of every month. The smooth and the feelgood is happening downstairs from 6pm in Martha’s Bar which was renovated a couple of years ago and is the perfect place for catching up with friends. (And, from experience, the space works well if you’re having a private gathering).
On the 1st Thursday of each month the ticketed Jazz Night continues, as the Jake Goss Quintet is proving to be very popular with jazz lovers. Goss also wins over Washington audiences by inviting guest musicians, many of whom have played at Ronnie Scott’s.
If banjo, fiddle, guitar and bass are more your thing, the Bluegrass evenings from 6.30pm on the last Sunday of every month, bring Louisiana-style music to the main bar. Expect American mid-1940s folk, blues, gospel and jazz vibes!
Monday Quiz Night
Just recently The Washington took 15p off the price of a pint. “I know in many pubs people are disappointed with the prices for drinks,” says Antonia. “But we’re doing our best to make discounts where we can.” Fizz Fridays offers a bottle of prosecco for £25 – almost half of its usual cost.
And there’s dosh to be won at the revamped Monday Quiz Nights! Apparently, last week the rolling jackpot was £700. To win it, there’s a killer question – usually one that requires your best guess. The team which wins the quiz on the night takes home all the entry money and if there’s usually about 80-100 players at £2 per person – well you do the maths!! Best to book a table for this event. Also you may want to book ahead if you’re planning to watch the Rugby Nations Championships on The Washington TVs during November.
“We’re really happy with Harry our new quiz master who writes his own questions and draws in players,” says Antonia.
The Washington Everyday Menus
The Washington menu has recently been updated. There’s still bar food, snacks, small plates, mains and the popular Sunday Roast which could be beef, porchetta, chicken or nut roast. But since the start of October there’s a new lunchtime menu which offers sandwich meals starting from £12, and at a nice combo price with a drink.
Sandwich fillings include beer-battered Haddock Goujon or Chicken Caesar with added smoked bacon, Sirloin Steak with crispy spiced onions, chimichurri and watercress, or a hefty toasted Croque Monsieur in sourdough. Antonia, better watch out, judging from my lunch, Washington drinkers may want these sandwiches for supper too!
Grilled Halloumi with avocado, chipotle chilli jam, pickles, and crispy spiced onions in a brioche bun – nice one!
Celebrate Christmas
The Washington is already reserving space for those who want Christmas lunch there. There are two differently priced menus and two sittings from 12.30-4pm. The Festive Menu offers three courses for £49 and the more gourmet Christmas Day Menu is pulling out all the stops! Locals can come anytime on Christmas Day from noon until 3pm just to drink and be merry. But first up we have Halloween and the Washington Pub will be all over it, giving a £100 bar tab to the best Halloween outfit.
Walking into The Washington main bar, early evening on a Monday.
The Washington Pub is at 50 England’s Lane, NW3
To book a table call: 020 7722 8842
