Dartmouth Arms: four festive events you can’t miss

Of all the iconic pubs in the area, the Dartmouth Arms has had its fair share of ups and downs – so it’s worth celebrating the fact that it’s now 100% back on track.

This is largely due to owners Disappearing Dining Club, the food-and-drink duo of founder Stuart Langley and Swedish head chef Fred Bolin, who’ve hosted award-winning pop-ups across the capital for the last decade.

Their aim since taking the NW5 pub over in 2018 has been simply to create a new kind of community focus, built around a love of proper cooking, tasty drinks and quality sounds. But obviously, as with everyone and every thing, 2020 has chucked in their biggest challenges yet.

With hospitality back in business Tier-2 style, the festive season is happily ushering in the prospect of some unmissable menus, created using only best and freshest ingredients.

In case you haven’t been down recently, the regularly changing dinner menu comprises a short list of starters, mains and desserts and comes at a set price of £24 or £28 for two or three courses.

Here you’ll find eclectic signature dishes such as Smoked Steak Tartare with Smoked Egg Yolk and Matchstick Fries, Apple & Whisky Braised Celeriac with Puy Lentils and Roast Pepper Dressing or Pan-Fried Sea Bream with Chorizo, Braised Fennel and Saffron Aioli – amongst many other delights. Everything is made 100% from scratch at the pub, with all dietary requirements considered and catered for where possible.

On Friday and Saturday the pub is open for brunch and lunch, while on Sunday there are delicious roasts with all the trimmings and a well-loved selection of cheeses, desserts and dishes for kids.

There’s also a cracking portfolio of drinks with exceptional beer, cider, craft, draught, international and locally brewed fare, alongside an expansive list of handpicked wines, spirits and liqueurs – plus a banging Bloody Mary whenever you want one.

Speaking of which, as per government regulations, if you’re drinking booze while we are in Tier 2, you must – as the much-repeated slogan dictates – order a “substantial” meal.

With that in mind, soak it up with hefty bar snacks from Spicy Polenta Chips and Pig’s Head Rillette on Toast to Beef Lindström, the pub’s take on a burger made from a chuck steak, beetroot and caper patty topped with pickles and a fried egg on sourdough. Hearty winter stews – say beef shin, or vegetable – are also a tenner a person and include bread and smoked butter.

Oh, and a word about the Dartmouth Arm’s music system: a thing of beauty, the best vintage audio equipment brings an extra special music lover’s dimension to the pub, ideal for people who like the crackle of vinyl, the warmth of Hi-Fi and the sound of other people’s record collections. Expect balearic soul every Friday and Saturday evening. (You can even check out guest DJ Vinyl session mixes here).

TIER 3 UPDATE 18th DEC: the pub is offering a takeout Christmas Lunch: £55 for 5 courses, with the menu here. They are also open 12pm to 6pm on December 23rd and 24th for collections and take away drinks draught beer, cider, wine and growler refills.

For all the latest Dartmouth Arms news: www.disappearingdiningclub.co.uk. To book, call 0203 793 0202 or email info@disappearingdiningclub.co.uk. Dartmouth Arms, 35 York Rise, London, NW5 1SP. Open Monday-Thursday – 5pm to 10pm, Friday – 3pm to 10pm, Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 9pm.