I was drawn to the sign of the White Mustache, which seemed completely out of place in the warren of generic flat-blocks that fill the space between Hampstead Road and Regent's Park.
The sign on the door read, simply "Craft Beer, Coffee, Food." Boy oh boy did they deliver. In the midst of a landscape straight out of Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" (or George Orwell's "1984") is an absolute gem of a gastropub. The food is tasty and affordable, the clientele is chilled without being ironic, and the handles selection, oh my, the handles! Not one, but _two_ Beavertowns, a Tiny Rebel, the now-standard Camden Helles, a bunch of other excellent London microbrews, and for a lager, how about Budvar/Budweiser?! You can really tell that someone has put a lot of love and thought into this place.
The inside is spacious and comfortable, with lots of windows, comfy furniture and a beautiful long wooden bar. There is a small garden in the back. Although it's brick walls don't offer much of a view, it's very peaceful and they've done their best to spruce it up with plants, warm wooden shades, and other little touches--it could still use a bit more love, but I'm sure they'll get to it as the weather improves.
The staff could not be more friendly and helpful. When one of the taps was being a bit fussy, the bartender went out of his way to be patient and to insure I received a full measure--and that was for just a 1/3 pint sampler! I haven't tried the coffee yet, but it smelled delicious, so I will definitely be back for that.
In short, whether you're looking for a great pint, a tasty burger, or a good coffee, this is a fantastic little gem of a place. It is eminently local, but in the "not rammed with tourists" fashion rather than the "scary old codger mumbling to himself in the corner" way. If you're lucky enough to find it, bring mates, but not _too_ many mates, if you know what I mean. It's terrific for groups, but if you want a raucous piss-up with the lads, something on the Camden High Street would suit you more. There is a television, but it is small and in the corner, so they're not looking to host footie nights either.
Here, it's all about the beer, food, and company. It might, in fact, be the spiritual reincarnation of my long-lost and much-missed Crown & Goose. And this is something most devoutly to be wished for.
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