Hampstead, with its winding Georgian lanes, leafy commons and famous blue plaques, has long held a special place in London's imagination. The borough has over 1000 years of recorded history and is a place where poets, artists and intellectuals have lingered for centuries. In the 21st century, it's still very much a place for lingering, especially with a flat white or a flaky croissant in hand.
Yet, the appeal here isn’t just in the historic homes or hidden mews; Hampstead is also home to a truly excellent café culture that is brimming with independent spots, perfect for curling up with a novel or catching up over a pot of tea.
In this guide, we uncover the very best local cafés and why they’ve captured the hearts of residents and visitors of the area.
Silverberry
Tucked just a short stroll from the Heath on West End Lane, Silverberry is a charming spot that feels like a slice of calm in the bustle of North London. Featuring pared-back interiors, soft wooden tones and subtle Scandinavian influences, the café offers a refreshing take on the typical neighbourhood coffee shop.
Silverberry is best known for its speciality coffee, ethically sourced and expertly brewed, as well as its beautifully presented brunch plates. The menu strikes a perfect balance of sweet and savoury, with flaky almond and vegan raspberry croissants, rich homemade brownies and freshly baked vegan loaves. On the savoury side, dishes range from smashed avocado on sourdough and creamy wild mushrooms on brioche to beet hummus toast and, for egg lovers, favourites include the ever-popular Eggvocado, Shakshuka and Turkish Eggs.
The Nook
Found near Hampstead Heath Overground, The Nook offers a cosy sanctuary amongst the city's hustle and bustle. The tiny but perfectly formed independent drinks-and-bites bar opened in 2020 and has taken over a former ATM slot, growing a fanbase for coffee, hot chocolates, milkshakes and award‑winning ice cream. It’s intimate and cheerful inside, with bright décor and a warm and welcoming feel, making it a perfect spot to pause mid‑Heath walk or hide away on a chilly afternoon.
Burgh House Café
Residing within the Grade‑I listed Burgh House and extending into its tranquil garden and courtyard, Burgh House is an award-winning café operated by Leafi Ltd. Known best for its relaxed, friendly service and community-driven ethos, Burgh House serves up breakfast, brunch and traditional cream teas, including its signature fruit scones with Cornish clotted cream and raspberry jam that are all baked in-house. The café also champions sustainability, avoiding single-use plastics, supporting animal welfare and sourcing ingredients from local and independent producers.
Ginger & White
Found on Perrin’s Court is Ginger & White, an inviting café that's arguably at the heart of Hampstead’s brunch scene. The café first opened in 2009 and quickly became a beloved local spot. A decade later, new owners Victoria and Gili took the reins, determined to preserve its charm and community spirit. With a gentle renovation and care, they successfully restored Ginger & White’s warmth, all while adding their own touch.
There’s a thoughtful menu here, offering free-range eggs, thick-cut sourdough toast, handmade cakes and expertly roasted coffee and it's also a place that wears its Britishness proudly, with an emphasis on the use of local and seasonal ingredients.
WatchHouse
WatchHouse Hampstead Heath is a design-led space with generous interiors and striking Cipollino marble details. Originating in a former 19th-century watch house on London’s iconic Bermondsey Street, WatchHouse pays homage to its historic roots with a distinctly modern vision. Today, each of the nineteen WatchHouse locations offers a distinct identity, designed to embody the modern coffee experience while honouring the character and heritage of its surrounding community.
Their all-day breakfast and brunch menu is complemented by speciality coffees that rotate seasonally, plus fresh-baked pastries and plant-based options like vegan pancakes and banana bread.
Roni’s Bagel Bakery
For something with more of a deli feel, Roni’s Bagel Bakery is a must-visit. Though its roots are in West Hampstead, the Hampstead branch has fully integrated into the village’s culinary culture. Opened in 1989 by Roni Avital, the café specialises in bagels and baked goods, where visitors can tuck into a warm and generously filled smoked salmon bagel or pick up freshly baked challah for later.
Tania’s of Hampstead
Tucked down an alley in Hampstead near Swiss Cottage, Tania’s of Hampstead is a beloved family-run café and deli celebrated for its warm hospitality and Mediterranean‑inspired menu. Founded by Ghassan Akar, who began life in West Africa and started serving from a van in 2009, he established Tania’s in 2014. With a focus on authentic homemade food, guests can enjoy freshly made falafel wraps, cheese toasties, Mediterranean salads, shakshuka and daily-baked pastries.
Despite relocating from its original Antiques Emporium location to a new site on College Crescent, Tania’s continues to earn accolades and is consistently ranked among the top 10 % cafés worldwide by TripAdvisor.
Louis Patisserie
A long-standing Hampstead institution, Louis Patisserie on Heath Street feels like a step back in time. Family-run since 1963, this traditional Hungarian café is a quiet gem amid the area’s more modern offerings. With its marble-topped tables, dark wood panelling and uniformed waitstaff, the setting has changed little over the decades and that’s exactly the appeal. Inside, glass cabinets brim with intricately crafted cakes, from creamy éclairs and fruit tortes to signature Dobos and Esterházy slices, all made on site.
Melrose & Morgan
For a café that blurs the line between eatery and food boutique, Melrose & Morgan is a must-try. Found near the Heath, it’s both a gourmet grocery and a café in one and guests can pick up everything from chutneys and cheeses to hearty quiches and handmade desserts, whilst also offering light lunches and a mix of patisserie treats.
There’s something about Hampstead that naturally invites you to slow down and its cafés capture that feeling perfectly, with each spot offering its own unique take on the village’s café culture. After a wander across the Heath or a meander through its cobbled lanes, there’s no better way to take it all in than with something warm in hand and something delicious on your plate.
