One of London’s most beautiful and affluent neighbourhoods, Hampstead is a residential community admired by the creative kind, from artistic individuals, media figures to intelligent academics. Described as a quiet local corner of the big city, Hampstead is a cobbled street delight. With no major tourist attractions, no major landmarks, it is still an incredibly popular destination for many. Renowned for the London skyline views from Hampstead Heath park, the quaint but bustling village attracts everyone as it boasts a rich artistic and literary heritage. A village-like feel but with a lively independent high street full of coffee shops, bars, shops and gastro pubs, it makes it a perfect destination for a bite to eat and an ice cold pint.
With a vibrant and diverse culture, many flock to Hampstead for a drink in a collection of charming pubs and bars. The high quality boozers date back to the 16th century when it first became a fashionable place for various wealthy Londoners to escape the city life. One pub has been serving since 1585 and makes it the oldest pub in England. Visitors alike gather to socialise, relax, enjoy a drink and seize the welcoming atmosphere in the unique pubs. Each pub and bar holds its own story of time dating back centuries to add to the unique ambiance of Hampstead. Ranging from historical watering holes to modernised establishments, the diverse drinking scene is one to uncover with friends or family and connect to the area’s heritage.
With such a plethora of options, we have chosen five of the top rated, best pubs in Hampstead, to make your first drink taste just right.
The Spaniards Inn
A classical feature of Hampstead Heath dating all the way back to 1585, The Spaniards Inn is famous amongst most Londoners and surrounding residents. It was built by two Spanish brothers and is now a Grade II listed pub which served as inspiration to two former quaffers, John Keats and Charles Dickens. It was in fact immortalised in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers. The pub has a setting of romanticism and nostalgia, almost as if it is set still in time with an open fire and traditional wooden panelling. It has been lovingly preserved throughout the years, with touches of contemporary style to continue attracting a diverse group of individuals. Boasting a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, the pub also has a beer garden offering comfy seating, barbecue facilities and heaters for all seasons of the year. Just as you settle for some pub grub for your lunch, you may be welcomed by the ghost of highwayman Dick Turpin, who haunts the ground of the pub. The oldest pub in England, what’s not to love.
The Holly Bush
Sitting quietly in the heart of Hampstead is The Holly Bush. A pub designed to invite you to embark on a culinary journey of fine dining excellence that ranges from classical Pub fare to global flavours in a dish. It is known as North London’s go to gastro pub, particularly for the best Sunday roast dinner London has to serve. As an 18th century pub, its design reflects its time with wood-panelled rooms and fireplaces, as well as three low-ceilinged bar areas with cosy corners. Serving Fuller’s beer, a pint will nicely compliment your cuisine, or Toby and the team will guide you to what suits your meal best. Visit as soon as you can as the famous pub starts to get busy with the famous food and lovely atmosphere that it serves.
The Flask
This local favourite is set on a corner of the stretch of Flash walk in a beautiful Grade II listed building. A historic pub with a Victorian feel has a warren of spooky old rooms that are described to come to life in the atmosphere of the people at night. Originally on the site was the mineral water business the Flask tavern, but later became a brewery in 1904. It is a relaxed gastropub with a decor of old prints, designer wallpaper and a skylit conservatory and garden. On a sunny evening, the outdoor courtyard is often full in the summer with clientele dabbling in a spritz or sinking a pint, whilst overlooking the spectacular green, just opposite the former home of George Michael. Like the Holly Bush, the Flask is an ideal location for a spot of Sunday lunch where the brilliant chefs dedicate their talent into every Yorkshire pudding and delicate meat for a perfect dinner.
The Wells Tavern
Located in a Georgian House down one of Hampstead’s most famous streets ‘Well Walk’, is the pub The Wells Tavern. A modern European gastropub with upstairs dining rooms and a spacious downstairs bar alongside brilliant outdoor seating. Built in 1849, this transformed architectural Georgian gem names itself a treehouse because of its deep and wide range of beers, ales cocktails, and a composed wine list reflecting the thoughtfulness of the chef and team. Head Chef Greg Smith has innovatively designed a responsively seasonal and a cosy menu to ensure a relaxation whilst tasting a masterpiece. After enjoying a delicious meal, the pub offers board games and activities to play with your table for some light-hearted fun and togetherness. Also dog-friendly, The Wells tavern aims to give customers a community vibe, creating the pub as more of a destination than just a building that serves booze. The Wells tavern invites you as a family to enjoy some well priced pub classics cooked to perfection with a mouth-watering drink to serve nicely alongside.
The Duke of Hamilton
Since 1721 the Duke of Hamilton has been a core part of Hampstead’s life and has been awarded one of London's favourite pubs. Favoured by many celebrities as a top watering-hole and boozer, actors like Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole and Oliver Reed would often stop by here on their famous and lively tours of London. Feeding and watering locals for over 300 years, The Duke of Hamilton has a rich heritage and history acting as a pillar of the community. It is a cosy local place to enjoy some spectacular food and drink for families, dogs and your group of friends. Although having gone under many iterations over the years, you will find the legendary Hampstead jazz club in the basement which hosts intimate live performances from an eclectic mix of talented musicians. After relishing in some jazz music, you can appreciate the pub's distinguished food and drink experience which embodies the classical pub spirit with a modernised twist. Delight your senses with food, drink, established musical excellence and a passionately run pub.
Hampstead offers a community feel in every corner of the village. With magnificent pubs providing a range of drinks and food delicacies, it is hard to decide what is the next destination for your food spot. From the oldest pub in England to recently refurbished and architecturally spectacular buildings, our list of favourite pubs really encompasses what Hampstead is all about. Whether it's socialising, relaxing, visiting a haunted pub or where your favourite celeb soaks in a beer, Hampstead is a wonderful place for every occasion. Connect to the area’s heritage and take a step back from the hustle and bustle of city life, to visit place with a plethora of extraordinary pubs.
