Much in need of some sunshine and having only just discovered Louis Theroux's lockdown podcast, I decided to set out on an fairly long trek from Elephant & Castle to Hampstead and back recently, without really knowing where Hampstead is asides from being in North London.
.I guess that's just a testament to how sprawling the city is; despite having lived in central London for half a decade, Hampstead has just never really been on my radar before.
With quaint bakeries (really, the most important aspect of any area), a village vibe and cute cottages tucked just minutes on the tube away from the hustle and bustle of central, I quickly realised that it deserves its reputation as one of London's prettiest neighbourhoods. If I were as rich as Ricky Gervais or Judy Dench, I'll settle down there too.
After spending a couple of hours wondering around the pretty streets of Hampstead Village, here are some of the top spots I'd recommend taking the time to visit:
1. Perrin's Court
Just one minute or so from Hampstead underground station, Perrin's Court is an adorable little side street which is worth walking along for its picturesque homes alone, but also for Ginger & White, a relaxed coffee shop that, given the queue outside the cafe, is evidently very popular with locals (and which has excellent reviews online).
2. Visit The Holly Bush, 22 Holly Mount
Maybe it's just because I've spent too much time in Spoons, but The Holly Bush, really gives me quaint, countryside vibes and couldn't feel further from the normal atmosphere of a London pub.
The Holly Bush is a traditional 18th century pub in a Grade II-listed building, and despite being one of London's most beloved pubs, it's tucked away on a winding cobblestone street in a tiny nook of Hampstead.
3. Golden Yard
This spot is a little more hidden than the others, but is still only a minute away from The Holly Bush. Looking right while on the steps down from Holly Mount back to Heath Street, this little courtyard caught me eye, and a google search confirmed that it's an interesting, historic little spot.
The name of Golden Yard actually comes from "Goulding", the family who lived in the Yard for about 200 years, after being given permission to live on the land the last quarter of the 16th Century.
The first cottage in which the Gouldings lived was No. 6 the yearly rental value of which was assessed in 1646 at £3 - I've never looked up properties in Hampstead, but I'm inclined to believe that rent has gone up a bit in price since then.
There's a plaque in the Yard that gives you all the details of it's history, although you can just as easily read what's on the plaque by clicking here if you're not able to actually get to Hampstead.
4. The Spaniards Inn
About a mile from the nearest tube station (Hampstead or Golders Green), you'll find one of Britain's most famous pubs, The Spaniards Inn, another Grade II listed building on Spaniards Road. Dating back to the 16th century, the pub has had a number of famous regulars over the years, including the poets Byron and Keats.
There is apparently a resident ghost or two as well: there's an urban legend that the Inn’s may be named after the two Spanish landlords Francesco Porero and Juan Porero: after falling in love with the same woman, they fought in a duel to settle the debate, Juan was killed and buried near the Inn and supposedly haunts the pub to this day.
5. La Cage Imaginaire
Located at 16 Flask Walk, La Cage Imaginaire is a quaint French-Mediterranean café/restaurant on a cobbled little side street in Hampstead that's just hidden enough for there to not be huge queues outside. It's also more affordable than a lot of the other restaurants Hampstead, and has great reviews.
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