Where To Eat, Drink & Shop In Hampstead

28 Church Row

SL fashion editor Charlotte calls this her ‘hidden gem’. The menu at 28 Church Row takes its inspiration from the best of Spanish and Italian cuisine, with small plates designed for sharing. Meanwhile, the eclectic wine list has been created with an interesting blend of classic styles and lesser-known wines. There is a private dining room available for hire, which seats 12, but otherwise it’s a walk-in only vibe. Perfect for girls’ night. 

28 Church Row, Hampstead, NW3 6UP

Visit 28ChurchRow.com

Jin Kichi

For authentic Japanese dining, look no further than family run Jin Kichi. High quality, but still affordable, you’ll find everything here from yakitori and sushi to full-flavoured noodle dishes. Don’t forget to check out the drinks menu either: from plum wine to sake and traditional shochu cocktails, there’s bound to be something to get the night off on the right note. 

73 Heath Street, Hampstead, NW3 6UG

Visit JinKichi.com

L’Antica

Hailed by regulars as the best pizza in London, L’Antica has earned itself the nickname of Hampstead’s ‘Italian emerald’. Combining expert knowledge with the best ingredients and equipment, L’Antica is wedded to authentic Neapolitan flavours. Using caputo flour in all of its bases ensures it puffs up quickly when it hits the 400°C wood oven, while the intense heat chars the pizza base, giving it a crisp look and outstanding taste. Meanwhile, toppings are varied, and all start with hand-crushed tomato sauce and a scattering of fior di latte mozzarella.

66 Heath Street, Hampstead, NW3 1DN

Visit AnticaPizzeria.co.uk

The Spaniard’s Inn

Billed as the oldest pub in London, and located to the north of the Heath, this authentically British spot is the perfect place for a cosy roast in the winter, while the extensive garden makes it ideal for sunnier afternoons. Pick from a refined selection of starters, including pan-seared scallops with chorizo and creamed peas; or burrata on toasted sourdough with an aubergine, basil and cherry tomato caponata, before moving on to classic main dishes, including asparagus and tomato risotto with pecorino and pumpkin seeds; or roast Atlantic cod with leeks, chorizo and pea ragu. An insider tip: the scotch egg starter is a must order. 

Spaniards Road, Hampstead, NW3 7JJ

Visit TheSpaniardsHampstead.co.uk

WHAT TO SEE & DO

Hampstead Heath

Arguably one of the biggest reasons to pay Hampstead a visit is its famous 790-acre heath. Home to Kenwood House (more on that in a minute), as well as the bathing ponds and Parliament Hill viewpoint, it’s a great way to work some easy exercise into your weekend. For those on the hunt for an activity, there’s a zoo,  athletics track, education centre and a lido from which to take your pick. It’s not widely known that the heath is a registered charity too, with regular visitors encouraged to make a small donation to help local authorities protect the space for future generations.

Visit CityOfLondon.gov.uk

Kenwood House

On the edge of Hampstead, surrounded by landscaped gardens, is one of London’s most striking stately homes. The best news is that the beautiful interiors and world-class art collection – including Rembrandt's 'Portrait with Two Circles' – are free for everyone to enjoy. With children's activities, an on-site café and acres of grounds to explore, there’s something here for everyone. Officially under the protection of English Heritage, opening times for the house vary throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead. 

Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, NW3 7JR

Visit English-Heritage.org.uk

Keats House

Hampstead’s literary roots run deep, with one of the most famous sites being the house once belonging to Romantic poet John Keats. The poet’s home from December 1818 until August 1820, the house was built around 1815, and originally named Wentworth Place. It was here that Keats composed his mysterious lyric ‘La Belle Dame Sans Merci’, finished his narrative poem 'The Eve of St Agnes', and wrote his great odes of spring 1819 including ‘Ode to a Nightingale’, ahead of his death from tuberculosis in 1821 at the age of 25 in Rome. 

10 Keats Grove, Hampstead, NW3 2RR

Visit KeatsFoundation.com

The Pergola

One of Hampstead's most under-rated attractions is its dilapidated pergola - the brainchild of Lord Leverhulme, who decided in the summer of 1904 that his nearby mansion needed an extravagant terrace. Damaged during the Second World War, the pergola is still undergoing a substantial rennovation - a process which started in 1989 when the City of London took it over. That said, a short walk through its haunting arches and faded pillars will still add a touch of magic to your afternoon.

Inverforth Close, Hampstead, NW3 7EX

Visit CityOfLondon.gov.uk

Sigmund Freud Museum

After arriving in England as refugees following the Nazi annexation of Austria in March 1938, the Freud family settled in Hampstead, in a final home which has since been turned into a museum celebrating the legacy of the great psychoanalyst. Key artefacts include Sigmund Freud’s famous couch, as well as hundreds of objects collected by the family from their travels around the world. Entry is £10 for adults, although bear in mind that the museum only opens its doors Wednesday to Sunday. 

20 Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead, NW3 5SX

Visit Freud.org.uk

Blue Plaque Trail

For a leisurely afternoon, try hunting down some of Hampstead’s famous past residents via the many blue plaques which dot the neighbourhood. Starting with Sigmund Freud, look out for the home of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, actor and husband of Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and painter John Constable. All were Hampstead residents at one time or another.  

Visit English-Heritage.org.uk

Maud & Mabel

Always on the hunt for unusual and interesting homewares? This family run, one-off shop in the centre of Hampstead is the place to head. Showcasing handmade pottery, jewellery and art by a selection of talented craftspeople, there’s bound to be something you can’t leave the store without. All of the shop’s items pays homage to Hampstead’s quirky, artistic and individualistic style. 

10 Perrin's Court, Hampstead, NW3 1QS

Visit MaudAndMabel.com

Everyman Cinema

Cap off the weekend by dropping into the Hampstead branch of the Everyman cinema. This is the original site, opened by entrepreneur Daniel Broch when he founded the brand back in 2000, with the building itself dating back to 1933. Aiming to redefine the usual multiplex experience, Everyman cinemas are known for their plush seating, broad selection of wines and on-site pizzas. With a wide array of mainstream, independent and classic films, as well as special events and live-satellite broadcasts, it’s got all tastes and genres covered. 

5 Holly Bush Vale, Hampstead, NW3 6TX

Visit EverymanCinema.com