Bars
The 6 Best Pubs in Hampstead
Six Hampstead pubs where the fires are real, the roasts are serious and the Heath is always waiting outside.
In short: our top picks are The Spaniards Inn, The Holly Bush and The Flask. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Hampstead does pubs the way few London villages still can: old rooms up steep lanes, coal fires, and gardens that fill the moment the sun shows. The trick is knowing which is which. Some are all history and Heath views; others quietly run a kitchen good enough to plan an afternoon around. This is where we send people who want a proper one.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Spaniards Inn | Hampstead | ££ |
| The Holly Bush | Hampstead | ££ |
| The Flask | Highgate | ££ |
| The Wells Tavern | Hampstead | £££ |
| The Garden Gate | Hampstead | ££ |
| Duke of Hamilton | Hampstead | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Spaniards Inn
Why we pick itA 1585 tollhouse tavern on the edge of the Heath, with low beams, open fires and a walled garden Keats knew well.
historic tavern
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The Holly Bush
Why we pick itUp steep lanes off the High Street, a Grade II Georgian warren of panelled rooms and coal fires doing one of London's best Sunday roasts.
gastropub
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The Flask
Why we pick itA Young's local split into snug little rooms by an etched-glass partition, pouring well-kept cask ale onto a sunny Flask Walk terrace.
traditional pub
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The Wells Tavern
Why we pick itA Georgian free house near the Heath with a relaxed ground-floor bar and three smart upstairs dining rooms for a proper long lunch.
gastropub
-
The Garden Gate
Why we pick itThe big tree-shaded garden is the draw, all patio heaters and summer barbecues, a short walk from the Heath's South End entrance.
garden pub
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Duke of Hamilton
Why we pick itA backstreet local going since 1721, brought back by local brothers, strong on London craft beer with a jazz club down in the cellar.
characterful local
Before you book
Hampstead Underground on the Northern line puts you nearest the village pubs; the Spaniards Inn and Garden Gate suit a Heath walk, so pair them with a ramble. Book the Wells or the Holly Bush for Sunday lunch, as roasts sell out by mid-afternoon. Most have gardens and welcome dogs, which is half the point up here.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Spaniards Inn is our editor's choice: A 1585 tollhouse tavern on the edge of the Heath, with low beams, open fires and a walled garden Keats knew well. The Spaniards Inn, The Holly Bush and The Flask lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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