72 hours in Hampstead
This leafy North London Borough offers up a plethora of charming independent boutiques, quintessentially English pubs and awe-inspiring avenues, featuring some of London’s most beautiful (and expensive) homes. Read on for our must-visit haunts.
Start with eggs
Good coffee, delicious uncomplicated daytime dishes and a warm welcome are all guaranteed at Ginger and White. Situated just off of Hampstead High Street, this busy cafe offers up all the brunch classics, all day long — don’t leave without devouring eggs of some description. We also highly recommend their homemade muffins, both the sweet and savoury options. The bright, white space is rarely empty, but once you’re seated you’ll see it’s worth the wait.
Pick up thoughtfully crafted souvenirs
A straightforward promise of ‘clay cloth wood’ emblazons the ecru shop front of Maud & Mabel, and it’s that very straightforward simplicity that reigns supreme within this tiny gallery-like boutique. Repurposed wooden shelves are artfully stacked with all manner of vessels and objects, created by both Japanese and English artists. There’s a small selection of clothing and home textiles too, all crafted in the same utilitarian cotton linen vein.
Galettes on the go
Though Hampstead is home to countless credible lunch spots, we recommend visiting La Creperie de Hampstead, for a truly memorable bite. An undisputed Hampstead institution, the tiny silver hut serves up mouthwatering crepes and galettes to queues of adoring locals. The garlic mushroom and cheese comes very heavily recommended, as does the banana and chocolate. Decisions, decisions.
Enjoy a modernist moment
Hampstead has been home to myriad icons, from the English poet, John Keats, to esteemed Photographer, Cecil Beaton. Fortunately, a handful of the former homes of local icons are now open to the public, including 2 Willow Road, designed and lived in by Hungarian-born Architect, Erno Goldfinger. Venture inside the Modernist home to peruse Goldfinger’s architecture and personal art collection up close.
Opening hours can be a little sporadic, so we advise checking the website before you set off. If you find it’s closed, make sure you wander past at some point, to catch a glimpse of Goldfinger’s eclectic objets d'art that line the windows, and the iconic teal front door.
Dine in historic Hampstead
Cosy, time-worn pubs are somewhat ubiquitous in Hampstead. Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork and can confidently say The Hollybush is one of our all-time favourites. Snug corners, burgundy booths and roaring fireplaces can be found at every turn, within the cavernous eighteenth century public house. The food is pretty great too — the vegetarian dishes are just as mouth-watering as the meat options. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Hampstead on a Sunday, book a table for the roast and linger all day long.