I keep forgetting how pretty Primrose Hill is. Walking across the bridge from the Chalk Farm tube station, I notice the colorful accents on the houses, a smattering of sweet boutiques, and streets full of independent restaurants, cafes, and pubs. This part of London is a little slice of village loveliness.

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill Market

I’m up in Primrose Hill today because of the Saturday farmers’ market. Even though I didn’t need another reason to visit this London neighborhood, I’m happy it gives me one.

The market is colorful and bright, with all the fresh produce fit for the area’s impossibly attractive residents—I keep an eye out for celebrities while I’m here.

Baked Goods at a Market in London

Primrose Hill

Beyond the market, there’s a lot to explore. Despite its diminutive size, the area between funky Camden and residential Belsize Park has charm and character everywhere.

Door in Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill Restaurants

The Primrose Hill restaurants, for example. From staples like vegetarian Manna to Asian-inspired OKA, there are unique offerings all over the neighborhood.

Odette’s is famous for Bryn Williams’ Modern European cuisine, and Lemonia always warms me up with its delicious Greek dishes.

Houses in Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill Cafes

And I haven’t even mentioned the Primrose Hill cafes. Primrose Bakery serves lovely cakes and sweet treats while The Little One lives up to its name as it doles out coffee and crepes from a tiny counter.

Chloe’s Espresso on the bridge to the Chalk Farm tube station isn’t much larger, but exudes plenty of charm with its teacup-shaped chalk board and small outdoor tables.

Chloe's Espresso, Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill Pubs

Then come the pubs. The Engineer is one of the best pubs in Primrose Hill, not least because of its leafy garden. I’ve spent many a summer evening here enjoying drinks with friends.

The best pub food in Primrose Hill can be found at The Lansdowne. I love their pizzas and try to sample a different one every time I go.

The Princess of Wales is a great place to catch up over a pint after a walk in the park, too. It has great decor and a cozy atmosphere.

The Engineer Pub, Primrose Hill

Streets and Squares

Interspersed among the pubs are pink and purple houses and long rows of white columns punctuated by bright red and blue doors. It’s like Notting Hill, only without the tourist crowds.

Walking up to the high street, I pass through Chalcot Square, where Sylvia Plath once lived. There are colorful houses in every hue around here.

The square’s sunny gardens are filled with children in the most expensive clothes I’ve ever seen, their fashionable parents hovering over them to avoid dirtying the Baby Dior.

Chalcot Square, London

Regent’s Park Road

Up on Regent’s Park Road, the area’s high street, the pavement is lined with shops on both sides.

From the outdoor tables at Ripe Kitchen to florists overflowing into the street with leaves and buds, there’s something to provoke sensory overload everywhere I look.

Florist in Primrose Hill

And it’s no wonder. Chi chi boutiques vie with high-end wine shops to lure the neighborhood’s wealthy residents.

But the most beloved shop on the high street is Primrose Hill Books, a more subdued shop that I’ve visited more times than any other place on Regent’s Park Road.

Primrose Hill Books

Nearby, the fresh produce outside the greengrocers beckons with its ripe strawberries and leafy greens, and the outdoor cheese and salumi counter at Shepherd Foods makes me wonder if it’s socially acceptable to walk down the street eating a charcuterie board (it’s not).

Charity Shop in Primrose Hill

The Park

Even if I wanted to, I might have a hard time doing so while walking up Primrose Hill. An extension of Regent’s Park, the grassy slope offers increasingly good views of the London skyline the higher I climb.

At the top I’m rewarded with panoramas of the city in what is the loveliest part of one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London. I need to stop forgetting how much I love this place.

View from Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill and Beyond

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Primrose Hill. There’s a lot to discover in this London neighborhood. If you get a chance to visit, I’m sure you’ll like it as much as I do.

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Primrose Hill

34 Comments on Lady’s Pretty Guide to London’s Primrose Hill

  6. Primrose Hill is my favorite village of the ones in London I’ve been able to see thus far (am American, living in the U.S.). This post brought back lovely memories!

    Reply

  10. We love Primrose Hill!!! Sometimes, when we visit London, we spend an afternoon or a morning just wandering around this lovely area. We also love Marylebone and we absolutely have to give Hampstead a try!
    xx,
    E.

    Reply

  13. I used to go there quite often, especially during the winter when you can do some sledging in the park (if there’s snow!). Must go and visit again..

    Reply

  14. Just watched London spy and googled the area to find your blog . Lovely .
    Are there any traditional back street pubs around there ?

    Reply

  15. I live in Primrose Hill and love it here. It’s so green and chilled and pretty. I really enjoyed your post.

    Reply

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