Lady’s 11 Hampstead Pubs You’ll Love in London

Today I want to share my favorite Hampstead pubs with you. Up in north London, this village-like neighborhood is packed with great places to eat and drink. From classic boozers to cozy corners and haunted rooms, Hampstead has a pub for every taste and style.

Hampstead Pubs

I lived in Hampstead for years, and I spent a lot of time with friends in the local pubs while I was there.

I enjoyed summer afternoons in the beer gardens at The Garden Gate and The Roebuck, and winter evenings playing board games at The Wells and doing pub quizzes at The Flask.

And that’s to say nothing of the days I whiled away as I ate Sunday roast at The Holly Bush and chased ghosts in The Spaniards Inn. Suffice it to say I got to be a bit of an expert.

Whether you love traditional English dishes or classic English drinks, Hampstead pubs with gardens or Hampstead pubs for lunch, I can assure you there’s a place for you.

1. The Holly Bush Pub, Hampstead

Since it’s my favorite, I’ll start my list of Hampstead pubs with The Holly Bush. Tucked away on a bend in a residential street, this 18th-century pub features a warren of wood-paneled rooms with fireplaces.

Finding it feels like unlocking a local secret, and spending an afternoon or evening over food and drinks is a great way to get into the local scene in this part of north London. It’s one of the best Hampstead pubs for Sunday lunch, too.

2. The Wells Tavern, Hampstead

Down Well Walk, one of Hampstead’s most famous streets, lies The Wells. With picnic tables for sunny days and board games for chilly nights, it’s a versatile favorite.

This pub is known for food, too. Whether I eat downstairs in the pub or upstairs in the dining rooms, the meals always impress.

The Wells is also right down the street from Hampstead Heath, so it’s a great place to go on the way to or from a ramble in the park. It’s one of the top dog-friendly Hamsptead pubs, too, so it’s perfect if you’ve just walked your pup.

3. The Flask Pub, Hampstead

Just off Hampstead High Street, The Flask is another of the best pubs in Hampstead. Right on the corner of the pedestrianized stretch of Flask Walk, this local favorite is set in a beautiful Grade II-listed building.

The Flask is a fun place to go for evening drinks or Sunday roast. The pub has a great Victorian feel to it, and the conservatory in the back is a nice place to sit on rainy days and busy evenings.

4. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

Just off Hampstead Heath, The Spaniards Inn is one of the most famous pubs in Hampstead. It dates back to the 16th century, and its wood-paneled rooms are reputed to be haunted (I haven’t seen a ghost yet, but I’ll keep looking).

The Spaniards also has a big beer garden with lots of atmospheric tables ensconced in foliage. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch if you do one of my self-guided Hampstead Heath walks.

5. The King William IV Pub, Hampstead

Right on Hampstead High Street, The King William IV is another of the best Hampstead pubs. While best known for being one of London’s oldest gay pubs, it’s a fun place for anyone to enjoy.

The King William IV is over 200 years old and it has great atmosphere. With a beer garden, live music, and 100 portraits on the walls, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening in this part of north London.

6. The Duke of Hamilton Pub, Hampstead

New End is home to the Duke of Hamilton pub, a local favorite I once helped save from demolition. This 18th-century Hampstead pub has gone through many iterations over the years, and today it’s home to the Hampstead Jazz Club.

The Duke is also known for being a former haunt of actors like Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole, and Oliver Reed. It has a fun deck out front and a beer garden in the back, too.

7. The Garden Gate, Hampstead

Down in South End Green, The Garden Gate is one of my favorite Hampstead pubs for an important reason: it’s one of the best pubs with beer gardens in London. It’s my favorite place in the area to sit outside on a sunny afternoon.

Given its location right by the Hampstead Heath Overground station (and the park itself), The Garden Gate is also one of the best Hampstead Heath pubs.

This is a great place to end up after a walk up to the Parliament Hill Viewpoint or a swim in one of the Hampstead Heath ponds.

8. The Roebuck, Hampstead

Not far from The Garden Gate, The Roebuck is another of my favorite Hampstead pubs. Right across the street from the Royal Free Hospital, this country-style watering hole is known for its 19th-century atmosphere.

The Roebuck also has a well-known beer garden with covered areas and heaters. It’s a fun spot to sit outdoors, rain or shine.

9. The Magdala Tavern, Hampstead

Just around the corner from The Garden Gate, The Magdala is one of the most famous Hampstead pubs for its dark history. This is the spot where Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Great Britain, shot her boyfriend in 1955.

Today The Magdala is an independent beer-and-food house on the edge of Hampstead Heath. Right by the Overground station, it’s a good one for a meal before or after a walk in the park.

10. The Old White Bear Pub, Hampstead

Tucked away on a side street in the heart of Hampstead village, The Old White Bear pub is a neighborhood classic. It’s undergone multiple renovations in recent decades, and its latest incarnation is a modern gastropub with a big bar and a cozy fireplace.

The Old White Bear serves everything from warming soups to Sunday lunches, and it has a range of beers, wines, and other drinks on offer. It’s one of my favorite local pubs in Hampstead.

11. The Freemasons Arms Pub, Hampstead

Right on the edge of Hampstead Heath, The Freemasons Arms pub is known for its abundance of outdoor tables. It’s a great place to get a drink after a walk in the park on a sunny afternoon.

The pub serves food, too, and there’s an indoor dining room where you can enjoy everything from Sunday roast to pub classics like chicken and pork.

Hampstead Walk

If you want to see more of Hampstead and its pubs, you can go on my free self-guided Hampstead walking tour. It will take you around the side streets and show you some of the best Hampstead pubs along the way.

Hampstead Pubs

I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at my favorite Hampstead pubs. This area is a great place to eat and drink in the UK capital, and I’m sure you’ll love these watering holes as much as I do when you’re in the neighborhood.

If you want to see more, I’ve written a lot about pubs in London. You can take a look at my pub itinerary to get started.

If you’re interested in finding one you can call home-away-from-home, check out my post about the best pub stays in London. I hope you find the perfect one for you!

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.

Pin it!