Today I want to share my Hampstead High Street guide with you. This shopping road in north London is a great place to eat, drink, browse, and explore. Its village-like atmosphere and variety of things to do and see make it a local London favorite. I lived in Hampstead for years and I still go back regularly to see what’s new. Read on for my top picks for things to do on Hampstead High Street. I’ve included a map as well.
Hampstead High Street
Hampstead High Street sits right in the heart of the neighborhood. It runs from Heath Street in the north to Rosslyn Hill in the south, and it’s beloved for its plethora of upmarket shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
The street is surrounded by hidden markets and narrow lanes full of village charm. They help make this part of north London worth a detour. If you’re wondering what there is to do on Hampstead High Street, read on.
How to Get to Hampstead High Street
It’s easy to get to Hampstead High Street from other parts of London. The Hampstead tube station is on the Northern line of the London Underground, and it’s located right at the north end of the road.
The area is also served by the Overground, and Hampstead Heath station is a short walk from the high street. Local buses stop along the road, too.
You can also walk or cycle to Hampstead High Street from areas like West Hampstead, Golders Green, Belsize Park, Highgate, Hampstead Heath, South End Green, and Hampstead Garden Suburb. Just mind the hill if you’re coming from the south.
Hampstead High Street Shops
Once in the area, one of the best things to do on Hampstead High Street is go shopping. There’s a wealth of boutiques and stores here, and they sell everything from clothing to kitchenware.
If it’s fashion you’re interested in, Hampstead High Street has you covered. There’s everything from ba&sh to Reiss, Sandro, Maje, Zadig & Voltaire, and Bimba y Lola here.
As far as food goes, the Hampstead High Street shops have something for you, too. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or gourmet groceries, there’s a place you’ll love.
My go-to is The Hampstead Butcher & Providore. It’s technically on Rosslyn Hill, but it’s the same road, so we’ll count it. This place has all the delicious delicacies one could want, plus American food I always get homesick for.
I also like the Bread Ahead Bakery, which has some of the best baked goods in the neighborhood. Venchi Chocolate and Gelato always tempts me inside with its range of cocoa-inspired offerings, too.
And that’s to say nothing of the Hampstead Community Market, a little alley where you can find everything from a butcher to a fishmonger and a greengrocer.
Hampstead High Street has shops selling home goods, too. My favorite is the Borough Kitchen Cook Shop, where there’s no shortage of fun things for your flat.
If you love beauty, Hampstead has you covered. From Space NK to Aesop, the road has a lot of places to get make-up and skincare products.
And when it comes to books, there’s a big Waterstones on Hampstead High Street. It has multiple floors full of everything from novels to coffee table numbers for sale.
The pedestrianized lanes coming off the high street are full of great stores, too. From the antiques and flowers on Flask Walk to the Melrose & Morgan deli on Oriel Place, there’s a lot to get excited about here.
Hampstead High Street Restaurants and Cafes
Speaking of food, there are a lot of Hampstead High Street restaurants and cafes to discover. This road is bursting with places to eat, and you can find cuisine from all over the world here.
One of the most classic places to eat on Hampstead High Street is The Coffee Cup. This 1960s spot has great local atmosphere and an outdoor area perfect for watching the world go by.
Other popular restaurants and cafes on Hampstead High Street include Danish bakery Ole and Steen and London classic GAIL’s Bakery.
And that’s to say nothing of La Creperie de Hampstead, a crepe stand on the corner of Perrin’s Lane that’s so famous another one popped up next to it. Its goods are worth the (often long) wait.
Another favorite is Kape Barako, a little coffee shop inside a red phone box near Gayton Road. It’s always a treat to pass by and see what’s for sale.
Hampstead High Street also has chain restaurants like Patara for Thai food, Cote for French cuisine, and Hagen for espresso. Long-time local staples like PAUL offer light fare as well.
When it comes to restaurants just off the high street, my favorites are the ones on Perrin’s Court. From the classic Italian at Villa Bianca to the coffee and pastries at Ginger & White, there’s a lot to love here.
Pubs
When it comes to drinks, the high street has a few good options. There are great Hampstead pubs, and some of the best are on and around this road.
The King William IV is known for being one of London’s oldest gay pubs, and it’s a fun place for anyone to enjoy. The pub is over 200 years old and it has great atmosphere.
With a beer garden, live music, and 100 portraits on the walls, The King William IV is a fun place to spend an afternoon or evening in this part of north London.
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 watering hole is set in a Grade II-listed building.
Just north of Hampstead High Street, The Holly Bush is a great place to go for drinks or Sunday roast. The interior has a great historic feel to it, and there are tables by fireplaces that are perfect on cold days.
Where to Stay Near Hampstead High Street
If you want to stay near Hampstead High Street, you have some good options. There’s a range of accommodation in the area, from hotels to apartment rentals.
La Gaffe is just around the corner on Heath Street. It’s my favorite local hotel in the area. I love its cozy ambiance and delicious cappuccinos. You can book a room here.
If you prefer to live like a local, the Mirabilis Apartments in Wells Court on Oriel Place are perfect. These elegant places are right in the heart of the village between Hampstead High Street and Heath Street. You can book one here.
You can see a range of other accommodation options and hotels in Hampstead here.
Local Area
There are a lot of places around Hampstead High Street that are worth a trip when you’re in the neighborhood.
From pretty side streets like Back Lane to hidden warrens like the Hampstead Antique & Craft Emporium, there are plenty of fun spots to explore in Hampstead.
Add to that Hampstead museums like Fenton House and Burgh House, and there’s culture to be found here, too.
If you like the outdoors, Hampstead Heath is hard to beat. One of the biggest and wildest parks in London, it’s a great place to get into nature and take in some of the best views of the city. There are even ponds for swimming.
You can do my self-guided Hampstead walk to see my top picks for places to discover in the area. It will take you around to the highlights.
Hampstead High Street Map
If you want to get your bearings, you can see a map of Hampstead High Street here. You can use it to locate all the shops, restaurants, cafes, and other places I mentioned in this blog post.
Hampstead High Street
I hope you’ve enjoyed this Hampstead High Street guide, and that it’s inspired you to get out and discover this beautiful part of north London. It’s still my favorite neighborhood in the city after all these years.
There’s so much do and see around here, and I know you’ll enjoy getting to know this special place as much as I have. Happy exploring!
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