‘Cider, ale, meat’: so reads a white painted sign on the exterior of this boozer (the best in Gospel Oak by a long shot). That suggests a venue with prosaic tastes, which is only partly true. The ambience is certainly low-key and unpretentious, with meaty bar snacks that deliver on the pub’s promise (the pork bap is heaven), but there’s also a raffishly artistic air to the Southampton Arms. You’ll find an old piano against the wall that leads out to the beer garden and crackly vinyl on the stereo. In keeping with the creative atmos, they proudly claim to be the ‘only dedicated ale and cider house in London to sell only beers and ciders from small independent UK breweries’. It’s super close to the mighty Hampstead Heath too, so makes for the ideal place to sink a post-big walk pint.
Time Out tip
The aforementioned walled beer garden feels secluded, cloistered and intimate. Be warned: once ensconced, you won’t want to leave.
Bring the dog
The Southampton Arms loves your pooch almost as much as you do. It rocks if you’re merely dog-envious, too.
RECOMMENDED: The best pubs in London.