The best pubs in Hampstead

This beloved neighboorhood spot is perched up on the picturesque cobbled Holly Mount. With a lived-in feel, you'll find Fuller's beers in the three low-ceilinged bar areas, as well as other staples. There are fireplaces and cosy corners, while the food is top notch, too. Just be wary as things can get super, super busy. 

Most Londoners know the Spaniards Inn – it’s been a feature of Hampstead Heath since 1585, with Keats and Dickens both former quaffers. It remains as atmospheric as you’d hope, with dark panels and low beams stretching through the bar and restaurant rooms.

The sign outside announces ‘ale, cider, meat’, and that pretty much sums up what’s on offer at the best pub in Gospel Oak, just south of Hampstead Heath. The interior might make you think it’s still 1936, which is all part of its charm. Don't miss out on the best bar snack in London; the pork bap, complete with crackling and apple sauce. The roster of lovingly tended ales and ciders, all from small independent producers, changes regularly. Heaven in pub form. 

This historic pub has a warren of spooky, ye olde rooms that come to atmospheric life at night, but its on a sunny afternoon that this place really gets going. The outdoor courtyard is always rammed during summer and is the best place around to sink a spritz, overlooking the green and former home of late local legend George Michael. 

The Sunday lunch at The Wells Tavern is what it's all about, but you'll need to book. If you're just popping in for a pint at this grand Georgian building, though, the bar is wonderfully cosy, and as there's always a splendid variety of beers to choose from, as well as a nifty cocktail menu, too. 

A lovely gastropub with a gorgeous interior that's just down the road from Hampstead Heath. They're pretty proud of their garden, too - with heated and covered cabanas for year around fresh air. 

The Duke of Hamilton has been there since 1721 – and at one point was where you'd find the likes of professional drunks/actors Richard Burton, Peter O’Toole and Oliver Reed causing mayhem. You'll still find the legendary Hampstead Jazz Club in the basement, and Sunday roasts and pub quizzes are a popular draw. 

A family- and dog-friendly pub a stone's throw from Hampstead tube station. They serve roasts on Sundays, of course - it's practically illegal not to around here. 

This pub is right across the road from the Royal Free Hospital, but it's far more than a safe haven for the hospital staff. Inside you'll find a kitschy but comfy decor and there's plenty of outside space, too. Drinks are varied, too, with some local breweries on tap along with Young's favourites. 

Don't be baffled, but yes, there are two Flasks on either side of the heath. Blending perfectly with the second-hand bookstores and other arcana along this lovely, narrow pedestrianised passage, this historic but welcoming pub has been spruced up but still retains buckets of character. Decorative accents are provided by scenes from fairytales, black-and-white photos of days out and century-old posters for London Underground, but the best seats are around the tall table facing the picture window.

With its the proximity to Mother Nature as well as the train station, this Hampstead boozer boasts a lovely, spacious garden, which is always brimming with people soaking up the atmosphere. Food is fairly typical gastropub fare and drinks veer from firm favourites to craft beers, sometimes with one-off tap takeovers. 

Okay, not technically a pub – but this '70s-themed cocktail bar in West Hampstead is so fun that it's worth a mention here, too. Think natty wallpaper, a stucco ceiling, a vintage playlist and way too much wood. Plus, these cocktails are really good.