This area has a Tube stop but none of the London hustle and bustle
Few activities beat spending an afternoon at a country pub with friends, particularly following a pleasant walk through the countryside.
While most Londoners would reasonably assume such an escape requires leaving the capital, there’s actually a corner of London that boasts what could be considered amongst Britain’s finest country pubs, all within Zone 2. The best part is you can easily reach this peaceful haven on the Tube.
Located on the Northern line within the Borough of Camden, Hampstead village might appear fairly central within Greater London, yet feels worlds away thanks to the stunning green slopes of Hampstead Heath. The village is overflowing with character, with no less than 18 grade II listed buildings and a patchwork of winding lanes that make it feel more like a village in the countryside.
The Heath itself makes an excellent spot for a stroll, with the historic parkland covering 320 hectares across one of London’s highest elevations, offering remarkable views alongside thriving woodlands teeming with wildlife.
Beyond the Heath’s northern edge lies Kenwood House with its landscaped grounds, maintained by English Heritage.
Located just moments from Kenwood House is the Spaniards Inn, a top-rated pub which is about as close as you’ll find to a traditional old English country inn in the city.
Built in the 16th century, the wood-panelled interior of The Spaniards is warm and inviting, with patrons through the years including Charles Dickens, poets Lord Byron and John Keats, and actor Emma Thompson.
The pub also offers a traditional pub food menu featuring dishes such as fish and chips and grilled meats, alongside an impressive Sunday lunch menu with all the trimmings.
It’s no wonder the picturesque Hampstead Village is so popular with celebrities, with the likes of Harry Styles, Dua Lipa and Helena Bonham Carter all owning homes in the area. But living in the area expectedly comes at a premium as a result – the average property in Hampstead Village is currently worth around £1,510,801, according to RightMove.
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