It’s a place where you can wander between independent shops and shaded streets, then stop off for a drink in a pub that feels like it’s been there forever.
I spent an afternoon visiting three of the area’s most highly rated spots.
Each one offered something different, from local history to standout gardens, but all three were worth the visit.
The Flask
The Flask sits in Flask Walk, a cobbled lane just off Hampstead High Street.
It’s set inside a Grade II-listed building and has the look and feel of a proper old pub – the kind of place you’d stumble into after a walk on the Heath or after browsing one of the nearby bookshops.
Inside, the pub is darker and more traditional, with lots of wood, old furniture and low lighting.
The bar stretches through two main areas, one more like a saloon and the other slightly brighter.
The pub is bigger than it looks from the outside, and there’s a cosy, low-key atmosphere to it.
Drinks on tap included Beavertown Neck Oil and Satellite, Stone & Wood Pacific Ale, Five Points Pale, Young’s cask ale and others.
There’s also a decent cocktail list and a few interesting ciders.
The most expensive pint was £7.80, which felt steep, but the staff were friendly and welcoming — not always a given in London.
The Flask is known locally for its Sunday roasts and seasonal food. It’s popular with dog walkers, locals and people looking for something proper but not overly polished.
It ticks the box for atmosphere and history, even if the prices feel a bit high.
The Magdala
The Magdala Tavern is just around the corner from Hampstead Heath and felt instantly different from the others.
It recently won North London Camra (Campaign for Real Ale) pub of the year, and is best known as the place where Ruth Ellis – the last woman to be hanged in Britain – shot her boyfriend David Blakely in 1955.
It’s independently run and full of small details that set it apart. The front is framed by flowers, and inside, every table had its own small arrangement.
The space is bright and characterful, with tall windows, some of them stained glass, and a layout that makes it feel welcoming but never too busy.
This is a local pub that knows what it’s doing. Behind the bar were around 20 keg beers, seven cask ales and a rotating list of ciders and wines.
I went for a cold rhubarb cider, which was ideal on a warm day.
The selection clearly changes regularly, with an emphasis on quality and variety.
The Magdala also serves food from an open kitchen. There’s a famous steak night on Thursdays and daily-changing specials, plus a Sunday roast that has its own following.
The garden out back is small, more of a smoking area than a sit-down space, but the inside is what matters here.
It’s the kind of place that feels like a proper local, even if it’s your first time through the door.
For me, it was easily the best pub of the three, particularly for its unique selection of beer.
The Garden Gate
The Garden Gate is hard to miss, sitting opposite one of the entrances to Hampstead Heath.
The building is big, smart and inviting, but what really makes it special is the beer garden. It’s known as one of the best in north London, and it’s easy to see why.
There’s raised decking, seating in the sun, fairy lights, lots of greenery and a relaxed, social vibe.
On a hot day, the place was packed but still felt comfortable.
Inside, the pub is well kept, with stained glass windows and a good amount of space.
The service was a bit slow, but it was a busy afternoon and the setting made up for it.
The beer list was decent, with options like Beavertown Cosmic Drop, a berry-style beer that hit the spot, plus session IPAs and staples like Jubel.
They also do food — Sunday roasts, brunch, and fresh pub classics.
The Garden Gate is the one to visit if you want to be outside. It’s loud, leafy and ideal for a long summer afternoon.
Each of these pubs brought something different. The Flask was steeped in history and had a quiet, relaxed feel. The Garden Gate had the best outdoor space by far.
However, the Magdala stood out most of all — a place that felt local, thoughtful and full of character without trying too hard.
