Hello, this is Dice, a Japanese expat living in London. The weather here has been quite strange lately—it’s warmed up by about 10°C compared to last week!
In this blog, I’ll be introducing Hampstead, a charming upscale neighborhood known for its stylish cafés and boutique shops. Hampstead is home to a variety of trendy cafés, delightful dessert spots, and an abundance of unique antiques and handicrafts. If I were to compare it to Tokyo, it feels most similar to Jiyugaoka.
This post is especially for:(1) Those interested in exploring the streets of London’s luxury neighborhoods, (2) Those looking to visit a chic, peaceful area in the city.
I’ll guide you through Hampstead’s unique charm and what makes it so special. You can also experience Hampstead’s streets on our YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out!
The Origins of Hampstead
The name “Hampstead” comes from Old English, meaning “homestead” or “farm.” It originally began as a small village on the outskirts of central London, home to farmers and rural life. However, in the late 17th century, everything changed with the discovery of spring water at Hampstead Heath. This newfound resource transformed Hampstead into a popular spa destination, attracting the wealthy for its healing waters.
From the 18th to the 20th century, the area continued to develop as a quiet, upscale residential neighborhood, especially favored by the upper classes, including cultural figures and artists, who built stately homes here. Its appeal lay in its peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of central London.
Hampstead has retained its charm as a cultural and artistic hub while preserving the vast greenery of Hampstead Heath, a sprawling park that remains one of its key attractions. Today, it is recognized as one of London’s most prestigious residential areas and is famously home to numerous notable figures.
Boutiques and Handcrafted Goods
Along the A502 and in charming spots like Hampstead Emporium and Flask Walk, you’ll find a variety of unique shops offering handcrafted goods. These stores showcase an array of items, all meticulously handmade, making them perfect for those looking to pick up one-of-a-kind pieces or gifts with a personal touch. Hampstead’s love for artistry and craftsmanship truly shines in these quaint and inviting boutiques.
In another shop, the festive spirit was in full swing, with decorations and trinkets inspired by snowmen and woodland fairies adorning the shelves. These seasonal items perfectly capture the charm of Christmas, adding a whimsical and cozy touch to the shopping experience in Hampstead.
Antique Treasures
Hampstead, with its rich history as an upscale residential area, was once renowned for its abundance of antique shops. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of several establishments. Despite this, Antiques & House Clearance remains open, offering a glimpse into the past with its curated collection. Here, you might uncover hidden gems such as heirloom tableware and other vintage treasures, reflecting the timeless charm of Hampstead’s storied heritage.
You can also experience Hampstead’s streets on our YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out!
Dining
As an upscale residential area, Hampstead is home to a variety of excellent dining options.
Crepe shop：La Creperie de Hampstead
One of London’s most popular crepe shop, La Crêperie de Hampstead has been delighting visitors since 1980. This long-standing favorite is known for its consistent queues, a testament to its enduring appeal. The menu is impressively extensive, offering over 30 choices split into Sweet (dessert-style) and Savory (meal-style) categories.
For a Sweet option, the chocolate banana crepe is a must-try, featuring rich, decadent chocolate. On the Savory side, the ham and mushroom crêpe with garlic cheese is a standout. Its buttery flavor and perfectly balanced ingredients make it a truly unforgettable dish. Be sure to give it a try!
Pub & Restaurant: Holly Bush
A long-established pub and restaurant loved by locals, Holly Bush is known for its traditional British cooking. On Sundays only, they serve roasted lamb, beef, pork, and chicken dishes, which are famous for being prepared using authentic British culinary methods.
The roast lamb was tender and perfectly complemented by a sweet and savory sauce that clung to the meat beautifully. It was absolutely delicious. Meat sold in UK supermarkets can often be quite tough, so having the opportunity to enjoy such tender, flavorful meat is a rare treat. The seasoning was spot on, making it an all-around fantastic dish!
Conclusion
How is it?
This time, I introduced Hampstead’s charm, particularly for those interested in:(1) Exploring the streets of London’s luxury neighborhoods, (2) Visiting a stylish, peaceful area in the city. If you’re especially interested in unique and handcrafted goods, Hampstead is definitely worth a visit.
London still has many fascinating spots to discover. Depending on your travel goals, I’ll continue sharing recommendations and itineraries that I can personally suggest as a resident of Japan. Please check out my other blog posts for more ideas!
Additionally, I’m sharing my experiences of life in London and travels around Europe on YouTube. Through videos, I aim to convey real-life experiences, beautiful landscapes, and the true atmosphere that words can’t fully capture. Be sure to visit our channel!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mriiy15
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