Food & Drink
Hampstead's Best Brunch Spots
Beatrice Thornton
3 February 2026 · 6 min read
The Saturday morning brunch ritual is practically a religious observance in Hampstead. Here's where to go if you take it seriously.
Ginger & White — Perrin's Court
This is the Hampstead brunch institution. Tucked into Perrin's Court (a little alleyway just off Heath Street), Ginger & White does a weekend brunch that manages to feel both effortless and exceptional. The house granola is legendary; the avocado toast arrives on genuinely good sourdough; the flat whites are made with Square Mile coffee. Arrive early or expect a queue — they don't take bookings. The courtyard seating in summer is one of the neighbourhood's great pleasures.
Brew — South End Road
A compact, unpretentious café that does exceptionally good coffee and a short, well-executed brunch menu. The shakshuka is the best in the area; the bacon sandwiches on thick-cut white bread are for those mornings when you need comfort rather than virtue. Service is fast and cheerful. Gets busy by 10am on weekends.
The Horseshoe — Heath Street
For a brunch with the option of a Bloody Mary or a glass of champagne, the Horseshoe pub does a weekend brunch menu that covers the full range — from full Englishes to smoked salmon with scrambled eggs to American-style pancakes. The room is warm and comfortable; the portions are substantial. Good for groups.
Artigiano — Belsize Lane
The Belsize Park branch of Artigiano is slightly larger and more relaxed than some of the Heath Street options. Weekend brunch includes excellent eggs Florentine, a proper croque monsieur, and a rotating selection of pastries made in-house. The coffee programme is serious — pour-overs and filter available alongside the espresso drinks.
Practical Notes
Most Hampstead brunch spots stop serving at 3–4pm on weekends. For groups larger than four, booking ahead is advisable at all but the most casual spots. The Flask Walk and South End Road areas tend to be slightly less crowded than Heath Street itself — worth considering if you prefer a quieter table.
Written by
Beatrice Thornton
Beatrice is a food writer and former restaurant critic who moved to Hampstead after falling in love with its independent café culture. She writes about the best places to eat, drink, and linger in North London, with a particular weakness for a well-made flat white and a slab of Victoria sponge.
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