The Journal
From the Blog
Dispatches from the village — written by people who walk these streets every day. History, food, culture and the stories behind the places you love.
History & Heritage
The Story of Flask Walk: Hampstead's Spa Town Heritage
Flask Walk is the heart of old Hampstead, a narrow pedestrianised lane lined with independent shops, a famous pub, and 300 years of history. Here's the full story.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Food & Drink
Best Pubs in Hampstead: The Locals' Guide 2026
Hampstead has more good pubs per square mile than almost anywhere in London. Here's an honest ranking, from the historic coaching inns to the best neighbourhood locals.
James Calloway · 5 min read
Local Life
Visiting Hampstead: The Perfect Day Trip from London
Hampstead is 25 minutes from central London and feels like another world. Here is how to spend a day, or a weekend, in one of England's most remarkable urban villages.
Oliver Hartwell · 10 min read
Local Life
New Year's Day on Hampstead Heath: Swim, Walk & Tradition
Hampstead marks the first morning of the year with an open water swim in near freezing water and a walk that draws thousands. The tradition explained.
Oliver Hartwell · 6 min read
Local Life
Hampstead High Street: The Complete Guide to London's Best Village High Street
Hampstead High Street, locally known as Heath Street, runs from the tube station to the edge of the Heath. It is one of the few remaining high streets in London where chains have not entirely won.
Oliver Hartwell · 9 min read
Food & Drink
Late-Night Eating in Hampstead: The Complete Guide 2026
Where to find a decent meal after 10pm in an area that tends to wind down early, the late-night options, ranked honestly.
Beatrice Thornton · 5 min read
Local Life
Primary Schools in Hampstead: A Parents' Guide 2026
School choice is one of the biggest decisions families face when moving to Hampstead. Here is an honest account of what is available.
Beatrice Thornton · 5 min read
Food & Drink
Flask Walk: The Street That Defines Hampstead
The pedestrianised lane running south from Hampstead High Street contains more character per metre than almost anywhere in London.
Beatrice Thornton · 6 min read
Local Life
Things To Do in Hampstead: The Complete Local Guide
Hampstead offers more per square mile than almost anywhere in London. This is the complete guide to the neighbourhood, from dawn swims on the Heath to late-night pints at the Spaniards Inn.
Oliver Hartwell · 14 min read
Local Life
Annual Events & Festivals in Hampstead: The Year-Round Guide 2026
The Kenwood concerts, the Heath summer fair, Open House Weekend, and the other calendar events that structure life in the village throughout the year.
James Calloway · 5 min read
Arts & Culture
Theatre Near Hampstead: Beyond the Hampstead Theatre 2026
Hampstead Theatre on Eton Avenue is one of Londons best producing theatres. But the surrounding area has other theatrical options worth knowing about.
James Calloway · 5 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Parks & Green Spaces Beyond Hampstead Heath: Complete Guide 2026
The Heath gets all the attention, but Hampstead has several other green spaces worth knowing: the Pergola, Golders Hill Park, Waterlow Park, and the quiet gardens few visitors find.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Local Life
Transport Guide: Getting Around Hampstead 2026
Northern line, buses, cycling, and when to just walk, how to get around Hampstead and into central London without a car.
Beatrice Thornton · 5 min read
Local Life
Renting in Hampstead: What Your Money Gets You 2026
Hampstead is one of Londons most expensive rental markets. Here is an honest breakdown of what different budgets can realistically expect.
James Calloway · 5 min read
History & Heritage
Fenton House: Four Centuries of History & Collecting
The National Trusts oldest property in London hides a remarkable collection of keyboard instruments and porcelain behind its wisteria hung facade.
James Calloway · 5 min read