Read time: 5 minutes

Earlier this month, I ventured up to Hampstead to scope out the neighbourhood and see if it really is as beautiful as everyone talks about. And I loved it! Of course I did. It has all the things I appreciate: old English charm, literary history, sprawling green space and, yes, Harry Styles (or at least the possibility of a sighting).

I started the day with a little pick-me-up. My poison of choice? Matcha. When I’m in a new area, I like to seek out something independent, so after breezing past a few of the usual coffee chains, I discovered Ginger at the Window - a relaxed, grab-and-go coffee spot with a friendly vibe and tempting display of cakes and pastries. I resisted the baked goods (this time), and went for an Iced Matcha Latte, cheerfully prepared by a smiling barista.

Matcha from Ginger at the Window

Matcha from Ginger at the Window

Ginger at the Window

Ginger at the Window

Between Oriel Court and Perrin's Court

Between Oriel Court and Perrin's Court

While waiting for my order, I began to notice the unique local flavour that Hampstead is celebrated for. Just across the street from Ginger at the Window sits Ginger & White, their sister cafe and brunch spot. And just around the corner, a charming little street - a 'mews' -  lined with small, thoughtful retailers, including Kentish Town Stores, displaying handmade ceramics, and the Tipsy Dog Bottle Shop, a cosy spot for craft beer lovers. Tucked away and easy to miss, this tiny street is packed with character. Fun fact: Ginger & White was bought from its original owners in 2019 by two women, one of whom is a co-founder of Lola’s Cupcakes.

Matcha secured, my attention turned to shopping. I wandered down Hampstead High Street, whose length stretches from the tube station down to Rosslyn Hill, and took note of all it has to offer. A luxury mix of big brands, boutiques, and grocers, Hampstead’s options are not all suitable for shopping on a budget, but they are all gorgeously curated - giving you lots of inspiration for a dream wishlist. An especially unique store was Keith Fawkes Antiques on Flask Walk, where tables spill out onto the street with rare books and vintage knick knacks. Perfect for a slow browser.

Flask Walk

Flask Walk

Welding at A&M Hampstead

Welding at A&M Hampstead

Back Lane

Back Lane

Of course, no trip to Hampstead would be complete without stopping by the crown jewel of the high street: our recently opened Astrid & Miyu store. A warm brown haven, with soft textures and big, bright windows, it’s a real testament to our new, elevated look. I was booked in for a piercing and waited excitedly in the cosy seating area until my piercer was ready for me. The piercing studios at A&M Hampstead are tiled in an earthy, olive green and have a really calming vibe that makes you feel instantly at ease - I’m not one to get particularly spooked about a piercing (I already have 10), but an aesthetic environment makes all the difference. I chose the Heart Topaz Charm Piercing Stud for my upper lobe and a smooth, comfortable piercing later and I was ready to continue exploring Hampstead with a shiny new jewel in my ear! Whether you’re popping in to browse our latest collection in real life, or for an in-store experience like me, you’ll feel right at home at A&M Hampstead. 

Our piercing studio

Our piercing studio

My new piercing!

My new piercing!

Inside A&M Hampstead

Inside A&M Hampstead

Eventually all this browsing started to require extra fuel (and it’s always a good idea to eat before/after a piercing), so I followed the high street back uphill until I reached the iconic La Crêperie de Hampstead, just outside the King William IV pub. With a short queue forming, it was clear that this was a popular lunch spot and I wanted to see why. After hopping in the queue and debating all the filling options, I went with the Mushrooms in Garlic Cheese Crepe, though the Asparagus, Cheese & Ham and Banana & Belgian Chocolate seemed to be popular choices. If you come with a friend, why not split one savoury, one sweet? Or for an alternative dessert for the solo wanderer, pop over to Oddono’s on Flask Walk for a scoop of gelato. Tip: La Crêperie de Hampstead takes cash only, but there is an ATM conveniently located across the high street.

Crepes on the way!

Crepes on the way!

La Crêperie de Hampstead

La Crêperie de Hampstead

King William IV pub

King William IV pub

Now, time to walk off all that cheese and to finally get to what Hampstead is so famous for: the Heath! Even though wandering the streets of Hampstead and ogling its gorgeous homes is almost entertainment enough, there is a real magic when you step onto the Heath itself. Even a short walk would be transporting, but if you have the time (and good weather), follow the trails past the ponds and up to Parliament Hill, where you'll find stunning views of London and lots of pic-nicers. A real must-see for first timers at the Heath. 

Idea: If you want to commit to seeing all the Heath has to offer, you could follow the Hampstead Heath Circular (4.5 miles, roughly 2 hours) to discover all its beauty. Although, personally I’m a fan of wandering with no plan, letting intuition (and any particularly leafy path) be my guide.

Step onto the Heath

Step onto the Heath

The view from Parliment Hill

The view from Parliment Hill

The Wells Tavern

The Wells Tavern

After a stroll across the Heath, I rounded off my day with a crispy pint at The Wells Tavern. On a sunny day the pub’s charming exterior is too sweet to pass up, with seating spilling out along the pavement - ideal for slow sipping and some people-watching. But if you’re craving something softer, why not wander a few streets across to Burgh House (a historic house located on New End Square, that includes the Hampstead Museum) to enjoy a coffee and cake in a quiet corner of their enchanting courtyard garden. And, if your afternoon refreshment gives you a final burst of energy, head inside Burgh House for a cultural treat too. Until the end of the year their galleries are featuring ‘Helen Oxenbury: Illustrating the Land of Childhood’ and other endearing exhibitions, some by local artists.

That just about wraps up my day in Hampstead, though I have no doubt there’s still so much more to discover. Whether you follow this guide or pick your own paths, I hope you take the time to explore this charming corner of London and experience Hampstead for yourself. Either way, be sure to stop by A&M Hampstead. Whether it’s for the full in-store experience or simply to say hello, we’d love to see you!

Written by Katrina from our Social & Campaigns Team 

Burgh House

Burgh House

A&M Hampstead

A&M Hampstead

I'm Katrina! Thank you for joining me

I'm Katrina! Thank you for joining me