The Spaniard's Inn

Pub in Hampstead & West Hampstead
The Spaniard's Inn image

4 / 10 from 3 reviews
Address
Spaniards Road
Hampstead & West Hampstead
London
NW3 7JJ
Map
Telephone
020 8731 8406
Nearest Station
Golders Green
0.90 miles
Category
Pubs
Opening Summary
Monday & Tuesday: 12noon - 23.00
Wednesday - Saturday: 12noon - 12midnight
Saturday: 12noon - 22.30

The Spaniards Inn has earned its place in Hampstead's rich history; Charles Dickens immortalised it in his 'The Pickwick Papers', and rumour has it that Keats himself wrote 'Ode to a Nightingale' here whilst enjoying a rich claret or two! The 16th century inn today retains all the character and romanticism its carried through the ages; a country pub in the city, it boasts a garden grand enough to rival the great Heath itself, a separate dining area, roaring fires in the winter and plenty of intriguing nooks in which to muse over our superlative food and drinks menus.

It's all about beer and food matchings here; each dish produced is perfectly paired to a beer by the cellarman and chef.

The Spaniard's Inn Picture Gallery

The Spaniard's Inn Picture
The Spaniard's Inn Picture
The Spaniard's Inn Picture
The Spaniard's Inn Picture

All In London Review

If you haven’t enjoyed a long, leisurely walk of the Heath followed by a stop at the Spaniards then drop everything and go now

Review Image
Depending on which story you pay attention to, the Spaniards Inn was variously, the birthplace of highwayman Dick Turpin, the oldest pub in London, a favourite of John Keats and, naturally given it was opened in 1585, home to an ‘authentic’ pub ghost. Given this history it’s no surprise that the Spaniards Inn is one of the most famous in London. And while the history counts, the pub is more than a monument stood at the edge of Hampstead Heath, these days it’s the ideal spot for a post-walk tipple and/or a hefty roast dinner.

Given its age, the pub’s subdued whitewashed exterior doesn’t give much away. Once inside, the heavy beams that dissect the ancient rooms and the warped wooden panels that enclose the cosy space offer the reward of timeless ye olde style for those here on a history trip. But many aren’t here for the history, many are here because despite its storied past, the Spaniard’s Inn is a great pub. Low ceilings, large open fires and not a low dangling filament bulb or exposed brick wall in sight, the charm is in the simplicity. And while all that fine aging has left the pub reflecting an idealised version of the past, its bar has kept up to date, offering a good range of draught beer from the likes of Brew Dog and Meantime as well as some a revolving selection of ales.

We eat the classic roast and while it isn’t quite as memorable as the super-attentive service from our waitress, it’s a solid Sunday dinner in a place that could so easily rest on its reputation and offer far worse.

Tourist or Londoner, if you haven’t enjoyed a long, leisurely walk of the Heath followed by a stop at the Spaniards then you should. This coming weekend if possible.

Reviewed by T.A.O anonymously
Published on Nov 15, 2016


Best For

Get scared in London's haunted pubs picture

Get scared in London's haunted pubs

Even Scooby would kack himself

The Spaniards Inn is a West London landmark thanks to its warm charm and checkered history. Once belonging to the father of infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin, to this day the ghost of the bloodthirsty thief roams the upstairs rooms. But if that wasn’t enough, customers in the bar are also known to have been visited by spirits with a penchant for tugging on their coat sleeves.

Our pick of London pubs with open fires picture

Our pick of London pubs with open fires

Let's cosy-up

Positively ancient, The Spaniard’s Inn has been serving up cold beers in front of a warm fire for centuries. Featured by Dickens in his Pickwick Papers and believed to be home to multiple ghosts it has oodles of history along with its Hampstead cosiness.

Our pick of London's oldest pubs picture

Our pick of London's oldest pubs

Step back in time

This is another Charles Dickens favourite (he seemed to have a few favourite pubs in London!) – when did he get the chance to do any work? – The Spaniard’s Inn is a 1585 public house that has accrued more than a few stories over the years. There is the bullet fired from Dick Turpin’s pistol framed behind the bar, the mention of the pub in Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the live-in ghost. Definitely worth a visit for history buffs.

User Reviews

Anonymous

Oct 13, 2008

went to this pub on sunday, waited for 30 mins for order to be taken,another 45mins to get food.The food was taken to wrong table was told by waitress glasses drinks came in were filthy,noticed people on next table also had filthy glasses, was no organisation what so ever.Would never recommend that pub to anybody,food was not that good either.We wont be going there again.They have a cheek to charge the prices they do for such bad service. Whoever is incharge wants to just go outside and sort the table numbers out for a start the staff havent a clue which table is which,and the tables are also filthy,you would not want to put your cutlery on it.
Zoese

Jun 6, 2008

Can't say I was impressed. Went to the Spaniards for Sunday lunch on 1st June 2008. We got the wrong meals, and the meat was stringy and fatty. We'd go there again, but just for a drink.
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