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
4 / 10 from 3 reviews
Spaniards Road
Hampstead & West Hampstead
London
NW3 7JJ
020 8731 8406
Hampstead & West Hampstead
Pubs
Monday & Tuesday: 12noon - 23.00
Wednesday - Saturday: 12noon - 12midnight
Saturday: 12noon - 22.30
The Spaniard's Inn Picture Gallery
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
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
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
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
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
Oct 13, 2008
Jun 6, 2008
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