West Hampstead did not exist until the 1880s. The opening of the railway station in 1888 brought on the area’s rapid development. The region quickly went from a few wealthy mansions and their workers’ cottages to spreading into a working-class suburb.
Over the years, West Hampstead has attracted musicians, artists, writers and actors. It helped transform the area into the much sought-after place it is today. The area’s history means there is a variety of fantastic independent pubs and bars in West Hampstead.
Best Pubs and Bars in West Hampstead
West End Lane is the main road that runs through the leafy suburb and the street to find most of the pubs and bars in West Hampstead. Here are six of the best.
1. Luna Gin Bar – A Love Affair With Gin
Luna Gin Bar invites you to enjoy a fabulous Gin experience. Dutchman William of Orange started London’s love for gin when he came to power in 1689. The Luna Bar shares the passion for the juniper-flavoured spirit and has an impressive cocktail menu.
The bar also serves a selection of Mediterranean dishes, including meat, and the Chef’s Selection Board comes highly recommended at £35.00 for two.
Luna’s Cocktail menu includes Luna’s Fantasy, a cocktail of gin, cucumber, and melon liqueur for £10.50.
Some cocktails contain egg white, but vegan options are available with an aquafaba replacement.
Luna has an excellent variety of gins, including Ki No Bi, an artisanal Japanese gin from Kyoto, £8.50 for a single and £16.00 for a double.
Hayman’s London Dry Gin uses a family recipe developed over the last 150 years.
- Single £5.00,
- Double £10.00.
Or, you could try the mighty Hayman’s Navy Strength Royal Dock Gin. The Admiralty first received the bracing spirit in 1863
- A single is £6.00
- Double £11.50.
The bar has regular Happy Hours, where it is 2-for-1 cocktails.
- Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 7 pm
- Friday to Sunday, 4 pm to 7 pm
You can also arrange a group booking for celebrations such as Birthdays, Baby showers, and anniversaries.
The Luna Gin Bar is a beautifully decorated and Instagram-worthy venue. The servers are attentive and friendly, the food is delicious, and hats off to the bartender for the delicious cocktails.
Luna Gin Bar is one of the best pubs in West Hampstead, and its superb ambience and sophistication are perfect for a Gin exploration.
Address: 188 Broadhurst Gardens, London, NW6 3AY
Telephone: 0207 625 7616
More: [Seriously] 6 Best Pubs in Hampstead: A Guide From a Local
2. The Alliance NW6 – Your Neighbourhood Pub
The Alliance has a heartwarming story and is a traditional local pub at the heart of the community. Brothers Ben and Ed discovered that their great-grandfather had been a local at The Alliance in 1938 when he fled from Vienna to London. So, in a joint venture with the owner, Adam, a childhood friend and co-owner, Scott, they transformed The Alliance into a pub where people could come and relax over a good pint, socialise, and enjoy mouthwatering food.
The pub serves proper pub food at its finest. Some menu choices are:
- Haddock and Chips, with minted mushy peas, priced at £18.50.
- Mussels, Bacon, Shallots in White Wine with chips, for £17.50.
- Hampstead Butchers 9oz Flat Iron Steak, in a Green Peppercorn Sauce for £25.50.
The pub also serves a Brunch every Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.
Every Tuesday night, starting at 7 pm, The Alliance holds a traditional pub favourite, a Pub Quiz Night, which costs £2.00.
If you are looking for places to eat in West Hampstead, The Alliance will serve you a treat.
Address: 40 – 42 Mill Lane, London, NW6 1NR
Telephone: 020 7794 2860
More: 5 Drag Brunch Spots in London: Bottomless Booze
3. Wolf Pack – Craft Beers
Founded by two former rugby players, Wolf Pack West Hampstead is one of three bars with a goal to create a seriously good lager brewed to be bold for those that love to hang out with mates, colleagues, or wives and to watch a game of rugby, of course.
The Wolf Pack brews some of its craft lagers, including the WolfPack lager, their original lager. It is similar in taste to a Bavarian-style lager and bursting in flavour. The price is £5.95
If you prefer something light, mellow, and refreshing, try the WolfPackesh IPA at £6.05.
Wolf Pack also serves excellent food and generous portions if you are feeling hungry. Their Buffalow Wings are strongly recommended at 6 for £7.00 or 12 for £12.00. However, be warned, the Hot Habanero Wings are not for the faint-hearted.
The cheeseburgers are great at £13.00, and there is a vegan Moving Mountain Burger at £14.50.
Wolf Pack has got to be one of the best bars in West Hampstead. The staff are friendly, the vibe is fantastic, the food is incredible, and they serve an excellent selection of beers on tap, beer from their brewery and craft beers from around the world.
Address: 291 – 293 West End Lane, London, NW6 1RD
Telephone: 020 1234 5678
More: 5 Pubs with Pool Tables in London: Sports, Trendy, and Classy
4. Heads and Tails – Award Winning
Heads and Tails is a relatively new bar in town. Since its opening in 2018, it is already proving to be one of the best bars in West Hampstead, featuring in the UK’s Top 50 bars and claiming a spot in the World’s Top 500 bars.
As you walk into this fabulous cocktail bar, you are greeted with fresh and pleasant decor with the right background music, allowing the perfect ambience to sit back, relax, and sip cocktails. There is also a gorgeous garden ideal for summer days.
Heads and Tail’s drinks menu includes a selection of Champagnes, such as Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut at £13.00 by the glass or £75.00 for a bottle.
Wines include a New Zeland Otu Estate, £11.50 or £44.00.
The bar serves a selection of anytime nibbles and bar snacks, such as smoked almonds, for £3.50 and homemade hummus with sourdough, for £6.00.
For a superb experience where you can enjoy good food, and fabulous cocktails mixed by talented Mixologists in an incredible atmosphere, check out Heads and Tails in West Hampstead. I have heard they also serve a tasty brunch.
Address: 175 West End Lane, London, NW6 2LH
Telephone: 07926 968 335
5. The Black Lion – Food, Music, Liquor
The Black Lion has recently undergone a revamp and is now bright and airy. The pub has retained a good old English authenticity by playing live sports and karaoke and serving epic Sunday Roasts. The bar has also introduced a slightly American twist by introducing American- small plates. The Black Lion in West Hampstead also has a great split-level beer garden and a front terrace.
Small plates include Southern Fried Chicken Bao at £6.50 and Crab Hush Puppies at £7.00.
The bar has earned a reputation for serving a delicious Sunday Roast, which you can choose from,
- Chicken: £19.00
- Porchetta: £18.50
- Beef: £20.00
- Vegan Wellington: £18.50
All come with traditional Sunday Roast trimmings, except for the vegan option, which does not come with Yorkshire Puddings.
If you want a relaxed pub where the service is great, the food is outstanding, and the atmosphere is lively, The Black Lion in West Hampstead is a great option.
Address: 295 – 297 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6 1RD
Telephone: 0207 435 4389
6. The Railway – Greene King Pub
The Railway has a long musical history that has hosted musicians like the Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix. The pub, now owned by the chain Green King provides a place to unwind and enjoy great food and drinks at reasonable prices.
- The menu includes Southern Fried Fish and Chips, £13.95
- Steak and Ale Pie with chips, £12.95
- 28-Day Aged Flat Iron Steak, £16.50
On the menu are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options
- Biff’s Jackfruit Wings, £5.45
- Omni Plant Fish and Chips, £13.95
- Keralan Chickpea Curry, £11.95
The Railway is a popular sports bar and can get busy, particularly during major rugby and football matches. However, the staff are exceptionally efficient and maintain an excellent standard of service with plenty of smiles.
If you want a great sports bar that serves a good selection of food and drinks, visit the Railway pub in West Hampstead.
Address: 100 West End Lane, West Hampstead, Greater London, NW6 2LU
Telephone: 02076 247611
Tips To Enjoy the Pubs and Bars of West Hampstead
- Does West Hampstead have a tube station? West Hampstead tube station is on the London Underground Jubilee Line.
- Book in advance. West Hampstead is home to some popular bars and restaurants that can get busy. Several pubs show live sports, so if that is when you want to go out for a meal, it is worth booking ahead.
- Check if they serve meals. Wine and gin bars are popular in West Hampstead, and while they might serve nibbles and small bites, not all cater for main meals. If you want a three-course meal, have a look around.