The Spaniards Inn - Hampstead - Pub Reviews

Perched on the fringe of Hampstead Heath, The Spaniards Inn is a storied 16th‑century coaching inn whose low‑beamed ceilings, crackling fireplaces, and white weatherboard exterior have welcomed writers, artists, and wanderers for more than four centuries. Today this Grade II listed pub pairs its rich literary lore and highwayman legends with a modern British menu renowned for generous Sunday roasts, rotating cask ales, and dog‑friendly garden tables. Whether you are finishing a ramble across the Heath or simply chasing a taste of historic London, The Spaniards Inn offers an atmospheric retreat where heritage, hearty food, and warm hospitality meet.

Overview & Atmosphere

Stepping into The Spaniards Inn is like walking back in time. This pub – believed to date back to 1585 – is one of London’s most historic watering holes, complete with old-world charm and centuries’ worth of stories. It’s housed in a Grade II listed building and even sports a white weatherboard exterior reminiscent of its coaching inn origins. Inside, you’ll find low-beamed ceilings, wooden floors, and roaring fireplaces that give the interior a cosy, lived-in feel. The layout is divided into snug rooms and nooks, some featuring antique panelling and hearths, which together lend a warm, inviting atmosphere. In fact, the pub’s interior retains so much character that it has been noted for its historic fittings and “cosy atmosphere” with those low ceilings and wood beams.

Despite its age, The Spaniards Inn balances its heritage feel with modern comforts. There’s a spacious beer garden out back (right next to the small car park) that’s perfect for enjoying a drink on a sunny day. On warm afternoons, this outdoor area becomes a popular spot, bustling with locals and visitors soaking up the fresh air after a walk on Hampstead Heath. The pub’s location on the edge of Hampstead Heath is one of its big draws – you can easily combine a visit with a stroll through the Heath’s scenic trails or a visit to nearby Kenwood House. The overall vibe here is relaxed and convivial. During my recent visit, the crowd ranged from families lingering over a Sunday roast, to couples chatting over wine, and the occasional dog-walker rewarding themselves with a pint after a long trek. (Yes, dogs are welcome, and this pub is well-known as a dog-friendly stop – a real bonus for pet owners looking for a pint.) The management appears to ensure accessibility is considered too: the garden and seating areas have pathways that seemed manageable for those with strollers or wheelchairs, making the pub as inclusive as its menu.

One thing you won’t find at The Spaniards Inn is blaring sports TVs or a rowdy games corner. Entertainment is of the traditional sort – good conversation, hearty food, and great drinks. There are no dart boards or pool tables, and they don’t typically show live sports matches, which means the ambiance stays charmingly old-school. This lack of modern pub distractions is intentional and contributes to the Inn’s character as a place to unwind in a more classic way. Instead of loud music or big screens, the background might be filled with soft chatter and perhaps the crackle of the fireplace in winter. It’s an atmosphere that invites you to slow down and soak in the history around you.

Food on Offer

The menu at The Spaniards Inn is a celebration of classic British pub cuisine done right. Think hearty staples that comfort and satisfy. One of the most praised offerings here is the Sunday roast – a true British institution – and The Spaniards Inn’s version has earned accolades. (In fact, The Guardian once listed The Spaniards Inn among the top 10 UK pub roasts, ranking it fourth in the country.) Many visitors rave about their roast dinners, highlighting elements like the tender roasted meats (beef, lamb, or chicken as available) and the perfectly crispy roast potatoes that come alongside. When I visited on a Sunday, I couldn’t resist trying the roast beef, and it lived up to its reputation – served with a towering Yorkshire pudding, rich gravy, and seasonal vegetables that were perfectly seasoned. It was the kind of generous, hearty meal that feels just right after a long walk in the Heath, and every bite was full of comfort and flavour.

Beyond the Sunday roasts, the daily menu covers all the pub classics you’d hope for. Their fish and chips is a favourite, featuring flaky beer-battered fish and chunky chips that hit the spot. Traditional meat pies and sausages with mash often make an appearance, delivering that no-fuss, home-style cooking pub-goers love. There are also rotating seasonal specials, which might include anything from a warming stew in winter to lighter fare in summer, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Importantly, The Spaniards Inn caters to vegetarians and other dietary preferences as well. Vegetarians speak highly of the options like the baked Camembert (oozy, garlicky cheese served with bread – perfect for sharing) or their plant-based burgers, which ensure non-meat-eaters aren’t left with just a token salad. In fact, the variety of the menu has been noted in travel guides, which point out that you’ll find everything from English classics (yes, that fish and chips) to more inventive dishes and vegan options on offer. This inclusivity in the menu provides a welcoming dining experience for all tastes.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert or at least a post-meal cup of tea. On Sundays, they often have a selection of traditional puddings (desserts) to round off your roast – think fruit crumbles with custard or sticky toffee pudding, which can be a divine ending to the meal. And if you’re visiting earlier in the day, note that they even offer brunch service (from 10am to noon on certain days), so you could start your morning with a full English breakfast or eggs Benedict in historic surroundings.

Beers on Tap & Drinks Selection

Beer lovers will feel right at home at The Spaniards Inn. The pub prides itself on a well-curated selection of ales and beers, in keeping with its ownership by a major brewery group. On any given day, there is a rotating range of real ales available on tap. These often include beloved British cask ales like Sharp’s Doom Bar or Fuller’s London Pride – dependable favourites known to most ale enthusiasts – as well as seasonal guest brews from local or regional breweries. During my visit, I enjoyed a pint of a locally sourced ale recommended by the barman, and it was an excellent companion to my meal. The commitment to serving good beer is not surprising; as part of the Mitchells & Butlers family of pubs, The Spaniards Inn knows how to keep ale aficionados happy. The taps are frequently changing, so one week you might find a malty amber ale and the next a hoppy craft IPA from a newer brewery. This variety on tap means there’s always something interesting to try, whether you’re a CAMRA card-carrying beer nerd or just someone who enjoys the occasional pint.

In addition to the real ales, you’ll also find a selection of lagers and craft beers for those who prefer something lighter or trendier. From crisp continental lagers to modern craft brews, the range covers most bases. Not a beer drinker? The Spaniards Inn won’t leave you thirsty either. They maintain a decent wine list (you’ll see couples sharing bottles of wine over dinner), and they stock a range of artisan spirits. If you fancy a gin and tonic or a single malt whisky by the fire, the bar can accommodate. On chilly evenings, a hot toddy or mulled wine (seasonally) might even be on offer, adding to the cosy vibe.

One highlight to note is how well the drink selection pairs with the food. The bar staff are generally happy to make recommendations – for example, suggesting a robust red wine to go with a steak pie, or picking a balanced ale that won’t overpower your roast beef. This kind of knowledgeable service adds to the experience (more on the service below). Overall, whether you’re here to sample the best of British ales or just want a refreshing pint after your walk, the pub’s drink menu is robust and sure to satisfy. And if you’re an ale enthusiast, keep an eye out for any CAMRA plaques or notes – pubs like this often get recognised in the Good Beer Guide for their historic interiors and quality pints.

Price Range

London pubs can be pricey, but The Spaniards Inn falls into a comfortable mid-range (££) category. Most main dishes on the menu hover around £14–£20, which is pretty standard for a quality North London pub meal. For example, the generous Sunday roast (with all the trimmings) or a fish and chips plate will typically land in that range. Given the portion sizes and the prime location, most visitors find the food good value for money. Pints of beer here are usually in line with London averages – generally about £5–£7 per pint, depending on the brew. A classic ale like London Pride might be at the lower end of that range, whereas a stronger craft beer or imported pint could be a bit more. Wine by the glass is similarly reasonable, and they do offer bottles if you’re settling in for a longer stay.

In my experience, I felt the prices were justified by the quality and setting. You’re not just paying for a pint; you’re paying to enjoy it in a centuries-old inn with a unique atmosphere. Considering that The Spaniards Inn is often ranked among London’s best pubs and located in a high-demand area, the cost is what you’d expect – not a bargain, but certainly not extortionate either. If you’re watching your budget, you can always drop by for a single drink (soak in the ambiance for the price of a pint) or take advantage of lunch deals or smaller bites instead of a full dinner. Overall, visitors should budget for mid-range London pub prices and enjoy the fact that they’re dining in a piece of history.

Customer Service

One aspect that can make or break a pub visit is the customer service, and The Spaniards Inn generally earns high marks in this area. From both my personal experience and chatter among fellow patrons, the staff here are friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Upon arriving, you’ll likely be greeted promptly despite the sometimes hectic bustle on busy days. The bartenders and wait staff have a reputation for being approachable and helpful – they’re happy to offer menu recommendations if you’re stuck choosing between, say, the steak and ale pie or the fish and chips. During my meal, our server checked in regularly (but not intrusively) to make sure everything was alright, and they had a warm demeanour that made us feel at home.

It’s worth noting that The Spaniards Inn can get extremely busy on peak days, and the service, while still well-intentioned, can slow down a touch during those times. On a sunny weekend afternoon, the combination of the Heath’s hikers, local families, and tourists can fill every table in the garden and snaking queues can form at the bar. Some patrons have noted that when the pub is crowded on a sunny weekend, wait times for food and drinks can lengthen. I picked up on the same; at the height of a Sunday lunch rush, things took a bit longer – understandable given the volume. However, even when rushed off their feet, the staff tend to maintain a cheerful attitude and do their best to keep everyone served in turn. The team’s upbeat nature often shines through, which helps preserve a pleasant atmosphere even if you have to wait an extra few minutes.

If you’re planning to visit during those peak times (a warm weekend or public holiday), a little foresight can help. I’d recommend arriving early or booking a table if you intend to have a sit-down meal during the rush. Larger groups in particular should book ahead where possible, to avoid disappointment. The pub does reserve many tables for diners, so if you’re just popping in for a drink when it’s packed, know that you might be guided to the beer garden or any standing room until a space frees up (this is actually mentioned by pub experts – on jam-packed days, drinkers without a table sometimes have to relocate to the heated outdoor area). Despite these minor inconveniences, I personally felt well looked after throughout my visit. The staff’s hospitality – from the bartender’s beer suggestion to the server’s friendly chat about the pub’s history – really added to the overall experience.

Events & Special Nights

If you’re looking for a pub with nightly quiz competitions or live bands every Friday, The Spaniards Inn might not be your go-to. This establishment isn’t particularly known for recurring quiz nights or big live music events. Its appeal has more to do with leisurely enjoyment of food, drink, and atmosphere rather than themed party nights. That said, The Spaniards Inn does occasionally host seasonal events and special gatherings. Around bank holidays or festive periods (think Christmas, Easter, or the annual Hampstead Heath fun fairs), the pub sometimes puts on special menus or small events. For example, there might be a mulled wine and mince pie special in December, or a little Father’s Day barbecue in the garden – these kinds of seasonal touches. It’s always worth keeping an eye on their website or giving a quick call to see if anything is planned during holiday weekends.

In the past, the pub has celebrated events like Bonfire Night or Halloween with appropriate decorations and limited-edition drinks (a pumpkin ale, anyone?). They also sometimes partner with their brewery for tap takeovers or beer launch nights, where a particular brewery’s beers feature prominently for a week. While these events are not regular weekly fixtures, they add a bit of extra excitement throughout the year. The key thing to remember is that The Spaniards Inn’s charm lies in its timeless, traditional feel – so even on an ordinary night with no special event, you’re in for something special simply by virtue of the history around you. If having live music is important to you, you might find it here only on the odd occasion (perhaps a lone guitarist playing folk tunes on a Sunday, which has been known to happen). The ambiance most nights, however, remains tranquil and conversation-friendly.

For those specifically seeking out quizzes or music, it might be better to try one of the other pubs in the Hampstead area on those nights. But if you’re after a quiet drink in a storied pub or a hearty meal in a place that oozes history, The Spaniards Inn will likely be the highlight of your evening.

A Pub Steeped in History and Lore

One cannot talk about The Spaniards Inn without mentioning its rich history and the lore that surrounds it. This pub isn’t just old; it’s practically a landmark in London’s pub heritage. Local legend long suggested the inn dated to Elizabethan times, and indeed records show it was built around 1585 as a tavern on the boundary of the Bishop of London’s estate. Over the centuries, it’s gathered a treasure trove of stories and even some famous connections. For literature lovers, The Spaniards Inn holds a special charm. The great Charles Dickens mentioned the pub in The Pickwick Papers, capturing its character for posterity. Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, was reportedly inspired by one of the inn’s ghostly tales when writing his famous novel – fitting for a place often cited as one of London’s most haunted pubs. (The pub humorously embraces this reputation; management quips that you might spot the ghost of the highwayman Dick Turpin roaming the halls!).

Indeed, Dick Turpin, the notorious 18th-century highwayman, is one of the pub’s legendary patrons. It’s said Turpin was a regular at The Spaniards Inn, using its vantage point to eye the road for wealthy targets, and that his father even served as the landlord here. Whether his ghost still haunts the upstairs rooms is up for debate, but it certainly adds a thrill to the pub’s story. On a more literary note, the poet John Keats lived nearby and frequented the inn; local lore claims that Keats penned his Ode to a Nightingale in the pub’s very garden – one visit to that tranquil, green back terrace and it’s easy to see how inspiration could strike. Even the famed painter Joshua Reynolds and poets like Lord Byron have been counted among the historic guests. With such a parade of artists, writers, and rogues linked to the place, it’s no wonder The Spaniards Inn often finds itself voted among London’s best pubs and cited in travel guides as a must-visit for history buffs.

The pub building itself has endured through significant chapters of history. There’s an old toll-house directly across the road from the inn, dating to the early 18th century, harking back to when the road was a busy coach route (in fact, the road narrows to a single lane between the pub and toll-house even today). During the Gordon Riots of 1780, as an interesting anecdote, the inn’s landlord reportedly gave free ale to a mob of protesters to delay them – successfully preventing them from marching on a local aristocrat’s house. Standing in the pub, you can almost feel these layers of history around you. The walls, with their wooden panels and the bar with its centuries-old foundations, have witnessed everything from Georgian-era gossip to modern-day merriment.

All of this heritage doesn’t mean the pub is a stuffy museum piece, though. On the contrary, part of the thrill is how alive and well The Spaniards Inn is today. When you sit in a corner with your pint, you might be surrounded by photos of old Hampstead or plaques about Dickens, but at the next table there’s a group of friends laughing over burgers, and at the bar a local is chatting with the bartender about the new seasonal ale on tap. History is alive here, not preserved under glass. For visitors and locals alike, this blend of past and present makes a visit to The Spaniards Inn truly memorable.

Final Thoughts

After spending an afternoon at The Spaniards Inn, it’s easy to understand why this pub has such a loyal following and an enduring reputation. It offers that rare combination of historic charm, natural setting, and quality fare that even many newer pubs struggle to achieve. For me, the experience was the perfect blend of a rustic English pub (creaking floors, hearty food, cask ale in hand) with the conveniences we appreciate in modern dining (a diverse menu, attentive service, and contactless payments at the bar). The location – right by Hampstead Heath’s rolling meadows and ancient trees – provides a picturesque backdrop that few city pubs can rival. It’s the kind of place where you can imagine whiling away hours, whether by a cosy fire in winter or under the chestnut trees in the garden on a summer evening.

Certainly, on very busy days the pub’s popularity can present some challenges (you might wait a bit longer for that roast or find it hard to snag a table without a reservation). If anything, this is a testament to The Spaniards Inn’s appeal – people just love coming here, both locals and tourists. Perhaps the management could consider bolstering staff during peak times or streamlining the garden service to keep up on those crazy Sundays, but these are minor gripes in the grand scheme. Overall, I left The Spaniards Inn with a warm sense of satisfaction – and truth be told, a desire to return soon. It’s not just about the food or drink; it’s about how the place makes you feel. There’s a comfort in knowing such historic pubs continue to thrive and that you can step into one and feel at home.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Spaniards Inn to anyone looking for an authentic pub experience in London. Whether you’re a history enthusiast eager to soak up the tales of bygone eras, a foodie hunting for a great Sunday roast, a beer lover on the trail of the next great pint, or simply a traveller wanting to see a beautiful part of the city, this pub has something for you. It offers a genuine taste of tradition in an idyllic setting, and it serves as a perfect start (or finish) to a day exploring the leafy expanses of Hampstead. In a city constantly changing and buzzing with new hotspots, The Spaniards Inn stands as a proud icon of old London – yet very much alive, kicking, and pouring pints to new generations of happy patrons.