:We've said it before and we'll say it again - we feel very lucky to have our home in such a beautiful corner of London. Hampstead isn't just pretty, with its cobbled backstreets, hidden mews, charming, historic pubs. and grand old houses - it's also brimming with brilliant independent businesses, and nowhere is that more obvious than when it comes to coffee.
Whether you're after a proper builder's brew before a walk on Hampstead Heath, a leisurely brunch with the papers, or somewhere to tuck yourself away with a laptop for the morning, Hampstead Village has you covered. Here are five of our favourite cafes, all within a short stroll of La Gaffe which you really have to try…
1. The Coffee Cup
A Hampstead institution if ever there was one, the Coffee Cup has been serving the village since it opened its doors in 1953, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Tucked away close to the famous Creperie on Hampstead High Street, it has a lovely lived-in, bohemian charm - all dark wood, cosy corners and decades of local gossip soaked into the walls.
It's the kind of place where you can nurse a coffee for two hours and nobody will bat an eyelid, which is exactly why generations of writers, artists and eccentrics have called it their second office. Order a full English breakfast if you're feeling hungry, or just a pot of tea and a slice of cake if you're passing through. Either way, you're paying for the atmosphere as much as anything on the menu, and it's worth every penny. Address: The Coffee Cup, 74 Hampstead High Street, NW3 tel: 020 7435-7565.
2. Ginger & White
If The Coffee Cup is Hampstead's past, Ginger and White feels very much like its stylish present. This bright, airy little spot on Perrins Court offers fantastic speciality coffee alongside a menu that’s somewhat Italian in the best way possible - think creamy burrata, delicious bread and pastries that will test your willpower before 10am.
It gets busy, especially at weekends, so go early if you want a table rather than a takeaway cup. The flat whites are excellent, the staff are friendly without being fussy, and there's something rather lovely about sitting outside on a sunny morning watching Hampstead go about its business. A firm favourite with locals, and it's easy to see why. Address: Ginger and White, 4a Perrins Court, NW3 tel: 020 7431-9098.
3. Roni's Bagels
Just down the High Street, on what continues as Rosslyn Hill, Roni's Bagels is Hampstead's answer to the classic New York bagel joint, and it's an absolute must for anyone craving something substantial. The bagels here are boiled and baked exactly as you’d get in the Big Apple - dense, chewy and utterly satisfying - and piled high with fillings that don't hold back.
Salt beef with mustard is the classic order, though the smoked salmon and cream cheese gives it a good run for its money, and vegetarians won't be short of options either. It's fast, unpretentious, and the sort of place you'll find yourself craving at odd hours.
Grab one to eat on a bench, or take a seat inside and watch the sandwiches fly out of the kitchen - either way, come hungry. Address: Roni’s Bagels, Rosslyn Hill, NW3 - 020 7433-3103.
4. Burgh House Cafe
Set in the walled garden of the beautiful Burgh House - a Queen Anne mansion that's now home to our local Hampstead Museum - the Burgh House Cafe is one of the village's best-kept secrets. It's a fantastic suntrap in the warmer months, with tables spilling out into the garden, and there's a real sense of having stumbled on somewhere special, even though it's right in the middle of the village.
The menu is simple and homely - soups, salads, quiches and excellent cakes - and everything has that homemade quality that's increasingly hard to find. Combine your visit with a wander round the museum or the garden itself, and you've got yourself a lovely, low-key Hampstead afternoon. Cash-strapped culture vultures take note - entry to the museum is free, so this really is an afternoon well spent.
5. Olive and Sage on Flask Walk
Flask Walk is one of Hampstead's prettiest streets, all independent shops and cobbles, and Olive and Sage fits right in. This charming little cafe has a distinctly Mediterranean feel, both in its warm, relaxed vibe and in what lands on your plate - think shakshuka, halloumi, good olive oil and plenty of fresh herbs.
It's small, so it can get cosy at peak times, but that's rather part of the charm - you'll likely end up chatting to your neighbours at the next table. The coffee is strong, the brunch dishes are generous, and it's a lovely spot to while away a Saturday morning before browsing the shops along Flask Walk. Address: Olive and Sage, 4 Flask Walk, NW3.
So there you have it - five wonderful reasons to swap your usual coffee run for a proper Hampstead cafe crawl. From old-world charm to Mediterranean flair, there's something here for every mood and every craving.
If you're planning a trip to London and fancy basing yourself somewhere with real village character, look no further than La Gaffe. Our family-run guest accommodation is just a few minutes' walk from every cafe on this list, and only a short hop from Hampstead tube station - meaning you get the charm of the village with the whole of London on your doorstep.
Within Hampstead, there’s so much to do - walk on Hampstead Heath, explore the Village and its beautiful backstreets, stopping in local pubs, explore nearby Golders Hill Park and its ‘secret gem’ the Pergola, or wander down to Camden Loch and Camden Market, for shopping, lunch, a boat ride along Regent’s Canal or a fun outing to London’s underground amusement park, Babylon. It’s all within walking distance!
All of our rooms are comfortable, en suite and we pride ourselves on our family touch. Get in touch by email or phone to find out more, or to book your stay with us directly. We'd love to welcome you.