The Wells Tavern

You'll find yourself on Well Walk, that lovely tree-lined stretch that feels more village than North London, and The Wells Tavern is exactly the kind of pub that makes you understand why people move to Hampstead and never leave. It's got the warmth of a proper neighbourhood boozer—the kind where regulars have their spots and the bar staff actually know what they're doing—but without any of the pretension that can creep into this area. The place has a lived-in comfort about it, with decent natural light and enough character to suggest it's been doing this for a while. Food-wise, it's unpretentious pub fare done well, and they take their drinks seriously enough that you'll want to explore beyond the obvious choices.