Well not quite. Hampstead does have a fair few boutiquey shops but always feels Villagey in a 'I'm just browsing' kind of way.
Hampstead High Street is the main thoroughfare through Hampstead, historically known as Kingswell Street due to the numerous local wells. In the 17th century, it was renamed Hampstead Street as development expanded, and today it is at the heart of the village.
A notable landmark along the street is the Old Hampstead Fire Station, built in 1871. During World War I, its tower served as a lookout during air raids. The fire station eventually closed as fire appliances became mechanised and the need for multiple fire stations in certain areas of London decreased.
One interesting element is the generosity of providing a clock tower, which really marks the corner of Heath Street. However, there is more to this than meets the eye; the tower is actually a Victorian drying device. The fire hoses would be hung inside the clock tower after use to dry. These hoses were particularly busy as the fire station also attended fires on the Heath in addition to the large homes. The clock tower is also the tallest building in the village centre but sits opposite the deepest in a way. Hampstead tube is the deepest tube on the network, mainly because of the height of Heath Street (more about that later).
La Crêperie
Crêperie de Hampstead is a relatively recent landmark, mainly known for its queues and great Crêpes. Founded in 1977 by a French chef, it has traded from the same spot ever since. You will actually find two Crêperie's trading here a bit like the bagel shops on Brick Lane a good idea soon catches on!
King William IV
A prominent pub right on Hampstead High Street. A charming C18th busy pub with Londoners and ghosts apparently; a former landlord, a white lady, heavy footsteps and much much more. So much so infact that the pub received a visit from the paranormal psychic Derek Acorah himself!
Perhaps the most interesting former resident to discuss over a pint is Dr. Wyatt who once lived/owned the pub. The good doctor apparently fell out with his wife and instead of couple therapy he opted to murder her by bricking her up in the cellar. Dr. Wyatt did not think this through as ghosts can actually pass through walls and now the estranged ghost makes a nuisance of herself. She is not the only one, the pub also boasts the ghost of a little girl either from the 18th or 19th century. Apparently her visit to the dentist opposite left her in such agony that she killed herself and her ghost is now said to prowl around the pub, gazing forlornly in through the windows. Perhaps a warning to the queues waiting for sugary Crêpes
Perrin’s Court
Perrin’s Court is a narrow alley that dates back several centuries, and it is thought to have been established during the 18th century or earlier. The court's exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, but it likely was part of the expanding settlement of Hampstead during the Georgian era. At this time, Hampstead was growing in popularity as a rural retreat for the wealthy, artists, and intellectuals, and many of the area’s iconic buildings, narrow lanes, and courtyards were developed. The court dates back to the late 19th century and is named after the Perrin family, who were prominent in the area during that time.
The court is often overlooked but contains some great shops and restaurants including the much photographed Villa Bianca, type it into Instagram!
In the evening you may see the spectre of tall Victorian man in a top hat at the entrance to Perrin's Court in addition to the influencers. I make that our third ghost in as many steps, proof that Hampstead is admired by everybody living or other.
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