The city of London is a sprawling cacophony of noise, colour, vibrancy and creativity. Home to the Katharine Pooley Design Studio, it is the source of much of my inspiration and the location of many of our projects. Recently, I have been taking time to revisit and re-explore some of my favourite ‘lesser known’ areas of this great city and thought I would start with the sleepy, narrow cobbled streets, lush gardens and pretty shops of Hampstead. Its unique character, beautiful houses, and the perennial appeal of the vast and evocative Heath mean many of our clients are putting down roots in this wild and inspiring corner of the city.
The laid-back vibe of Hampstead is chic as it is serene. Thriving small businesses dot the prestigious London neighbourhood, while homes across the area are steeped in tradition and long favoured by academics, artists and media figures. Locals eschew the perfect lawns of the Royal Parks for the Heath, a delightfully overgrown tract of countryside said to have inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia. I find it is the perfect place to escape from the demands of life thanks to its wild meadows, sprawling woodlands and accessible swimming ponds.
Here are some of my favourite things to do and see in Hampstead.
ART
Established in 1986, Catto Gallery has grown to become one of the most prestigious fine art galleries in London. Specialising in all mediums of contemporary art, the gallery hosts around 12 solo and joint exhibitions a year.
Founded in 1946, the HAS is known for showcasing work from emerging and established artists. I love that the society provides a platform for its members to exhibit their work, engage with the local art community, and participate in artistic events and workshops.
HISTORIC HOUSES
Burgh House is a delightful red-brick historic house dating from 1704 in the Queen Anne style. It was built at the same time as Hampstead Wells Spa was being constructed and has enjoyed many different lives, today it contains a museum, and the lovely courtyard and bustling café are well worth a visit. I find the interior is delightfully simple with the green of the library particularly pretty.
A beautiful late 17th-century merchant’s house with picturesque walled gardens today owned by the National Trust. Standing as the oldest house in Hampstead, I find the yellow drawing room is understated and very pretty, while collections of porcelain, musical instruments and a couple of John Constable seascapes draw the eye.
Kenwood House sits on a hill to the north of the Heath, its beautiful façade contains a remarkable collection of art, including imposing works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds. Recently refurbished, the interior furnishings and architectural details sing with glorious colour. Be sure to walk through the surrounding grounds and woods which contain spectacular sculptures by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.
WALKS
Wild and free, the scale of the Heath continues to inspire to this day. Wildlife includes grass snakes, muntjac deer and parakeets. Open-air swimming ponds —three in total: one for men, one for women and one mixed – offer peace and a (very) refreshing dip.
From Parliament Hill you can view the whole of London’s skyline rising up below you. It is the perfect spot for a picnic and watching the sun go down. With St Paul’s Cathedral peeking out between the city’s skyscrapers, I think the spot is particularly magical.
CULINARY DELIGHTS
A charming pub renowned for its atmosphere, and I can see why. With its cosy wooden furnishings, crackling fireplace, and a selection of local artwork, the establishment has become a beloved fixture in the community. Beyond its drinks and dining, The Holly Bush frequently hosts local events, contributing to its status as a cherished local spot.
Hampstead is full to the brim with wonderful independent cafes and restaurants often housed in the prettiest little buildings. My favourite is Ginger & White. They celebrate the simple, best things in life – made by hand from scratch every day. You can feel the joy and personal pride in every perfectly poured coffee and delectable bake. I recommend the cheesecake, and a seat outside to watch the world peacefully amble by.
With knowledgeable staff guiding you through their offerings, the gourmet butcher shop and deli offers a delightful selection of artisanal produce. I adore their range of hand-selected cheeses and chutneys. It is a go-to destination for food lovers seeking quality and flavour in every bite.
BOUTIQUES
Maud and Mabel specialise in contemporary ceramics and art inspired by the Shibumi principle of unobtrusive beauty. The shop’s simple colour palette and serene atmosphere leave you wanting to declutter and live a more minimalist lifestyle, with hand-crafted pieces that take centre stage.
KEITH FAWKES
The charming part-bookshop, part-antique store is known for its unique offering. Regulars queue early for the best finds, with books piled high and antique items outside flowing across the cobbled street. The thrill lies in finding treasures — arrive early, pay fairly, and embrace the rustic charm.
This boutique florist is known for its exquisite floral arrangements and creative designs. Sayeh & Galton is celebrated for its ability to craft artistic arrangements that blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. I love their use of the freshest seasonal flowers, and regularly pick up a pretty posy to take home after exploring the area.
In recent years, I’ve found myself designing more properties in Hampstead, and it’s easy to see why our clients have fallen in love with this beautiful, tranquil corner of London. The area boasts standalone houses with large gardens, offering the perfect combination of luxury, space, and serenity.
Hampstead’s rich history is beautifully reflected in its architecture and atmosphere. As I wander through its winding streets, I’m captivated by the grand Georgian houses, quaint cottages and stately Victorian mansions, each with its own unique story to tell. This being considered, Hampstead is far from being frozen in time. The area is also home to some of London’s most exclusive modern developments, where innovative, eco-friendly designs seamlessly blend with classic elegance.
Thank you for reading and have a wonderful weekend x
