If you ever have an urge to meander through beautiful side lanes and paths, and ogle even more beautiful houses and gardens, I doubt you’ll find anywhere more appropriate than Hampstead.
Home to an eclectic mix of people (and more millionaires than you can shake a stick at), it’s the perfect spot for wining and dining, particularly if you come across The Wells; a stunning Georgian villa turned gastropub, moments away from Hampstead Heath. We ventured there on a lovely sunny evening and sat in the corner of an impressively bustling bar, clearly this pub’s popularity is no secret…
We started the meal with two delicious and comforting dishes; soft, smoky fish cakes with homemade tartar sauce, and slow cooked pork belly with apple purée and cress, neither over complicated and very tasty.
Our waitress recommended an outstanding red wine – Fleurie Chateau Raousset – to compliment our main courses, which were 28-day dry aged rib eye steak with chips, tarragon and shallot butter sauce, and lamb with polenta and salsa verde. The steak was well cooked and tender, served with super chips and enough condiments to keep even me happy, while the lamb was slightly more refined but not fussy, and came with lashings of buttery, sweet jus.
There was much umming and ahing over dessert, and in the end we decided to break with the tradition of a heavy pub pud in favour of a passion fruit pavlova with mango cream. It was a delicate dish, combining classic sweet meringue, sour coulis and rich cream. A (slightly) lighter way to finish the meal compared to my much favoured, but ever so deadly, cheese-board.
We found The Wells to be homely and relaxed, with accommodating staff and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a great find in one of London’s loveliest areas, and the perfect destination after a long walk on the Heath.
The Wells
30 Well Walk
London
NW3 1BX
