The Spaniards Inn

Located on the edge of Hampstead Heath in North London, The Spaniard’s Inn is a Grade II listed 16th century building which is bursting with history.

History of The Spaniards Inn

One of the oldest pubs in London, the Spaniards Inn dates back to 1585 and is legendary for having hosted some of the world’s most famous literary names. Byron, Keats, and Dickens have all lurked around the dark wooden panelled dining room of the Hampstead-set tavern and literature fans will be kept busy exploring its truly heavy hitting history.

Not only was it immortalized in Charles Dickens’ ‘The Pickwick Papers’, it makes an appearance in Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula‘, whilst its humble garden is said to the be where John Keats sat and penned ‘Ode to a Nightingale’.

Due to its countryside setting, it became a popular resting point for local highwaymen of the time, who used the pub as a refreshing respite point between robbing wealthy travellers on their way out of London. It is also often referred to be birthplace of road robber Dick Turpin whose father was the landlord and who, according to bar staff, still makes an occasional appearance in the form of a ghost.

The Spaniards Inn Today

Drinkers and diners today can peruse through the pub’s cabinets, which showcase the inn’s heritage with Dickensian literature and Turpin memorabilia.

The pub offers a broad range of cask ales, craft beers, fine wines, and artisan spirits. It’s also fantastic food-wise, being ranked in The Guardian as serving the UK’s fourth best pub roast.

Getting to The Spaniards Inn

The closest bus to The Spaniards Inn is conveniently named The Spaniards Inn, and stops directly outside. From Kings Cross tube station, The Spaniards Inn is reachable in around half an hour to 40 minutes by taking the northern line to Hampstead Station, and then walking 20 minutes or so through scenic Hampstead Heath. Alternatively, from Kings Cross, take the Northern line to Golders Green, then walk around half an hour across Hampstead Heath to reach the pub.