Any pub that gives HP sauce a starring role on its menu gets our vote which more than ‘cuts the mustard’ (oh yes, we did) when paired with their handmade scotch eggs known to be some of the best in town. But The Spaniards Inn is known for more than their deep fried pork meat offerings. As one of the oldest pubs in London (Dickens immortalized the pub in his Pickwick Papers) this 16th century pub boasts an urban oasis, a short walk from Hampstead Heath.
With roaring log fires and plump, cushioned corners this would work well when working in the romance. Talk a turn round nearby Kenwood House and trot back for crumbed pigs cheeks with celeriac remoulade or slow roasted pork belly. The cooking here is exceptional so you can’t go far wrong even with the simpler pie and burger offerings.
It has a beautifully kept garden perfect for sunny days but we like to bolt down here of a winters’ evening and work our way through the menu, which comes into its own for a seriously good Sunday roast.
