Hampstead Heath: The Lungs of London

Although I was born in London, I spent the majority of my childhood in the Suffolk countryside, which means that even though I have moved back to the city, I still yearn for the great outdoors. Working a 9-5 in an office in front of a computer all day, I try and drag myself outside for a walk at lunchtime, but its all too easy to simply find a comfy chair, stock up on carbs and stay out of the cold and rainy weather (and its May!) Going for a walk halfway through the day is a surefire way to beat lethargy and grogginess, and will mean that during the afternoon you are less likely to drift off around 3.30pm... Whether it's in sunglasses and a summery top, or wearing a waterproof mac and an over sized umbrella, we should aim to walk for at least 30 minutes a day. 

Sunglasses: Primark

Necklace: New Look

Pink Waffle Top: New Look

Hampstead is an affluent area of London, popular with intellectuals, artists, and professional families in their early 40s that bought property while it was still reasonably affordable. Think of it as our generation's Clapham or Hackney.It is home to Hampstead Heath, one of the best open spaces in London, and one of the best city parks in the world. 

There is so much to do, as well as the vast and hilly parkland, there's a Lido (outdoor swimming pool), an athletics track, even a zoo! If you're feeling brave, during the summer months there are even natural swimming ponds, you must go and take a dip. 

The views from Hampstead Heath, sitting in a privileged position to the north of central London, are breathtaking. You feel so far from all the hustle and bustle when really you are a short tube ride away. Try and get one of the popular benches on Kite Hill, or indeed take a kite there and have some playful fun. 

After all the walking up and down and around, we sought some refreshment. THE MAGDALA is a cosy little pub and restaurant close to Hampstead Heath Overground Station. 

The restaurant was so lovely to go into on a chilly day, with comfortable sofas and chairs, and I loved the cute little tartan stools. The Magdala would not be out of place in the Suffolk countryside; perfect for spending all day drinking with friends, or a lazy lunch. There's also a courtyard garden which will be great when summer finally arrives.

The menu was varied and reasonably priced, and there was a great selection of ales, ciders and wines. I chose the Pork and Chorizo Burger with Soured Cream, served with perfectly cooked chips that were crispy and crunchy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. It worked really well paired with a Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer. Just what is needed after a brisk walk!

After another explore, gazing at the gorgeous houses and fashionable boutique shops, we decided to stop for dessert at EUPHORIUM BAKERY. They began in Islington in 1999 and now have 29 different shops or outlets around London. The one in Hampstead certainly did not disappoint. 

In the afternoons, if you buy a hot drink, you get a free pastry or cake - this is my kind of bakery! There was a large communal table and several smaller ones, all strewn with The Observer and other weekend papers with magazines. There are similar places to this in Victoria Park where I live, for example 'The Loafing', but it is often full of pretentious posers and sullen staff which really puts me off. At Euphorium, I chose a smooth, silky, luxurious hot chocolate. The cups are on the small side, but as it is rich in flavour, you find you do not actually need a large size at all. I also had a cinnamon bun style pastry, with some sort of currant, which was coated in what I think was an apricot glaze. Whatever it was, it tasted fantastic. 

Come rain or shine, Hampstead is a great area to visit, a village community in the centre of London, reminiscent of Notting Hill, Primrose Hill and lately, Victoria Park. It's so easy to get there, either take the Northern Line tube northbound to Edgeware and get off at Hampstead Underground Station, or head to Hampstead Heath Overground Station. 

If you do one thing this weekend, you should head to Hampstead!

Yaasica Lucia XXX