Oak & Poppy

Hampstead’s Chic Brunch Haven

Hampstead has always been one of our favourite pockets of London. Leafy streets, grand houses, and a village charm that makes you forget you’re in a capital city. It’s the sort of place where you can wander past boutique shops, leafy gardens, and historic pubs, then stumble upon somewhere that begs you to stop for brunch. Oak & Poppy is one of those places.

From Hampstead Tube, it’s just a five or six-minute downhill stroll along Rosslyn Hill. You pass smart shopfronts and leafy side streets, the sort of walk that already puts you in the mood for something special.

The restaurant sits along the high street with large windows that draw you in. Inside, it’s flooded with natural daylight. A glass roof above the dining area opens on sunny days and shuts when London’s weather decides otherwise. When we visited in April, it was mild and dry, so the space felt airy without the chill. A striking feature is the massive tree growing right through the centre of the dining room. It adds a wonderful, almost magical touch — a reminder of nature right inside a city spot. The décor blends chic and cosy — pale wood tables, deep green touches, and soft lighting that gives the room warmth even during the day.

Oak & Poppy has a lively energy. Tables are close together, and the buzz of conversation fills the space. It’s upbeat without being overwhelming — the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

The menu is as varied as it is tempting. Breakfast lovers will find hearty plates and lighter, health-focused choices. Lunchtime leans into fresh salads, sharing bites, and satisfying mains. Dinner moves towards richer, comforting dishes, followed by desserts that will make you wish you’d saved more room.

We started with fresh drinks — a bright orange juice, a green juice with spinach, cucumber, kale and pineapple, and a smooth oat latte.

For starters, the Nori tacos arrived first — crisp seaweed shells filled with tuna, sushi rice, wakame salad, avocado, and sesame. Fresh, light, and gone in seconds.

The fish tacos followed, with pickled slaw and chipotle mayo. Soft, zesty, and with just enough heat.

Mains were generous and beautifully cooked. The chicken paillard was tender, paired with chimichurri, asparagus, tomato salsa, and a mixed salad.

The lemon sole was a standout — pan-roasted and served whole, with fennel salad, crushed potatoes, and caper butter. It was delicate, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.

Dessert was a single giant buttermilk hotcake, piled with ricotta and blueberry compote. It was fluffy, rich, and just sweet enough.

We shared it alongside a cappuccino, which made for a warm, comforting finish.

Service matched the food — friendly, quick, and attentive without hovering. Our orders arrived fast, and the staff seemed genuinely happy to be there.

One surprise? Oak & Poppy has two one-bedroom apartments upstairs. They’re self-contained, spacious, and available for short or long stays. It’s a clever idea — eat downstairs, stay upstairs, and wake up to brunch without leaving the building.

We left feeling full and happy. The food was excellent, the portions fair, and the setting lovely. The only catch? Prices are on the higher side. That said, you’re in Hampstead, and the quality makes it feel worth it.

Would we return? Absolutely. Oak & Poppy is perfect for relaxed brunches, casual date nights, friendly catch-ups, or small celebrations in a stylish but laid-back space.

If you’re heading to Hampstead, make the walk down Rosslyn Hill. You’ll be glad you did.

oakandpoppy.co.uk