London ‘village’ named one of the city’s best places to live and celebs love it

The western edge of the area nudges Parliament Hill Fields and Hampstead Heath – inner London’s biggest and wildest open space.

‘With its Victorian and Edwardian homes, leafy avenues and distinctly laid-back vibe, this neighbourhood feels like a village which is just a stone’s throw away from the city,’ Muddy Stilettos, who released the list, says. 

The neighbourhood pub offers ‘great food, drink music and Hi-Fi sound’, according to its website and has a ‘Vinyl-only’ DJ session every Friday. 

‘If you like relaxed dining, good drinking and the crackle of vinyl, then you’ll enjoy what we do,’ its website claims. 

The Lord Palmerston is another cosy spot, towards Tufnell Park, with a fireplace and leather armchairs. 

The pub prides itself on being dog-friendly and hosts plenty of events including a classic pub quiz, and a weekly film club and ‘Sip and Sew’.

You do have to climb a bit of a hill to get there, but you’ll be rewarded with good views. 

There are plenty of fast-food options in the area too. Monsoon Kentish Town, offers authentic Indian food and Yard Sale Pizza, which was declared London’s favourite pizza by Time Out in 2022, is also in the area. Popular café Kalendar and Truffles Deli are also worth a visit.

Shopping 

‘While Dartmouth Park is primarily residential, you’ll find a handful of charming independent shops dotted around,’ Muddy Stilettos notes. 

It’s main shopping area is Swain’s Lane where you’ll find boutique stores and pavement cafes. Popular spots include Fam Greengrocers, Swains Wine Bar, Eatery & Store and On Reflection, an interiors store.

Just up the road in Kentish Town is the Owl Bookshop, an independent book store which offers regular book signings and events. 

Highgate Village is just a 25 minute walk away, which boasts plenty of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. 

Parliament Hill Farmers Market is also 10 minutes away, which has plenty of stalls to peruse every Saturday. 

Nearby attractions in Dartmouth Park

Dartmouth Park is just a ten-minute walk from Hampstead Heath, London’s ancient heath sprawling over 800 acres and boasting ‘some of the most spectacular views in the city’. 

‘There are few better ways to spend a Sunday in London than with a lazy ramble on the Heath, followed by a pint, or a roast, at one of our wonderful local pubs,’ its website says. 

Its famous swimming ponds are definitely a highlight. There are three to swim in: the men’s pond, which is the largest of the three and boasts a diving board, the ladies’ pond, which lies within its own ‘enclosed meadow’,  and the mixed pond. 

Highgate Cemetery is also a short stroll away, a historic cemetery with Victorian architecture where famous figures like Karl Marx are buried.