The Magdela Tavern

Reopened with really friendly staff and big selection of quality beers on draft. By far the best atmosphere of any of the 4 or 5 pubs in the area (and I’ve lived here for 15 years) and seems to be catering for locals and Heath visitors alike, and also isn’t overly food-​focused like too many pubs are now. Recommended.

Lovely little pub tucked away right next to Hampstead Heath. Nice selection of ales, beers and wines all priced at a standard rate for north London.
For those who don’t know this place is also the site where Ruth Ellis the last woman to be hanged in this country shot her boyfriend when she saw him in here with another woman. You can even see the bullet holes in the wall outside in the yellow tiles.
Just thought this was an interesting side note to add for anyone interested.

The owners of the perennial Stag have recently opened their new venture just by the Royal Free Hospital in the old building if the Magdela pub. The location is tucked away just by Hampstead Heath station and the new décor is still hidden under the scaffolding outside, indeed we only stumbled across it.
The owners seem to have gone for a mixture of pub and coffee bar in their décor and although we only stayed briefly we were made to feel comfortable and relaxed in the pub environment. There is even a albeit small garden for you to star spot if so inclined.
We were suggest the ‘pie if the day’ and the apple and celeriac soup both of which were excellent. The pie was a steak and ale that freshly made and not too filling while the soup was soft and cream with the zest of the Apple to keep you interested. The only criticism was that the pie needed a side to be a true meal for the amount charged.
Certainly though, it was a nice experience stumbled upon and totally worth going back.