Getting hip in Hampstead

This restaurant might not look impressive, but the locals tell a different story. The robata grill produces excellent teriyaki and yakitori, including Japanese favourites like chicken liver. The sushi is good and the drinks list covers all bases.
73 Heath Street, NW3 6UG. T: 020 7794 6158. www.jinkichi.com

Alternative: Gaucho Hampstead. A north London outlet of this Argentine chain serves tender steaks, chunky fries and Mendoza wines.
T: 020 7431 8222. www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk

Its grand Victorian interior has been lovingly restored - including the Heritage-listed, hand-painted screen in the public bar by Jan Van Beers. The food’s had a makeover too, with excellent Young’s beers and a wine list. In the 18th century, unpolluted water was sold from underground springs - hence the pub’s name.
14 Flask Walk NW3. T: 020 7435 4580. www.theflaskhampstead.co.uk

Alternative: The Holly Bush. A real fire and great Sunday roasts add to this old pub’s atmosphere.
T: 020 7435 2892. www.hollybushhampstead.co.uk

A shop dedicated to fairies? This is every little girl’s dream. Find magic wands, dressing-up outfits, fairy figures, bedding, wall-hangings, birthday cards and, of course, books of secrets. The fairy dust is ‘made by real fairies and is super-sparkly’.
12 Flask Walk NW3. T: 020 7431 1888. www.mysticalfairies.co.uk

Alternative: Petit-Bateau. Stylish French clothes for newly-born babes to 18-month-old kids. Some prices are high, but the quality’s higher.
T: 020 7794 1731. www.petit-bateau.com

Overlooking Hampstead Heath, this was once home of brewery heir Edward Cecil Guinness. It now houses one of Britain’s best art collections, including Rembrandt’s well-known self-portrait. The lovely cafe is the perfect spot to start or end a walk across the Heath.
Hampstead Lane NW3. T: 020 8348 1286. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Alternative: Fenton House. A 17th-century house with major porcelain collections and early keyboards.
T: 01494 755563. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-fentonhouse