A secret mansion with two art galleries, a library and a huge garden can be found hidden in plain sight, engulfed in the leafy suburb of Hampstead Village.
Burgh House, a beautiful Grade I listed building free for the public to visit, hosts a picturesque café with blue and yellow décor, cocooned by shrubbery and offering a relaxing sunshine spot to enjoy a fresh brunch.
A hidden garden is tucked away behind a brick staircase, boasting a large lawn overlooking Well Walk and the back of Burgh House.
The stunning building is home to Hampstead Museum, which contains a “fascinating collection of objects relating to the history of the house, the local area and its extraordinary residents”.
Four exhibitions are on offer across the mansion, including We Are All Gods by Claudia Piscitelli, Finding Joy in a Landscape by Lancelot Ribeiro, Oh How Queer by an assembly of 11 artists, and an invitation to tell your own story in the ‘part exhibition, part competition’ Tell Me A Story.
Piscitelli’s We Are All Gods reimagines the Gods and Goddesses of classical mythology, placing them in Hampstead Heath.
Ribeiro’s work conveys his roots in pre-independence 1930s India, and the changing landscape in his life to reach mid-20th century Britain. Ribeiro returns after Burgh House first hosted his work 43 years ago.
But the history of Burgh House goes far beyond four decades. Built in 1704, it historically served as a residence until 1937, when the last residents moved out leaving the house abandoned until 1946.
After an unsuccessful spell as a community centre, the house fell into disrepair and was closed indefinitely, before being reopened in 1979 by local residents, who then leased it to the brand new Burgh House Trust.
It is now a self-sustaining charity displaying the heritage of Hampstead, and boasting almost 5,000 objects in its museum.
The café offers an array of brunch food including eggs royale and smashed avocado on toast. There are a variety of toasties, as well as hearty food bowls including a smoked duck breast with new potatoes and crispy chicken with cavolo nero on offer.
Burgh House opens from 10am-4pm every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
The garden café is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am-5pm. It opens from 9:30am-5:30pm on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays.
The house is right by Hampstead Heath, and a 5 minute walk from Hampstead underground station.
