11.45am: hair of the dog at Wolfpack
It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere at Wolfpack, the brewery set just opposite the farmers’ market, where punters spill out front on benches or use old kegs as makeshift chairs. There are a few Wolfpack outposts across NW, but this one – set in an old garage – is the OG. The taps rotate different craft beers, from the gluten-free House Lager to the creamy Alpha Stout, but you could also order a bloody good Bloody Mary if last night was a Big One.
Address: 53 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA
Website: wolfpackbars.com
1pm: lunch at Carmel
You’ve been mooching about for three hours, and you’ve managed not to leave Lonsdale Road, arguably the prettiest Queen’s Park thoroughfare. Fair enough. Head to Carmel for lunch: an Eastern Mediterranean all-day hangout from the Berber and Q team. The fluffy sourdough flatbreads are always a hit, particularly the Za’atar burrata with chilli honey and basil, and make sure to order at least one chocolate babka for the table.
Address: 23-25 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RA
Website: carmelrestaurant.co.uk
3pm: walk off lunch in the park
The park from which this neighbourhood takes its name is calling for a post-lunch leg stretch. This little green space was established in 1879 and is home to a Grade II-listed Victorian bandstand, a farm, a cute play area, tennis courts and gardens. Go for a turn about its well-manicured paths, or visit at certain times of the year for events like the annual Queens Park Book Festival, where names like Yotam Ottolenghi, Thomasina Miers, and Naga Munchetty take to the stage.
4.30pm: a spot of shopping on Salusbury Road
Like any self-respecting bougie neighbourhood, there’s a smattering of sweet shops to peruse along the high street. Shop fresh cut flowers from Queen’s Park Flowers, gorgeous knitwear from clothes shop Edit and books and gifts from Queen’s Park Books.
