020 7443 9222
The Wet Fish Café is owned and run by long-time West Hampstead resident, André, along with his talented kitchen and front-of-house team.
Back in 2003, it was me, Anel, and Wayne. Somehow, with no experience, a little chutzpah and (allegedly!) a big bag of weed, we made it work.
We took on this old sandwich shop at 242 West End Lane and peeled back decades of paint and plaster to uncover something special. Hidden beneath it all were 1930s Art Deco tiles and enough history to remind us we were part of something much bigger.
"A great neighbourhood deserves a café it can rely on like a good friend..."
Andre the owner
A Day in the Life
Eventually, life called Anel back to South Africa and Wayne to America, leaving me with the keys and a steep learning curve. Having never done a single shift in hospitality, it felt like jumping off a cliff and figuring out how to open the parachute on the way down.
The plan was simple: create a humble neighbourhood café with good food and a welcoming atmosphere. That’s it. No Michelin stars, no pretension—just a place where people could feel at home, where we could follow our passions, and where everyone could indulge their senses.
"An inventive menu which always delivers combines with friendly service to make it a dream local"
Hardens
Food, Music and Art
Some of life's greatest pleasures – food, music, art, coffee, wine – all come together in café culture.
If the flavours make sense and the dish excites us, we'll try it. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavours are what matter most, and luckily, some of the best fish on the planet is available right here around the British coastline.
“Excellent local cafe and brasserie”.
Hardens
Being a music-head as well as a foodie, hosting live music was inevitable. And well over a hundred music dinners later, we’re proud to say these evenings are truly magical. They showcase London’s incredible talent and bring our space to life in a way that words can’t quite describe.
And then there’s the art. These 1930s tiles have seen their share of stories, including exhibitions from some of London’s most exciting photographers and artists.
“Situated in a former fishmongers”, this West Hampstead “oasis” is – for its enthusiastic local following – “second to none”; the fish cooking is “delicious”, but the place is also “especially good for breakfast and brunch”.
Hardens
Our Team
We’ve always aimed to hire, train, and nurture the best talent we can find. Tomasz, our Head Chef, has been with us for over 10 years, and our Floor Manager, Dan, for more than 7. Their creativity, passion and dedication are integral to what makes The Wet Fish special.
Still proudly independent and rooted in the neighbourhood, we pinch ourselves daily that The Wet Fish has become such a busy, buzzing place.
"A West Hampstead standard bearer"
Hardens
Our 10th birthday celebration... an old church, 1000 candles, 70 guests, 4 courses and 2 live music interludes
Welcome to The Wet Fish Cafe
If you’ve been here before, thank you for being part of our story. If it’s your first visit—welcome! Whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee, treating yourself to dinner, or catching up with friends over a bottle of wine, we hope you’ll feel right at home.
"Almost worth inducing a hangover for!"
[re. brunch]
WestHampsteadLife.com
Music Dinners ♫
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