What better way to build up an appetite for a fish lunch and wine pairing than a self-guided walk across 'Appy 'Amstead? Discover a part of London you might not know.

"So when I say that the London Shell Co on Swain’s Lane in Highgate is absolutely, positively the best restaurant in the whole wide world ever, I mean it.". Giles Coran - The Times

WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?

What is it about an Oyster? They look rather fabulous to start off with, as they nestle decadently in the middle of an iridescent shell. What started off as a dietary staple for the poor, frequently referred to by Dickens, it is now a luxury item, and a supposed aphrodisiac.

Refreshed from your self-guided walk through Hampstead Heath, you can now sit down, relax and enjoy another local hotspot.

Swain's Lane is a fishmonger, restaurant, and wine shop. The fishmonger takes center stage - this is lunch amongst the fish. Simple, fresh plates of delicious food served from an open kitchen. The restaurant is owned by the London Shell Co., and the wines are as good as the food, paired to perfection. Loved by the locals and London food critics, this is destination seafood.

YOUR WALK

Hampstead Heath is one of London's great open spaces. Known as 'Appy 'Amstead in the 1850s due to the huge fairs that took place there, this was, and remains, a destination area for a great walk.

Download our unique Indytute map as your guide across the Heath, before ending up at our favourite fish restaurant - Swain's Lane - for some fishy treats and a wine pairing. A good walk should always have food at the end point. In fact, if you're in the mood, take your swimmies - not only is there wild swimming in the ponds, but there's the lido on Parliament Hill, both of which are open all year round.

If you're more of a history buff, there's Kenwood House. No admission fee, and you can explore the gardens and art collection at your leisure. Kenwood House is a day out in its own right, and maybe you would prefer a more wooded approach to the Heath - check out the Vale of Health, accessible via a single road and surrounded on all sides by the heath, and look out for The Hollow Tree - rather special by anyone's standards.

This is a glorious walk. Fantastic views, nature in abundance with history everywhere you look, and then, of course, there's lunch...

ON THE MENU

On the menu after your walk, an exclusive Indytute menu, and it really is.

Bread & Butter & Smoked Cod's Roe 

A Trio of dressed oysters (which changes each week), each one paired with a different glass of wine:

1. Sparkling
2. Skin Contact / Rosé
3. White

If you are unfamiliar with skin contact wine, it has absolutely nothing to do with trampling. The grape skins are left on to give the wine a more complex flavor and color during fermentation, but let the wine buffs at Swain's Lane tell you more……

THE ALL IMPORTANT DETAILS

This experience is for two people. Swain's Lane is located in Hampstead Heath.  This unusual London seafood restaurant experience is the perfect gift for the foodie in your life, or just perfect for a date night.

Available between Tuesday - Sunday 12-3pm or Tuesday - Saturday at 6pm

HOW DOES IT WORK?

All you have to do is pay for the gift experience you wish to purchase. We’ll send a voucher including booking information to you or directly to the recipient. You or your recipient needs to check the information on the voucher and book your experience date.