Hampstead and Highgate has a long history of close ties with Europe. Despite the referendum here are our top tips for enjoying the Continental delights on offer locally

Ham & High: North London voted to remain in the EU by a hefty majorityNorth London voted to remain in the EU by a hefty majority (Image: Archant)

The UK may have voted Leave, but London isn’t ready to say goodbye to its love affair with Europe.

In Camden 75 per cent of residents voted to remain, along with all but six of the capital’s 33 boroughs.

Social media is alight with Londoners calls for the city to remain within the EU, with the newly elected Mayor Sadiq Khan pledging his support for a continued relationship.

Last week thousands took to the streets to protest the referendum result.

https://twitter.com/SadiqKhan/status/746329838307282945

Hampstead and Highgate has a rich history of European integration, and is the proud home to a thriving multicultural community of émigrés from Europe and beyond.

Famous euro residents from history include the Hungarian architect and designer Ern? Goldfinger, Dutch painter Piet Mondrian, French statesman Charles de Gaulle and, of course, Austrian neurologist and the father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, along with several of his celebrity descendants.

Today the area is called home by many Euro celebrities, most notably the cohort of imported Arsenal and Tottenham footballers. There’s a strong Gallic showing from the likes of Thierry Henry, Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris, as well as Mesut Ozil as the token German.

Ham & High: Sigmund Freud is one of many distinguished European residents who once called the area homeSigmund Freud is one of many distinguished European residents who once called the area home (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

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Ham & High: So long and thanks for all the cheese?So long and thanks for all the cheese? (Image: Archant)

Shops and restaurants with quality wares from the Continent abound in the area.

Don’t want to wave good-brie to delicious cheese, French or otherwise? Head down to La Fromagerie where you can satisfy your cheesy cravings with their hand picked selection of dairy delights from every corner of Europe.

Creamy burrata from Italy, Swiss emmental or Irish dingle truffles (stop sniggering at the back), all carefully sourced from artisan producers and matured to perfection in their N5 cheese vault. They have outposts in Highbury and Marylebone so there’s no excuse for a sad cheeseboard.

Ham & High: Louis Bakery and Patisserie, Heath Street. Phoot credit: Ewan MunroLouis Bakery and Patisserie, Heath Street. Phoot credit: Ewan Munro (Image: Archant)

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Ham & High: French-turned-Italian restaurant La Gaffe is a a local institutionFrench-turned-Italian restaurant La Gaffe is a a local institution (Image: Archant)

Hungry for a taste of Hungary? Louis Patisserie and tea room on Heath Street is a taste of traditional Budapest in the heart of north London.

The wood panelled walls haven’t changed since 1963, when Hungarian expat Louis Permayer opened his doors to sell delectable traditional sweet treats to the people of Hampstead. Behind the charming blue awning and ornate lettering you’ll find a cosy bolt hole serving picture perfect cream cakes and chestnut slices.

The Czech and Slovak Club bar and restaurant in West Hampstead provides a home from home for residents of both republics. The club was founded after World War II to provide a social hub for immigrants, many of whom had fought alongside the Allied forces. Today the bar serves Czech draft beers such as Pilsner Urquell and Budweiser Budvar and the restaurant menu is laden with European dishes of schnitzel, pork knuckle and and goulash.

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Trying to name the official Best North London Pizza Place is a dangerous game. Italian eateries abound, each offering a slice of the dolce vita with their pizza. In Highgate you can show your disdain for chains with Fabrizio, a family affair where the eponymous owner serves up pizza by the metre.

Meanwhile in Hampstead, former shepherd’s cottage La Gaffe is a local dining institution. It opened in 1962 as a French restaurant, before switching allegiances to become an award winning Italian restaurant.

Is there a local Euro treat we’ve missed? Tweet us your top tips @HamHighProperty