Took Took West Hampstead is a casual pan-Asian restaurant at 221 West End Lane, London NW6 1XJ, in West Hampstead. Its culinary identity draws on East and Southeast Asian street-hawker cooking, with small plates, larger dishes, noodles and cocktails designed for an informal meal. Travelers come for the sharing format, dedicated vegan and gluten-free menus, and a convenient location near West Hampstead’s Underground, Overground and Thameslink stations.
What to Expect at Took Took West Hampstead
The menu takes a broad pan-Asian approach rather than concentrating on one national cuisine. Small plates let you build a meal around several tastes, while big plates and noodles offer a more straightforward individual order. For two people, a practical starting point is a few small plates followed by a larger dish each, adjusting once you have checked portion sizes with your server. The restaurant makes its sauces and dips daily and says it uses no artificial colours or additives.
This is an informal neighborhood dining room rather than a formal tasting-menu restaurant: sharing, conversation and mixed orders are central to the experience. Separate vegan, gluten-free, dessert, drinks and allergen menus make it easier to organize a table with different requirements. Cocktails are part of the offer, so it also works for an early-evening drink followed by dinner. Collection and delivery are available, but eating in makes more sense if you want several dishes arriving for the whole table.
- Small-plate sharing: Combine several dishes for a group meal instead of committing everyone to the same style of main.
- Noodles and big plates: Choose a substantial individual dish when you want a simpler lunch or dinner.
- Daily-made sauces and dips: These are prepared in-house using the restaurant’s recipes.
- Dedicated dietary menus: Vegan and gluten-free selections sit alongside a separate allergen menu; discuss allergies before ordering.
- Cocktails and desserts: Separate drinks and dessert menus allow you to extend the meal beyond the savory courses.
Took Took West Hampstead at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 221 West End Lane, London NW6 1XJ, United Kingdom |
| Neighborhood / Area | West Hampstead, London Borough of Camden |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, noon–11pm; check holiday arrangements before traveling |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission charge; budget-friendly dining ($). Consult the official menus for current dish and drink prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | West Hampstead Underground, Overground and Thameslink stations, approximately 5–10 minutes on foot; controlled street parking nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | Took Took official website and reservations; +44 20 7433 8212 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book through the official website for Friday or Saturday dinner, particularly with a group; a weekday lunch or early dinner is a sensible choice for a less hurried meal. The three West Hampstead stations are separate buildings: the Underground has the Jubilee line, the Overground has the Mildmay line, and Thameslink provides National Rail connections. From each, follow West End Lane north toward number 221. Driving is less convenient because surrounding streets have controlled parking; check bay signs, payment instructions and permit restrictions rather than assuming evening parking is unrestricted.
The restaurant fronts directly onto West End Lane. Wheelchair users should telephone before booking to establish the entrance threshold, clear space between tables and the toilet route; request a table that avoids tight circulation. West Hampstead Underground has stairs and no step-free access, while the Overground and Thameslink stations offer step-free platform access. Before or after lunch, walk roughly five minutes north to West End Green, pause at West Hampstead Library on Dennington Park Road, or continue toward Mill Lane’s independent shops and dining addresses, about ten minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours, and when is best to visit?
Took Took opens daily from noon until 11pm. Choose weekday lunchtime for a daytime meal, or book ahead for weekend dinner; telephone for holiday hours and last food orders.
Is Took Took expensive, and should I reserve?
It sits in the budget-friendly $ price tier, although several sharing plates and cocktails will increase the bill. Reservations are available through the official website, where you can also open the current menus before choosing your order.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Allow 60 to 90 minutes for a relaxed meal with shared starters and mains. Leave extra time for cocktails or dessert, especially if your group prefers to order in stages.
Is it suitable for families and diners with dietary requirements?
The restaurant describes itself as family-friendly, and its sharing format suits mixed appetites. Dedicated vegan, gluten-free and allergen menus help with planning, but tell staff about allergies and ask about preparation and cross-contact before ordering.
When planning your Canterbury travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Canterbury, pair this stop with standout local spots including Chislehurst Caves, The Thomas Ingoldsby – JD Wetherspoon, ABode Canterbury, and Pho Ta Vietnamese Street Food (3.1 km away).
