Building work is underway at the former Cote Brasserie site in Hampstead High Street, with paper signs in the windows displaying large question marks and the notice: "We're creating something special for Hampstead." The French bistro chain closed its doors in August 2024 after trading for 14 years, leaving the Georgian property empty for two years.
A worker at the site told the Ham&High that the new establishment is rumoured to be the Hampstead outpost of a bar and restaurant currently operating in the West End, with an opening expected before Christmas. The property at 83 Hampstead High Street is part of a pair of early 18th century Grade II listed buildings, alongside the neighbouring No 82, which is also undergoing a top-to-toe refurbishment.
Historic buildings returning to use
Both 82 and 83 Hampstead High Street have stood empty since 2024. No 82 was vacated by Thai restaurant Patara, but developer Chrifin Ltd is now overhauling the building following a successful application last year to refurbish the ground floor restaurant and first and second floor apartments. No 83, part of the former Cote Brasserie site, has an Historic England listing for a three-storey building with red brick flat arches, recessed sashes with exposed boxing and gates, box eaves cornice and a hipped tiled roof with an "original staircase with moulded string and handrail, twisted balusters."
In 1970, the two buildings at 82 and 83 Hampstead High Street were described as an "early 18th century pair of terraced houses, now a shop and restaurant". The pair are considered Georgian gems in Hampstead Village, and their return to use is seen as a positive development for the area.
No current planning application for No 83
There is currently no planning application for No 83, Hampstead High Street, according to the report. However, the ongoing building work and the sign hinting at a new arrival suggest the site is being prepared for a new tenant. The worker's comment about a West End bar and restaurant indicates that the new operation could bring a fresh dining and drinking option to the village before the end of the year.
The refurbishment of both buildings marks a significant step in revitalising this part of Hampstead High Street, which has seen two prominent restaurant sites remain vacant for two years. With No 82 already approved for redevelopment and No 83 now showing signs of activity, both historic properties appear set to come back into use, potentially boosting the local hospitality scene.
