The 6 speed Brompton is a wonderful bike but cannot be judged on one test ride. The Brompton is partly hub (3 speed) aided by a 2 speed non-hub gearing.
If you like hubs it might be worth speaking to Sammyboy from Velochocolate as the 8 speed Downtube Mini 2009 is a very compact bike with front suspension and hub gearing. You just need to add mudguards in a wet place like London! See the excellent review:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...+downtube+mini