Kensal Rise
Kensal Rise is an area in North West London whose surrounding neighbourhoods include Willesden Green, Queens Park and Ladbroke Grove. Kensal Rise is often also referred to as Kensal Green, although there is some differentiation between the areas based on proximity to the local tube and train stations.
The Area in Depth
There are many attractive Edwardian and Victorian properties with several of the original features still intact. There is a lot of smaller style terrace housing that was built in the late 1890’s-1900’s although many of these have now been converted into flats.
The demographic of Kensal Rise is a mix of young professionals, and like Queens Park many work in the media. There are also lots of young families who have bought houses and often extend and refurbish them to a very high standard.
Kensal Rise history
Kensal Green cemetery is one of the oldest still in operation in London, having opened in 1832. It was one of the famous seven graveyards built on what was once the edge of London and is the final resting place of Harold Pinter, Sir Terence Rattigan and William Thackeray. There are regular tours led by the Friends of Kensal Green Cemetery.
Perhaps the most famous mention of Kensal Green is in The Rolling English Road, by GK Chesterton. First published in 1913, the last line ‘Before we go to Paradise by way of Kensal Green’ inspired a popular gastro pub in the area to take it as their name
Paramount have operated as estate agents and letting agents in this area for many years, and have seen rapid growth and an increase in popularity for this area.
Kensal Rise food and drink
For a traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria a visit to Sacro Cuore is a must. The Rise is the place to go for gastropub delights like soudough pizza and steak, and Comptoir V offers inspired vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Paradise, named after the famous Chesterton poem, is an award-winning restaurant and bar. Treat yourself to a drink in the reading room and have dinner in the restaurant before dancing the night away upstairs.
Kensal Rise shopping
Chamberlayne Road has been named the hippest street in Europe, and it's easy to see why when you're standing amongst the retro boutiques, antique furniture stores and luxury delicatessens.
Kensal Rise outdoor space
Like most of North London, Kensal Rise isn’t far from a green open space. Brondesbury Park, Wormwood Scrubs and Paddington Recreational Centre are all close by, but the main draw is Queens Park itself. Queens Park has 30 acres of beautiful green space and has been recognised for the quality of its services and environment. There are tennis courts, a petanque pitch, an ornamental garden and a children’s playground.