The Area in Depth

History

Until the late 19th century, the area around West Hampstead was a small village called West End. The arrival of the railways allowed a modern West Hampstead to emerge, transforming the area which continues to thrive as a transport hub today.

Did you know? The Beatles are famous for their connection to nearby St John's Wood, but their relationship with North West London started before their famous Abbey Road days. In 1962 The Beatles auditioned at the former Decca studios on Broadhurst Gardens (now the English National Opera premises) but were rejected.

Property in West Hampstead has always been sought after, a mix of Victorian houses now converted into flats make it a prime area for young professionals to rent, or for families to settle.

Food and drink

Finding a place to eat in West Hampstead can be overwhelming as there are lots of places to choose from! It's a lively area at night and the perfect place to visit for brunch in the morning.

Bars and Pubs:

The number of good bars and pubs in West Hampstead is on the up, and we’re trying to team up with local venues to offer our tenants and buyers some great offers for when they move into the local area. Some of our favourites include:

• The Alice House: Great food, good service and a lovely terrace for the warmer months
• The Black Lion: Split-level garden with exposed brick interior, serving a wide range of gastro-pub treats
• The Gallery: Part of the same group as The Alice House, The Gallery offers reasonably-priced cocktails and great bar snacks, as well as some fantastic guest beers
• Bobby Fitzpatrick: West Hampstead’s newest addition and most-retro. Pizza, rum and amazingly kitsch wallpaper.
• The Railway pub: After a much needed refurb, The Railway offers good pub grub and a buzzy environment for post-work catch-ups and sport-watching.

Restaurants: 

Head to The Wet Fish Café or The Petite Coree for a great gastronomic experience -both offer excellent food and a relaxing ambience. Gail’s Bakery offers home-baked breads and pastries – offering both take-away and sit-down options, while The Alice House and The Black Lion on West End Lane are good pubs for a post-work drink – or you could try The Gallery for after-work cocktails.

A local London Farmers’ Market runs weekly on a Saturday morning, from the corner of Iverson Road and West End Lane.

Shopping

West End Lane, Broadhurst Gardens and Mill Lane are the places to visit for a browse. West End Lane Books are an independent bookshop on West End Lane and host regular events and popular monthly book groups. Season has a wide range of expertly curated cookware and bakeware. There's not much in the way of clothes shops, but Joy offers a range of dresses, jumpers and great gifts.

On Mill Lane Monsters of Art is a studio and gallery; famed tattooist Dan Gold works from the back of the studio. The Village Haberdashery stocks knitting, quilting and embroidery supplies as well as running classes and workshops.

Outdoor space

Fortune Green at the top of West End Lane is the nearest open space, and hosts the annual West Hampstead Jester Festival each summer. Hampstead Heath and Kilburn Grange parks are also nearby.