A Guide to Living in West London

Maida Vale & Warwick Avenue

Neighbours are most likely to be of the ‘rich and famous’ variety in the W9 postcode. Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale are two of the capital’s most expensive and picture-perfect neighbourhoods. The avenues here are shaded by trees and fringed by Victorian and Edwardian mansions, which look out over flawlessly-kept garden squares.

Likewise the most sought-after properties edge the Little Venice canal. This is a waterway that comes alive in the summer months.  Well-heeled residents wander down from the stucco houses and sip aperitifs on the al fresco terraces. In addition, some of London’s oldest pubs can be found in the area, too, some half-hidden in largely residential pockets. It might feel like a peaceful haven, but W9 is just a short tube journey into the heart of the West End.

Leafy districts with London links 

Well-connected West London districts like Ealing and Chiswick (Ealing alone has four stations) offer residents close proximity to Central London with a rural feel. ‘Queen of the Suburbs’ Ealing has a common that stretches for over 40 acres, and its multiple parks are the setting for year-round community events. Meanwhile, pretty Turnham Green neighbours fashionable Chiswick High Road, where there’s chic bistros and pavement cafés aplenty.

West London nightlife

To the east of Chiswick you’ll find Hammersmith, which offers a varied nightlife scene. It’s not all about gigs at the famous Apollo, either – there are independent wine bars and a great line of riverside restaurants here. And next door Fulham has smart gastropubs around every corner.

Shepherds Bush – dubbed ‘SheBu’ by locals, is another big-hitter after-dark. Sandwiched between Holland Park and Acton, it’s got a little bit of everything for night-time pursuits. This is thanks to the Westfield mall and the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. Likewise, there are a high concentration of pubs serving quality food and beer in areas like Brook Green. The Bird in Hand and The Havelock are local favourites.

Paddington’s transformation

Paddington is perhaps best-known as a transport hub, but there’s more to W2 than its enormous (albeit impressive) Victorian station and its surrounding offices. Arrive hungry, because the Paddington Basin in the West London area has been heavily regenerated. There is now a whole host of buzzing canalside eateries to explore. Pergola on the Roof is one of the most visited spots – a summer-time pop-up with four restaurants, two bars and space for 800+ diners. Alternatively, hit Edgware Road for Middle Eastern flavours.

Kensington sightseeing

Similarly, culture vultures (with sizeable budgets) should consider Kensington in West London. The area is home to Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum. Here, residents can spend their leisure time wandering through Kensington Gardens, browsing the boutiques of Chelsea, and chowing down on Thai delicacies in The Churchills Arms – London’s most flower-bedecked pub.

Hayes, West London

Hayes is a suburb of Outer London but considered by many to be West London. Iver to the west and Uxbridge to the north. Moreover, Southall is to the east and West Drayton is to the south. It’s in the borough of Hillingdon, 13 miles from Central London, and comes under the UB3 postcode. Hayes is really well connected. Trains from Hayes & Harlington station whisk commuters to London’s Paddington in less than 20 minutes. Once Crossrail arrives, journey times to the likes of Stratford will be dramatically improved. Furthermore, for business travel or holidays, Heathrow Airport is on the doorstep. It is only a 10-minute drive from Hayes’ centre. The M4, M40 and M25 are all close by, too.

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