Location
West Hampstead is an inner residential suburb in the northern part of the London Borough of Camden. It is about five miles north west of central London, and about a mile to the west of Hampstead Village. Local green spaces include Hampstead Heath, a much-loved area of parkland, heath and ponds on a hill overlooking the rest of London.
History
To the West lies Edgware Road, now the A5, which was once part of Roman Watling Street; this accounts for its straight -line construction, which is so unusual in London. However, until Victorian times West Hampstead was an agricultural area, centred upon a small village called West End, whose name survives in West End Lane, West Hampstead's principal street. West End was renamed when the railways arrived in the mid-nineteenth century, at which point residential development began.
Community
In its early years, West Hampstead was largely a blue-collar area. In more recent times, its proximity to central London, and its ready access to the business districts of the City and Docklands, have made West Hampstead a popular choice amongst both business and professional people, and also those employed in the theatre and creative arts.
Transport
There are two railway lines, and three stations, in the middle of West Hampstead, making it extremely well connected by train. The Capital Connect service via St. Pancras links to Eurostar services to France and Belgium. There are two underground lines; the Jubilee Line to Docklands and the Olympic Park, and the Metropolitan Line.
Shopping
West End Lane has interesting shops, including one of London's few remaining independent bookshops. The O2 centre on Finchley Road offers indoor shopping and leisure facilities. There are plenty of chain stores on Kilburn High Road, and specialist shops in Hampstead Village. West Hampstead has a weekly Farmer's Market.
Business
West Hampstead is more of a commuter base than a business area, although there is a substantial retail and service sector. Other local employers include private clinics and hospitals, reflecting Hampstead's historical reputation for having a healthy climate.
Entertainment
To the west and east are two famous small theatres; the Tricycle in Kilburn, and the Hampstead Theatre, formerly the Hampstead Theatre Club, which specialises in commissioning new work, and also has a small studio theatre. There is a cinema at Belsize Park, the Screen on the Hill, which is well-known for adventurous programming.
Food
On a sunny day, you can eat outdoors at many cafes on West End Lane. There are plenty of local bars and restaurants, serving international food in every price bracket. The Alice House Bar is a lively venue serving gastro pub food and a wide range of beers and wines.
Education
Families have long been drawn to the West Hampstead area because of the quality of its schools. The Hampstead School and Haverstock School are well-known secondary schools, and there are also local independent establishments, such as University College School.
Property
There are some substantial Victorian properties in West Hampstead, of which the largest are mostly divided into flats. Other property includes high-quality mansion blocks dating from the last century, and some more recent residential development.
West Hampstead is an inner residential suburb in the northern part of the London Borough of Camden. It is about five miles north west of central London, and about a mile to the west of Hampstead Village. Local green spaces include Hampstead Heath, a much-loved area of parkland, heath and ponds on a hill overlooking the rest of London.
History
To the West lies Edgware Road, now the A5, which was once part of Roman Watling Street; this accounts for its straight -line construction, which is so unusual in London. However, until Victorian times West Hampstead was an agricultural area, centred upon a small village called West End, whose name survives in West End Lane, West Hampstead's principal street. West End was renamed when the railways arrived in the mid-nineteenth century, at which point residential development began.
Community
In its early years, West Hampstead was largely a blue-collar area. In more recent times, its proximity to central London, and its ready access to the business districts of the City and Docklands, have made West Hampstead a popular choice amongst both business and professional people, and also those employed in the theatre and creative arts.
Transport
There are two railway lines, and three stations, in the middle of West Hampstead, making it extremely well connected by train. The Capital Connect service via St. Pancras links to Eurostar services to France and Belgium. There are two underground lines; the Jubilee Line to Docklands and the Olympic Park, and the Metropolitan Line.
Shopping
West End Lane has interesting shops, including one of London's few remaining independent bookshops. The O2 centre on Finchley Road offers indoor shopping and leisure facilities. There are plenty of chain stores on Kilburn High Road, and specialist shops in Hampstead Village. West Hampstead has a weekly Farmer's Market.
Business
West Hampstead is more of a commuter base than a business area, although there is a substantial retail and service sector. Other local employers include private clinics and hospitals, reflecting Hampstead's historical reputation for having a healthy climate.
Entertainment
To the west and east are two famous small theatres; the Tricycle in Kilburn, and the Hampstead Theatre, formerly the Hampstead Theatre Club, which specialises in commissioning new work, and also has a small studio theatre. There is a cinema at Belsize Park, the Screen on the Hill, which is well-known for adventurous programming.
Food
On a sunny day, you can eat outdoors at many cafes on West End Lane. There are plenty of local bars and restaurants, serving international food in every price bracket. The Alice House Bar is a lively venue serving gastro pub food and a wide range of beers and wines.
Education
Families have long been drawn to the West Hampstead area because of the quality of its schools. The Hampstead School and Haverstock School are well-known secondary schools, and there are also local independent establishments, such as University College School.
Property
There are some substantial Victorian properties in West Hampstead, of which the largest are mostly divided into flats. Other property includes high-quality mansion blocks dating from the last century, and some more recent residential development.
About the Author:
Read more about Hampstead Heath on the UK housing market blog. It's the best way to stay up to date with the latest industry news.
No comments:
Post a Comment