South Hampstead History
Recognised as a residential area for only the last 150 years, the relatively new South Hampstead boundaries are hard to define. Until the mid-nineteenth century, the area we now call South Hampstead was agricultural land belonging at one time to a Priory located in the west end of South Hampstead. Built in 1134 (approx) for a group of nuns on the site of hermitage, the Kilburn Priory was by the ancient Watling Street (it actually stood close to where the Kilburn High Road station stands now) and provided travellers with food, lodgings, and safety from robbers. In 1536 Henry 7th dissolved the Priory and unfortunately there are no remains left today.Though now entirely rebuilt, Abbey Road is one of the oldest in the district, and was once a path through fields from London to Kilburn Priory. The road is named after Westminster Abbey to which the Priory belonged. In 1850, when the railway was widened at Kilburn High Road station, parts of the Priory’s foundations were discovered.
South Hampstead Station was originally built in 1879 as Loudon Road Station; it was closed in 1917 as a wartime measure and reopened as South Hampstead Station in 1922 for the new Watford to Euston line. It was rebuilt following a fire in 1968.
Alexandra Road was built soon after the marriage of Princess Alexandra and the Prince of Wales 1863 and once ran all the way to Kilburn. A short stretch of housing on the road still has the original four storey houses, which are now converted into flats. The most famous resident of Alexandra Road was Mrs. Lillie Langtry. She lived in Leighton Estate and was famed for not only her beauty but also as Edward 7th’s (whilst he was the Prince of Wales) mistress towards the end of the 1870s. She now has a pub and a road named after her in South Hampstead.
Fairfax Road was originally known as Victoria Road and was renamed in 1870 as a tribute to General Fairfax (who died in 1671). Presently there is a row of modern shops on the Western side of Fairfax Road which replaced an earlier row of specialised shops dated back to 1888 including a Berlin wool shop, a straw hat manufacturer and a fancy repository.
Returning to present day, South Hampstead provides a mixture of residential style properties, ranging from the original semi-detached houses, to the large mansion blocks, garden maisonnettes and the double fronted conversions - much sort after by people looking to move into the area thanks to their extra width. The Heath and Hampstead Society, founded in 1897 continue to preserve the area from the modern-day troubles of traffic and struggles to protect the areas outstanding architectural delights, to maintain its distinctive shops, to enhance the conservation area and, above all, to care for its glorious heritage – the Heath.
Places of Interest
Abbey Road Studios 3 Abbey RoadThe legendary Abbey Road Studios sit inconspicuously in the exclusive area of St. Johns Wood which is in close walking distance to South Hampstead. Abbey Road Studios is of course where the Beatles recorded most of their music. It was built in 1830 as a private house and began to run as a studio in 1931 recording the top orchestras of the day. ‘Lord of the Rings’ is a recent epic recorded there.
The studios were only opened to the public once in 1983 so don’t expect to see inside. However, an excellent external view can be obtained from the pavement. Housed in a non-descript white building with grey trim, the building is often surrounded by tourists desperate to steal a glimpse. The wall in front of the building has got comments and signatures written all over it by tourists from all over the world wanting to make their mark on this famous building. The zebra crossing out the front has many a visitor ambling across whilst having their photo taken.
Hampstead Theatre Eton Avenue - 020 7722 9301
Now located in Swiss Cottage, Hampstead Theatre was founded in a Scout Hall in the heart of Hampstead village. Enjoying theatrical success for over forty-three years Hampstead Theatre is a small, but well established theatre, held in high regards by writers, critics and audiences. It remains one of Swiss Cottage’s jewels with a reputation as one of London’s leading fringe theatres. Over the years, many of Hampstead Theatre’s productions have been widely acclaimed. Many actors and writers have started their celebrated careers in this theatre such as Ewan McGreggor.
Going Out
Due to its location, South Hampstead residents have the advantage of being able to sample the many delicious restaurants and bars in West Hampstead, St. Johns Wood, Kilburn and Swiss Cottage.The Little Bay
228 Belsize Road
Tel: 020 7372 4699
The Little Bay is tucked away on Belsize Road, just off Kilburn High Road and is always busy due to word of mouth. It has an excellent reputation for not only the superb food quality, but also the cheap affordable prices. Before 7pm starters and deserts are priced at £1.95 and mains £4.75 and after 7pm, the prices are raised by an extra £1. The staff are always friendly, attentive and polite. The service is excellent and food is served quickly, even with big groups. The Moules Marinerre as a starter is delicious, it is served with shallots and parsley in a white wine and cream sauce. The mouthwatering braised knuckle of lamb in a red wine sauce is definitely a tasty choice. Or the baked haddock option with crushed new potatoes, served with a bacon and shallots hollandaise is a good one. They offer the most delectable chocolate cheesecake with a passion fruit coulis for the sweet tooth. This little gem is certainly worth a visit.The Arches
7 Fairhazel Gardens
Tel: 020 7624 1867
Just off the roundabout, by South Hampstead rail station, The Arches is the perfect local choice for wine enthusiasts serving a variety of quality wines from countries all over the world. It is owned and run by quite the character – Harry, who has spontaneous wine/cognac tasting at lunch times to suit the mood. The bar has a distinctive interior with an eclectic mix of memorabilia on the walls including antique mirrors, old school signs, pictures and dim lamps which help create its unique atmosphere. There is also a range of entertainment in the form of backgammon, cribbage and dominoes. Seating on the terrace area is provided, weather permitting. There is also a restaurant downstairs which serves good quality European food at fair prices.
Singapore Garden
83 Fairfax Road
Tel: 020 7624 8233
Singapore Garden Restaurant is situated on Fairfax Road and has a pleasant bright modern interior, efficient and helpful staff. The menu exhibits all the eclecticism of Singaporean cuisine. Fresh crab or lobster in mild chilli sauce, spare ribs, steamed chicken in a light soy sauce and sesame oil. The food is first rate with wonderful authentic dishes like green curry, bean curd cubes or chilli crab arriving promptly and tasting divine. There are tables out at the front in the warmer weather. You’d be well advised to book early for a table at this well-loved restaurantClifton Hotel
96 Clifton Hill
Tel: 020 7624 5233
This lovely late-Victorian pub is tucked away on the quiet residential street Clifton Hill and was the meeting place of King Edward 7th and his lover Lilly Langtry. The pub is 200 years old and is one of the only true traditional family-run pubs left unspoilt in London. They offer a wide and varied food menu ranging from Thai fragrant mussels with Italian breads (£6.50) or salmon and pepper kebabs served with cous cous and mixed salad (£7.90). It has wood sectioning, a front terrace with heaters and a conservatory and patio area in the back where BBQ’s are held on summer’s evenings.
The Belsize
29 Belsize Lane
Tel: 020 7794 4910
The Belsize is a lovely traditional pub tucked away in the heart of Belsize village, a short walk from South Hampstead. It has a wide range of drinks to complement the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The pub is divided into 2 halves, the front for socialising with your drink of choice and the rear for enjoying some of the tasty treats on the menu. The food is excellent with dishes ranging from king prawns, cod and mash on a bed of spinach to the more traditional pub favourite - bangers and mash. The pub has the advantage of being open until midnight on Friday and Saturday and until 11:30pm on Sundays.
The Abbey Road
63 Abbey Road
Tel: 020 7328 6626
Located a 5-10 minute walk from South Hampstead Station is The Abbey Road, a lively pub previously known as The Salt House. An established gastropub in the heart of Beatles territory there is good quality cuisine, a pleasant atmosphere, a wide selection of wines and reasonable prices to make this a good option for eating and drinking.
Parks and Open Spaces
Within easy reach of South Hampstead are Primrose Hill, Regents Park, London Zoo and Hampstead Heath. Regents Park has a fantastic landscape designed by John Nash and comprises of the largest outdoor sports area in London. It has a boating lake and an open-air theatre which is lovely entertainment for a summers evening.Another part of Regents Park is Primrose Hill, with a wide expanse of park land perfect for watching the world go by… you may even spot a celebrity! London Zoo is a brilliant day out for people of any age, containing one of the world’s best collections of animals.
Hampstead Heath is one of London’s major open spaces, consisting of almost 800 acres of mixed grassland and woodland. It is rather more parkland than heath, but does have plenty of semi-wild areas, sections of extensive tree cover and a number of small lakes reserved for boating and swimming.
Transport
South Hampstead, as mentioned previously is located close to central London and is served well by public transport. The residential area is so close to Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage, it means that residents can travel into the City very easily.The Underground
South Hampstead itself doesn’t have a tube station, however due to its location is within close proximity of Swiss Cottage, St. Johns Wood and even West Hampstead. All the above mentioned areas all have tube stations located on the Jubilee Line (grey) in Zone 2 which runs from Stanmore via Bond Street (for Oxford Street shopping), Waterloo (for the Eurostar links to Paris and Bruges) through to Stratford which has links on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Rail
South Hampstead is served by the Silverlink Watford Junction to London Euston Line. The train station is situated on Loudon Road just off a mini round about bringing together Finchley Road, Kilburn, West Hampstead and St. Johns Wood. The over ground line travels via Bushey, Wembley Central and Willesden Junction, where there are connections to St. Albans Abbey, Rugby and Birmingham. The train from South Hampstead to London Euston takes a mere 7 minutes to arrive at Euston station which makes a commute into central London hardly a commute at all!Bus Routes
The buses that run along Finchley Road are all easily accessible from South Hampstead.
The 13 starts its journet from from Golders Green station and proceeds to:
- Finchley Road Station
- Swiss Cottage
- St. Johns Wood
- Baker Street
- Oxford Street
- Bond Street
- Oxford Circus
- Piccadilly Circus
- Charing Cross Station and Aldwych
The 82 starts its journey from North Finchley and proceeds to:
- Regents Park
- Temple Fortune
- Finchley Road
- St. Johns Wood
- Oxford Street
- Marble arch
- Hyde Park Corner
- Victoria Station
The 113 starts its journey from Edgware Station and proceeds to:
- Mill Hill
- Hendon Central
- Finchley Road
- Oxford Street
- Oxford Circus
The 31 starts its journey from Camden Town and proceeds to:
- Chalk Farm
- Finchley Road
- Swiss Cottage
- South Hampstead Station
- Kilburn High Road station
- Westbourne Park Station
- Notting Hill Gate
The 46 starts its journey at Warwick Avenue station and proceeds to:
- Maida Vale
- St. Johns Wood
- Swiss Cottage
- Hampstead
- Kentish Town
- Camden High Street
- St. Pancras
- Kings Cross Stations
- Chancery Lane
- Holborn
- Farringdon
Airport Links
All four International airports can be reached easily from South Hampstead. Luton and Gatwick can be reached through the Thameslink lines in West Hampstead, Stansted Airport can be reached by the 24-hour A6 coach route from Finchley Road (there is a bus stop located outside the O2 Centre) and City Airport can be accessed by the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf and a shuttle bus.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Emergencies - 999St. Johns Wood Police Station
20 Newcourt St NW8 7AA - 020 7722 4447
London Fire Brigade (HQ)
8 Albert Embankment - 020 7587 2000
Royal Free Hospital
Pond St, London, NW3 2QG - 020 7794 0500
Utilities
British Telecom - 0808 100 7722
Gas - 08456 091 133
Electric - 08000 969 000
Thames Water - 08459 200 888
Sky TV - 08702 404040
Satellite Telecoms Ltd - 020 8743 9452
Telewest Broadband - 020 7911 0555
Permits - 020 7974 4646
Minicabs
Swiss Cottage Cabs
311 Finchley Road NW3 6EH - 020 7431 1000
West End Lane Cars
134 West End Lane NW6 - 020 7328 2000
Medical & Health
Doctors
Dr Shah Surgery 208 Belsize Road - 020 7530 2666
Dentist
J.H Kay 102 Boundary Road - 020 7328 1200
Osteopath
London Health Clinic 61 Mill Lane - 020 7431 0220
Health Clubs
Spring Health
81 Belsize Park Garden Road NW3 4NJ - 020 7483 6800
Esporta O2 Centre
Finchley Road NW3 6LU - 020 7644 2400
Amenities
Hairdresser
The Hair Garden
19 Goldhurst Terrace NW6 3HX - 020 7328 8700
Florist
Wicked Flowers
3 Broadwell Parade
Broadhurst Gdns - 020 7372 2322
Cinema
Odeon Cinema
96 Finchley Rd NW3 5EL - 0871 2244 007
VUE O2 Centre
255 Finchley Rd NW3 6LU 08712 240 240
Vet
Hamilton Veterinary Clinic
110 Boundary Rd - 020 7722 3381
Supermarkets
Marks and Spencer
151 Finchley Road NW3 6JH - 020 7229 9515
Waitrose
199 Finchley Road NW3 6NN - 020 7624 0453
Sainsburys O2 Centre
255 Finchley Road NW3 - 020 7433 1493
Local Trades People
Plumber
JDR Reactive - 0800 071 7319
Electrician
JDR Reactive - 0800 071 7319
Painter/Decorator
I.K. Painting & Decorating - 07792835311
Locksmith
Terry Able Locksmiths - 07860 611 980
Interior Designer
Susan Pease Designs - 130 Goldhurst Terrace - 020 7624 7008
Glazier
Active Glaziers - 665 Finchley Road - 020 8203 2028
Landscaping
Newmanor Landscapers - 36 Canfield Gdns - 020 7624 6969
Professional Cleaners
Dimple Cleaning - 07960103751
Local Council
Camden Council
Town Hall - Judd St WC1 - 020 7278 4444
Swiss Cottage Library
88 Avenue Road NW3 - 020 7974 6522
Some of information contained in our area guide has been extracted from the following publications: The Streets of West Hampstead – A survey of Streets, Houses, and in Residents in the Western Sector of the Old Borough of Hampstead. Compiled by Camden History Society’s Street History Group and edited by Christopher Wade. Camden History Society, 1992. South Hampstead’s Own Paper (SHOP) by P.B. Stack 1978.