West Hampstead History
In Medieval times the hamlet of West End was first established as a small – and rather poor – conurbation set on the vacant strip of land nestled between Hampstead and Kilburn. Some years later in the early 18th century, as Hampstead became an increasingly popular resort for wealthy Londoners on retreat, may of the residents of West End found employment serving in the grand houses and estates.In 1829 the Finchley Road was built connecting central London with the Great North Road. However, set just out of the way of the new arterial route, West End was not affected by the increasing levels of traffic, and remained rather poor. Ironically, in the 21st Century, this slightly isolated location is undoubtedly one of West Hampstead’s most appealing features.
It was not until the latter half of the 19th Century that the village really started to grow. The arrival of the railway in the 1850s brought a new source of employment and transport access, and by the 1890s the suburbs of London were gradually creeping towards Willesden and Cricklewood. During a 20-year period West End experienced a population explosion up from 8,000 in 1881 to 30,000 in 1901. It was also during this time that West End picked up a new name – West Hampstead, while Brondesbury and Mapesbury took their names from old estates in the area.
Much of the village as it now stands was built during this exciting time – notably St James Church, Hampstead Synagogue, West Hampstead Fire Station and the Cemetery. However, the Vestry was concerned that the rapid construction would swallow up all of the open spaces. As a result, it purchased West End Green and Fortune Green for preservation. In the late Victorian years, as land became increasingly scarce throughout London, a number of Mansion Blocks were built in West Hampstead – among the first to appear in London.
Cut to 2006 and West Hampstead has become one of London’s most desirable locations, with an affluent population of young professionals. With easy access to Central London, its no wonder that West Hampstead’s relaxed village atmosphere and wide selection of bars, restaurants and cafes is in high demand.
Places of Interest
West End LaneWest End Lane is one of the area’s oldest roads. Until as late as the 1860s, it remained a true country lane with high banks and hedges, surrounded by farmland and countryside. The area mostly attracted a new gentry class, men who made their money through working rather than through inheritance. Although it was still considered very much in the country, West End was still close enough to town to allow commuting and was therefore an ideal place to live.
Going Out
Art For Fun172 West End Lane
Tel: 020 7794 0800
This delightful little concept café is typical of the creative charm that epitomises West Hampstead. A selection of snacks and drinks are available, but eating and drinking is not exactly the number one priority at Art For Fun. That is evident the moment you step through the door, straight into what looks like a primary school arts and crafts classroom. Bring your own food, even a bottle of wine if you fancy and try your hand at painting your own plate, mug or teapot. Alternatively you can decorate wood, glass, papier mache or your own T-shirt. Okay, this isn’t exactly a restaurant, but its certainly one of West End Lane’s highlights.
Café Monpell
309 West End Lane
Tel: 020 7431 1616
This charming little coffee shop is an ideal location to sit and wile away the hours over a caramel macchiato and a generous portion of tiramisu (£2.50). Opened at the beginning of 2004, it manages to be bright and breezy, yet retains a distinct homely feel. A full range of baguettes, sandwiches, desserts, teas and fresh fruit juices are available. The banana, milk and honey juice (£2.80) comes highly recommended.
Sushi Bar Gen
243 West End Lane
Tel: 020 7431 4031
Nestled away in a tiny corner, it would be all too easy to miss this superb eatery. But for all sushi lovers, the Bar Gen offers a little taste of Tokyo in NW6. The a la carte menu is impressively cheap allowing the curious customer to sample a wide range of the specialities, and the specials board will lead you to the freshest catch in the kitchen. The décor is not exactly lush, but its delightfully authentic. The sashimi is superb but for those who want to try the lot the Sushi Gen Selection. A take-away service and party orders are also available.
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
331 West End Lane
Tel: 020 7794 5455
Quite simply, the Gourmet Burger Kitchen puts the humble meat patty to shame. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere terrific, but the true star of this restaurant is the food. If a tired old dollop of ketchup and slice of pickle just doesn’t cut the mustard for you anymore then head down to the Gourmet Burger Kitchen and find out what a treat a burger can still be. The Pesterella sets off the burger with a topping of fresh pesto, mozzarella, salad and relish, while The Jamaican is complimented by mango and ginger sauce… now that’s what I call a happy meal! But it’s not all beef beef beef, the menu also boasts a range of chicken, lamb, venison and chorizo dishes, whilst veggies have a small but delicious selection to choose from.
The Old Black Lion
295 West End Lane
Tel: 020 7435 4389
Halfway up the high street The Old Black Lion has been here for almost as long as West Hampstead itself, and if you were wondering what West End Lane looked like yesteryear then look no further than the fascinating old pictures on the wall. The food is pretty standard pub fare, but the drinks are reasonably priced and on match day there’s sure to be a large crowd gathered around the big screen. There are always drinks offers on and special discounts of house spirits, so this is an ideal venue to get a round in. The terrace at the front of the pub is an ideal spot to watch the world go by and the beer garden at the rear of the pub is good spot to wile away an afternoon and both outside areas are heated if the evening starts to get a bit chilly.
The Gallery
Broadhurst Gardens
Tel: 020 7625 9184
A great cocktail bar in the West Hampstead area is The Gallery, this bar packs all the chic of Londoners premier style bars into three floors on Broadhurst Gardens. The basement level is a real treat, with your candle-lit hideaway, small yet welcoming. Set on the ground floor with an overlooking balcony is a more traditional bar with sheer wooden floors and exposed brick work, all of which is set off by an unobtrusive lighting scheme. Bar food is served from 5pm and downstairs meals start from 7pm. This is definitely a bar not to be missed!
La Brocca
La Brocca, a wonderful Italian restaurant and bar situated in the heart of West Hampstead on the high street. The restaurant is downstairs and has a lovely, warm authentic feel, it has a conservatory area with lovely plant trailers on the ceiling. The staff are attentive and friendly and the menu is filled with delicious traditional Italian dishes as well as an exciting array of specials. A definite must for the Italian lover.
Spice Plaza
The Spice Plaza, a well loved local Indian restaurant located on West End Lane has a menu filled with mouth-watering dishes made from the finest natural and organic ingredients including a starter selection which includes Onion Bhaji, Malai Tikka, Sheek Kebab and Smoked Salmon Kebab; tikka platters as well as the popular dishes including baltis; kormas and dansaks all very reasonably priced. The restaurant is very agreeable and nicely laid out, they also do a takeaway and delivery service, definitely worth a visit if you are a curry fan.
Parks and Open Spaces
In the heart of West Hampstead is West End Green, one of the main features that gives the area its homely village atmosphere. The Green includes a recently restored stone drinking fountain, dating back to 1897. Another highlight is an oak tree that was planted to commemorate the coronation of Edwad VII. Maygrove Peace Park was opened 29 years ago and is renowned for its commemorative plaques, statues and sculptures promoting world peace. Situated next to Sidings Community Centre, the park has a children’s playground, floodlit sports area and an intriguing pagoda-style entrance. Perhaps the most attractive feature of West Hampstead is its tranquil nature, despite its proximity to central London. Residents can also find a little peace and quiet nearby at Fortune Green, a good area for dog walking.Transport Links
West Hampstead is located within easy reach of Central London and is well served by the public transport network. Although it retains a homely village atmosphere, excellent rail, tube and bus links ensure the whole of London and the South East is easily accessible.The Underground
The tube station, located on West End Lane, is in Zone 2 on the (grey) Jubilee Line. Approximately 5 mins from Baker Street, residents have easy access to the centre of London, and thanks to the extensive Millenium redevelopment project the Jubilee line now reaches as far as Stratford in the South East of the City, via Canary Wharf and the Docklands.Rail
West Hampstead is served by the North London branch of the Silverlink line and the Thameslink network. On the Silverlink, West Hampstead is situated on the Richmond to North Woolwich line, and is easily within reach of London Euston. On the Thameslink service, which calls four times an hour in each direction, residents can reach the central transport apexes of Luton Airport and Kings Cross, while the City of London is just five minutes away.
Bus Routes
The 139 goes from West Hampstead and proceeds to:
- Trafalgar Square via Lisson Grove
- Baker Street
- Oxford Circus and Picadilly Circus
The 328 begins in Golders Green and proceeds to:
- Chelsea via West Hampstead
- Kilburn
- Westbourne Park
- Notting Hill Gate
- Kensington High Street and Earl’s Court
The C11 starts its journey at Archway station and then proceeds to:
- Parliament Hill Fields
- Hampstead Heath
- Swiss Cottage
- West Hampstead
- Mill Lane
- Cricklewood
- Brent Cross shopping centre
Airport Links
As a result of these comprehensive services, all four of London’s international airports can be reached from West Hampstead within an hour.