Location

Situated within the London Borough of Camden in north west London, West Hampstead is one of London’s residential inner suburbs. It is a mile or so to the west of Hampstead Village, and about the same distance from Hampstead Heath, one of London’s largest green spaces.

History

Development of the area began in the mid-Victorian period when the railway arrived. Until then, the only settlement had been a small agricultural village called West End (hence the name West End Lane, West Hampstead’s main shopping street). However, Edgware Road , the area’s Western boundary, began life as a Roman Road, the historic Watling Street.

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

West Hampstead is one of the best-served areas in London for surface trains; there are no less than three stations on two lines, including the newly- modernised Capital Connect, linking via St. Pancras to Kent and Europe. Underground services are excellent; the Jubilee Line, London’s newest tube, connects to Central London and Docklands.

Shopping

West End Lane Books is one of London’s few surviving independent bookshops. There are other independent shops on West End Lane, including some interesting food shops, supplemented by a weekly Farmer’s Market. There is an indoor shopping centre on the Finchley Road, and chain stores to the west in Kilburn.

Business

As this is a largely residential area, businesses in West Hampstead are principally involved in the retail and service sectors, although Hampstead’s traditional reputation as a healthy area to live is reflected in the number of private hospitals and clinics in the area. Many West Hampstead residents make the easy journey into central London for work.

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 West End Lane you can find a great variety of restaurants at all price levels. The Wet Fish Caf’e is noted for its simple fresh food and great coffee. Food from all over the world includes Italian, Vietnamese and Lebanese specialities.

Education

This is traditionally an area noted for its excellent schools. Emmanuel School is a primary school rated ‚outstanding‘ by Ofsted. Hampstead School and Haverstock School both have excellent reputations at secondary level.

Property

This is a popular and affluent suburb, which is nevertheless rather more affordable than Hampstead Village. In addition to village-style terraced cottages there are handsome Victorian villas, now mostly converted into flats, and some very solid and desirable 1930s and post-war mansion blocks.

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