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
Although West Hampstead is bordered to the west by a Roman road (Edgware Road, formerly the Roman Watling Street), there was only a small agricultural village, known as West End, in the area before the railway arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century. It is believed that one of the railway engineers called his new station 'West Hampstead' to avoid confusion with the central London shopping area. Once the area was accessible by train the farmland quickly gave way to residential building.
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
As well as buses, West Hampstead enjoys plentiful rail and underground services. There are two railway lines, including the Capital Connect service which links to European services via St. Pancras International. Underground services include the Jubilee Line, London's most modern Tube, which provides a fast service to central London and Docklands.
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
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
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
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.
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
Although West Hampstead is bordered to the west by a Roman road (Edgware Road, formerly the Roman Watling Street), there was only a small agricultural village, known as West End, in the area before the railway arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century. It is believed that one of the railway engineers called his new station 'West Hampstead' to avoid confusion with the central London shopping area. Once the area was accessible by train the farmland quickly gave way to residential building.
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
As well as buses, West Hampstead enjoys plentiful rail and underground services. There are two railway lines, including the Capital Connect service which links to European services via St. Pancras International. Underground services include the Jubilee Line, London's most modern Tube, which provides a fast service to central London and Docklands.
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
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
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
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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