Hammersmith

Don’t be deceived by Hammersmith’s busy gyratory and office blocks - just a short stroll away you’ll find quiet, leafy streets with a cosmopolitan vibe and a number of tempting shops, bars and restaurants.

The boulevard-style Hammersmith Grove boasts a number of excellent eateries, including Mediterranean restaurant The Grove and Bertotti Italian ice cream parlour, as well as the ubiquitous Bill’s.

Down by the river, you’ll find traditional pubs like The Old Ship, The Crabtree and The Dove. Other notable haunts include The Stonemason’s Arms, vegetarian favourite The Gate, and wine bar and restaurant The Brackenbury. For entertainment, head to the legendary live music and entertainment venue Hammersmith Apollo or the Lyric Theatre.

The Broadway Mall and Kings Mall take care of all your high street shopping needs, while nearby Brackenbury village and Askew Road offers a more eclectic range of independent stores. There is a Tesco Metro, Sainsbury’s Local and M&S Simply Food, as well as a large Sainsbury’s in Kings Mall, and a weekly farmers’ market on Lyric Square.

Nearby Ravenscourt Park has playing fields, tennis and basketball courts and an attractive lake, as well as ‘urban garden centre’ W6. Across the river you’ll find the London Wetland Centre, a tranquil oasis for wildlife. Bishops Park in Fulham is an easy river walk away. Local gyms include Virgin Active, Fitness First, Better Fitness and Squash Centre and PureGym.