Welcome to my very first post! As some of you know, despite the fact that I live in New York, London is by far my favorite city. There’s just something about the old world charm and pace of life that speaks to my soul and puts a smile on my face. Plus, it has the distinction of being the only place I’ve visited where I’m always sad to leave, no matter how long the stay.
When thinking on the subject matter of my first post, it was only right to give London the nod. But London is a big city, you say. Ah, yes, it is and that is why I’ve chosen to focus on a section that has become near and dear to my heart – West London.
The last few years, West London has become a home away from home for me. I have my regular spots – my local pub on the banks of the Thames, my cafe on the High Street where they recognize me when I come in everyday, my go-to restaurants, the gorgeous shops that I walk by and covet every single thing in the windows. Each year when I return, all my favorites are there faithfully waiting for me. I’ve grown to count on them, like old friends. Why have I grown so attached to this area? Well, just to name a few reasons…
Location, Location, Location
Ah, West London – home to, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful bridges in London – Hammersmith Bridge. Part of West London has the good fortune to be situated on or near the Thames. Which makes it the ideal location for an early morning walk or run, people watching, catching the rowers in action or grabbing a drink and some food and watching the sunset at an outdoor pub.
Speaking of location, West London is served by three tube lines – the Piccadilly, District and Central – all of which will take you into central London. Plus there are two additional lines that originate in West London – the Hammersmith & City and Circle that hit neighborhoods in the North and East. There are always a number of buses you can catch and it’s a stone’s throw away from Heathrow Airport. In fact, if you stay in West London, you can take the Piccadilly right from and/or to the airport. How’s that for connected?
Let’s Eat…
Just about every morning, my first stop is Artisan Coffee on the High Street. The space is chill, the staff friendly and, yes, I need that oat cappuccino with the chocolate sprinkled on top to start my day – don’t judge. For a full English breakfast, there’s Cafe Plum in Hammersmith, a tiny secreted outpost tucked away from the Thames. Further west you’ll find Outsider Tart in Chiswick, owned by expats from New York (woot woot) – if you’re American and missing the taste of home, this is your place.
In the evening, Potli located on King Street is some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had – the flavors are complex and outstanding and the spicy dishes have a heat that’s so subtly artful, it just creeps up on you so slowly that you don’t even realize what’s happening until it’s too late – and I mean this in the best possible way. The Roebuck on Chiswick High Road is a pub, so it falls into our next category as well but our dinner here was just too damn good to leave it out of this section – I’m daydreaming about the chips right now.
Drink…
What says London more than a proper old pub? All the better when it’s situated on the Thames. There really are so many options; you’ll be hard pressed to choose – so why not try them all. For my aforementioned local, look no further than The Dove. Its historical significance is what drew me in initially – “Rule Britannia” was composed here! But one step through the creaky door and I fell in love. And, it’s home to the smallest bar room in the world – it’s true, I’ve been in it.
If you’re a fan of the film Sliding Doors like myself, be sure to check out the Blue Anchor and you can re-create a certain song and dance celebration. For a bit of class, Vindinista Wine Bar in Acton has a cozy atmosphere, a cultivated menu and – wine, an amazing selection of wine.
And Be Merry…
If the thought of traveling into the City of London sounds daunting at any given time, not to worry, it happens to the best of us. Luckily, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in your little corner of West London. You can catch a concert at Eventim Apollo or theatre at Lyric Hammersmith. Since it’s always Gin O’clock as far as I’m concerned, the Sipsmith Distillery in Chiswick does a tour and tasting. If sports are your thing, head over to Craven Cottage to catch Fulham Football Club in action (that’s soccer for my American friends).
Sun’s Out, Literally Every Londoner’s Out
I know that doesn’t have the same ring to it and I’m exaggerating a bit but you get what I mean. When the weather’s nice in London it’s absolutely mandatory to get out and enjoy it. There is no shortage of beautiful parks and green spaces in West London, from the charm of Ravenscourt Park to the lush grandeur of Gunnersbury Park. Over in Fulham, Bishops Park is great if you fancy a leisurely walk along the Thames.
My favorite has to be Chiswick House and Gardens. I mean, it’s an 18th Century villa with 65 acres of gardens…and hedgerows that are perfect for getting lost in! If you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll over footbridges, this is for you. It’s also a popular place for people to walk their dogs, so lots of cute puppies around.
“Roam If You Want To”
When all else fails, channel your inner Jeff from Rear Window. No, I do not stare in people’s windows, I’m not a creeper. I don’t recommend that you do either. It’s just fun to wander around and peep on people’s homes – let’s be honest. The area truly is gorgeous; I can just walk around for ages. When it starts to downpour on what was supposed to be a warm, sunny day, just pop in a pub – yep, that happened to me.
“There’s No Place Like London…”
There’s just too much to mention and I still have so much more exploring to do! Suffice to say, it’s my happy place.
As a bonus – here’s a song that always makes me think of West London by a band from London! Though I’d heard it many times before and loved it, it wasn’t until it was playing one morning as I sat in Artisan that I finally purchased it. I spent a lot of time wandering around Chiswick listening to it. Now whenever it shuffles on my phone, it brings me back. Plus, in a strange way, the lyrics seem appropriate with this post – “Never Forget You” by Noisettes. Cheers!
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
Adventures of a New Yorker traveling the world.
