Many people don’t get to see the real Shepherd’s Bush but I love it because it has lots of hidden gems.
People think of Westfield and move on but the neighbourhood is a real onion. Even knowing it as well as I do, I am constantly finding new and exciting things.
I live in a four-bedroom Victorian house that is a little taller than the others in the area. My husband and I bought it recently and we were so lucky that the previous owner kept a lot of the original features.
Both of us grew up in Notting Hill but we couldn’t afford to buy there, so Shepherd’s Bush is near enough to our family but much more affordable and perhaps a little more interesting.
I have had a long love affair with the Bush. I lived here until I was five and then moved back here when I was 22 with my older sister. This last move feels like coming home.
Eating and drinking
There are so many places a stone’s throw from us.
The two I go to on rotation are The Anglesea Arms on Wingate Road — a glorious place, not more you could ask for in a pub — and the Electric Coffee Co on Goldhawk Road, where I get my morning coffee. It is a place I genuinely miss when I’m out of town.
Shikumen is a Chinese restaurant near Shepherd’s Bush Green. It serves food all day and has been my happy place on many a hangover day.
One of the places that has popped up is Uxbridge Road’s Next Door Records. They have wine, coffee, records and pizza. I mean, that’s pretty great. To be honest there are too many spots to mention.
Where I work out
I am not the right woman for this. I have just started at Fitness First in Hammersmith. Everyone is lovely and the place is doable but my preferred exercise is walking. For that, we will head to the river, walk along and stop in at The Carpenter’s Arms on Black Lion Lane when possible.
For a culture fix
Emery Walker’s House is a 15-minute walk from me in Hammersmith Terrace. It is pretty spectacular; a monument to the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Bush Hall is a great events space and always has something interesting going on.
Down the road, Bush Theatre on Uxbridge Road is in an incredible place that champions new plays and playwrights.
To commune with nature
Ravenscourt Park is a pretty good place for a wander around. My old favourite is Hyde Park and it’s not too far so I head that way sometimes.
Grocery shopping
There is a wealth of fruit and veg on Uxbridge Road. Everyone’s favourite, Damas Gate, supplies the best hummus I have ever tasted.
Getting around
I find Shepherd’s Bush incredibly easy to get around. You have the Overground, the Central line and Hammersmith & City. I don’t think you can complain.
Dream street
There are lots of dream streets. I think the all-rounder is Askew Road. It has got The Ginger Pig, Burnt Provisions coffee shop and is a stone’s throw from the excellent pizza at The Oak W12.
Something you only see in Shepherd’s Bush
You are spoilt for choice with fabric shops on Goldhawk Road. I spend my life popping in and coming out with a few metres.
What’s the catch?
I feel a little sad that the police station has closed down. I have been in one or two skirmishes with shoplifters recently. It needs to be addressed.
In three words
Eclectic. Busy. Unsung.
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Schools
Shepherd’s Bush has several primary schools rated outstanding including Brackenbury Primary School and St Stephen’s CofE Primary School.
For secondary education, Kensington Aldridge Academy and The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School are rated outstanding while Hammersmith Academy is deemed good.
What it costs
Buying in Shepherd’s Bush
Average house price: £1,038,000
Average flat price: £516,000
Renting in Shepherd’s Bush
Average house price, pcm: £3,110 pcm
Average flat price, pcm: £2,090 pcm
