Living in Hammersmith

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Hammersmith is a riverside, West London district full of art, history and culture. It can be argued that Hammersmith is split into two distinct sides. The first side is a commerce hub with office buildings, shops and fine restaurants which has attracted the headquarters of global businesses such as L’Oréal and Disney. The other side of Hammersmith, located down by the river, couldn’t be more different. The high rise, corporate offices are replaced by long-standing pubs, Georgian period properties and quaint riverside cafés.

Hammersmith is considered one of the safer residential areas of London and attracts a wide range of people from families to young professionals and first-time buyers. Properties in this area are often slightly cheaper than some of its West London neighbours and as a result, a quarter of the population are aged between 21 and 29. Transport links in and out of Hammersmith are excellent with close proximity to the A4, M25 alongside many buses and the tube station. With a wide selection of restaurants, bars, shops and cultural attractions it is easy to see why so many people decide to settle in Hammersmith.

Hammersmith remained underdeveloped until the 18th Century when The Industrial Revolution attracted factories, distilleries, sugar refineries, amongst others, to the area due to its riverside location. The Hammersmith Bridge was built in 1824 to allow businesses to easily transport goods in and out of the area and the introduction of the railway in 1864 heightened demand for properties. It was during this period that many new homes were built for families and those wanting a quick commute into Central London. Hammersmith became more cosmopolitan in the late 19th Century when King Street transformed into the district’s main shopping centre with an abundance of shops on one street. Today, Hammersmith offers residents access to open, green spaces, a variety of amenities and a unique combination of urban and village living.

Transport

Tube:

Hammersmith Underground Zone 2: Circle, Hammersmith & City, Piccadilly and District Lines

Hammersmith to Paddington: 14-minute tube

Hammersmith to Victoria: 16-minute tube

Hammersmith to Westminster: 18-minute tube

Hammersmith to Holborn: 21-minute tube

Hammersmith to King Cross: 24-minute tube

Hammersmith to Farringdon: 30-minute tube

Hammersmith to Liverpool Street: 34-minute tube

Train:

Hammersmith does not have any National Rail Services however, it is located a short tube ride away from Paddington, Victoria, Kings Cross and Euston all of which have train services.

Bus:

Bus Number 9: Charing Cross

Bus Number 27: Chalk Farm

Bus Number 72: Shepherd’s Bush

Bus Number 190: Richmond

Bus Number 211: Victoria & Waterloo

Bus Number 295: Clapham Junction

Average Rental Price

1 bed: £1,906 pcm

2 bed: £3,269 pcm

3 bed: £2,972 pcm

4 bed: £4,468 pcm

Council Tax

To be paid to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham

https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/council-tax

Schools

There are a number of outstanding rated schools in the area. The best primary schools include, John Betts, Brackenbury, West London Free School, Earl’s Court Free School, St Peter’s C of E and St Paul’s C of E. The best secondary schools are Sacred Heart High, The Cardinal Vaughan and Fulham Cross. There are a few private schools in Hammersmith which are Ravenscourt Park Preparatory, Bute House, Latymer Upper and Godolphin Latymer.

Life in Hammersmith

Hammersmith offers its residents two different types of living depending on your preferences. For those who enjoy the urban lifestyle, there are high-spec modern apartments and for those who want a more laid-back lifestyle, Hammersmith offers riverside, period houses. Either way, you will benefit from a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants as well as public parks, gardens and a lake which is located in the local Ravenscourt Park. Below, you can find our suggestions of the best places to eat, drink and have some fun in Hammersmith.

Food & Drink:

  • River Café

The River Café is the go-to place to enjoy a fine, Italian meal Al Fresco while sipping on a glass of wine and taking in the stunning riverside views. Opened in 1987, the Café serves only the highest quality of food and is renowned for training talented chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. The menu is carefully thought out with appetisers like Buffalo Mozzarella with Sicilian Caponata and Finely Chopped Veal Rump with Squashed Tomatoes. For the main course, you can choose from options such as Baked Pigeon, Grilled Sirloin and Salted Salmon. Be sure to save some room for a delicious Almond Tart or a selection of cheeses from various regions in Italy.

  • The Dove

Tucked away down a small side street along the River Thames, The Dove is a classic British pub that is a real hit with the locals. Established in the 17th Century, The Dove has been a part of the community for centuries and contains a long and rich history. Inside, you can see a brass plaque that marks the height the water level reached in 1928 during the great flood. The interior is homely and welcoming with a log fire, rustic wooden furniture and a charming outdoor beer garden. The menu offers all the British pub dishes that we all love such as Fish & Chips, Burgers, Sirloin Steak and a Chocolate Brownie with Peanut Brittle. Head to The Dove on Wednesday to take advantage of ‘Pink Wednesdays’ when all pink drinks are 2-4-1.

  • The Gate

The Gate is an eclectic vegetarian and vegan restaurant with high ceilings, large windows, mismatched wooden wall panels and hanging light bulbs. The menu is extensive with exciting options such as Green Thai Curry, Wild Mushroom Risotto Cake and a Beetroot Cheese Burger. The Gate also offers a Breakfast, Brunch and Dessert menu as well as a Bottomless Prosecco Brunch where you pay £32 for unlimited Prosecco, mini pastries, homemade granola, a main course from the brunch menu, juice, tea and coffee. Sounds like the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Culture & Leisure:

  • The Riverside Studios

Due for completion this year, The Riverside Studios is a dynamic, vibrant venue that gives artists and audiences the opportunity to come together and be a part of the arts and entertainment. The development will include large performance spaces, a cinema, TV studio, a gallery, bars and restaurants to give artists access to quality facilities to practise their art as well as putting on the best possible shows for the patrons. Set on the River Thames, the Studios will offer magnificent views over the water and Hammersmith Bridge, the ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail or two after watching a performance.

  • Kings Shopping Mall

Located on King Street, The Kings Shopping Mall is 244,000 sq. ft of retail space with a selection of high street stores, cafés and restaurants. Visit the huge, three-storey H&M concept store where you can see new innovations and services such as Repair & Remake, embroidery services and a florist shop. If you’ve still got some energy after a day of shopping, you can visit The Frame. A start of the art gym and training facility that offers classes such as Aerobics and Yoga as well as personal training sessions. Keep an eye on the Mall’s website to find exciting in-store events such kid’s classes, free gourmet ice lollies and creative design sessions.

  • Eventim Apollo

The Eventim Apollo is a lively entertainment venue located in a stunning Grade II listed building. Opened in 1932, the Apollo has attracted many well-known artists such as Queen, Black Sabbath and Kylie Minogue. On the website, you can see up to a year in advance who will be performing and all the special concerts that are being held, such as ‘Love Actually in Concert’ which plays around Christmas time. Inside the building, the main hall contains ornate plaster work, a royal colour scheme, two marble stair cases and mosaic floor panels in the foyer. It is a great place to come for an enjoyable evening with your friends or even for the most memorable date!

Is it for you?

Hammersmith is a great area to live for pretty much everyone. Whether you are a family, a young couple, a working professional or a student, there are a range of properties to suit all budgets, good schools in the area and excellent transport links. If you want to live in a trendy, cosmopolitan neighbourhood with all the amenities you could need such as shops, restaurants, cafés and fun things to do, then start looking for your property in Hammersmith.