Kensal Green
Originally agricultural land until the mid-1800s, Kensal Green and its sub-district Kensal Rise are home to a thriving community, imbued with a vibrant spirit. Characterised by charming period homes, independent businesses and interspersed with verdant green spaces, the area is often described as a ‘village’ of sorts, with a welcoming soul.
The iconic public library, opened by Mark Twain in 1900, serves as the heartbeat of the area and a literary spark remains. A true marriage of heritage and modernity, Kensal is dynamic and inspiring at every turn.
We’ve compiled a short list of some of our favourite local spots, all walkable from our completed developments on Harrow Road and Buller Road.
A place for coffee
What good day doesn’t start with coffee? Chamberlayne Road has a number of great spots, including Wildcard, Bel & Nev and our local favourite Cable Co. Using Climpson & Sons’ roasted beans, Cable Co’s expert baristas will provide the perfect caffeine fix, offering a range of alternative milks.
A place to shop
With Golborne and Portobello Road just a short walk away, Kensal is ideal for a day of shopping. Thrift-seekers and vintage-lovers will lose themselves in the antique and bric-a-brac stalls, while those in the mood for a wander will discover a tempting selection of fresh produce and food stalls on every corner.
Kensal itself is a haven for independent shops, with the likes of Brooks Butchers, Scarlet & Violet Flowers and Retrouvius, an Aladdin’s Cave of salvaged furniture. Speaking to co-founder Adam Hills about the area, he told us “London has lost a lot of tradesman’s, artist’s or salvage workshops, but Harrow Road has managed to retain a lot of that sort of activity, which I think is hugely positive.” We couldn’t agree more.
A place to eat
Having worked up an appetite exploring the sights, Kensal Green offers a selection of delicious eateries. For a casual lunch that packs a flavourful punch, you can’t go wrong with Vicki’s Cafe. Run by Vicki and her son and daughter, this neighbourhood favourite makes kale and beetroot taste like the most indulgent treat around.
For dinner, we recommend Ida for authentic Italian cuisine. Speaking to co-owner Simonetta Wenkert, she told us, “We wanted to recreate the kind of place that would be like eating in the house of your favourite aunt.” Their popularity with locals seems a good indication that they’ve well and truly achieved this goal.
It’s impossible to talk about food in Kensal and not mention Parlour, described perfectly by Jessie Dunford Wood, owner and head chef, “We are a breakfast, lunch and dinner meeting place. With seasonal, proudly British and often nostalgic food.” On a sunny day, those in the know head straight to the hidden garden for a post-work cocktail or a local craft beer.
A place for nature
You don’t need to travel far within Kensal to spend time in nature. Stretching 137 miles from London to Birmingham, the Grand Union Canal is the longest canal route in England, and you’ll find a slice of it running through Kensal Green. The Paddington Arm winds through West London, bringing with it a natural walkway filled with greenery and natural beauty in abundance.
The lesser known Meanwhile Gardens aren’t to be missed. Providing a solitary moment of calm as the rest of London rushes on around you. The tree-lined paths of Queen’s Park are a short stroll away, too.
Trapped in a verdant strip of green between the Grand Union Canal and Harrow Road are two beautiful cemeteries – St Mary’s and All Souls, one of the so-called Magnificent Seven cemeteries built in the 1830s. On balmy evenings the grass-lined gravel paths provide welcome calm and cool; on a frosty morning the light sparkles off marble, granite and bronze. Acres and acres of peace.
This area guide really just scratches the surface of what’s on offer in Kensal. If you’d like to find out more about any upcoming developments in the area, please click here to send us a message.