Hammersmith
On the Thames in West London, Hammersmith is a beautiful area, with a countryside feel. It is perfect for many of London’s wealthy families. There is a choice of riverside eateries to explore, including The Dove pub, which was frequented by Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene or The Crabtree which has a terrace overlooking the Thames and is popular in the summer months with people enjoying a Pimm’s and the splendid views.
There are many other restaurants in the area, as well as boutique shops and cafes, or head to the Farmer’s Market at Lyric Square on a Thursday for fresh products. The area is rich in cultural attractions, with four theatres: the Riverside Studios, the Bush Theatre, Curtains Up at the Baron’s Theatre and finally the Lyric Hammersmith, which is considered one of the most notable theatres outside the West End. It is also home to the Hammersmith Apollo, which plays host to major concerts and stand up comedy acts.
The William Morris Society at Kelmscott House is one to visit, as is the Westfield Shopping Centre in nearby Shepherd’s Bush, with hundreds of shops and restaurants. For the children, the London Wetland Centre will bring splashes and laughter, or nearby neighbourhood Barnes, just over the river, is very picturesque. There are a number of exceptional 18th and 19th century buildings in and around its historic village, and the area boasts a rock and roll history with the former Olympic Studios on Church Road playing host to many of rock and pop's greatest stars throughout the decades: from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, right through to modern day Coldplay and Madonna.