London Living: what’s happening in Hammersmith?

Located just South of the Thames in West London, the district of Hammersmith is a hub of activity. This affluent area plays host to the annual Oxford vs Cambridge boat race and is home to a plethora of swanky restaurants and entertainment venues. It’s a particularly popular area with millennials with almost a quarter of the Hammersmith and Fulham population in the 20-29 age bracket!  The borough is also home to the second highest percentage of singletons of any in England and Wales- so, as you can imagine, it boasts a lively dating scene. However, with the average price of a terraced house being in the region of £1.4 million, Hammersmith isn’t ideal for first-time buyers and the majority of homeowners in the area tend to be significantly older.

As for transport links you’re spoilt for choice. There are actually two tube stations in very close proximity of one another which, strangely enough, both go by the name of Hammersmith. They are only a short walk away from each other separated by Hammersmith Broadway. Both in zone 2, one is on the Piccadilly and District lines and the other is on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.

We’ve created an insider’s guide to the area, giving you the lowdown on the best places to head to in Hammersmith!

Where to eat

Without a doubt, one of the best places to head to for a spot of lunch is the vegetarian restaurant, The Gate. Frequented by veggies and non-veggies alike, this eclectic hotspot serves up exciting yet nourishing dishes such as Aubergine Schnitzel and Goat’s Cheese Wellington.

If you’re on the hunt for something a little more exclusive with a price tag to match, River Cafe could be just the ticket. Specialising in Italian food, this place offers a tantalizing experience for all the senses with great food and a bustling atmosphere. Naturally, with such a distinguished reputation it can get very busy, so be sure to make a reservation before turning up.

Where to shop

Certainly not short of shops, Hammersmith and the surrounding area is brimming with fashion outlets and malls. There’s the Broadway shopping centre and the King’s Mall which both house familiar high street chains and provide easy access to the underground. Or if you want a more full-on shopping experience you have the option of heading to Westfield White City, which is 10 minutes away on the Circle Line.

Alternatively, if you prefer to peruse smaller independent shops or boutiques then Fulham Broadway is just a stone’s throw away.

Where to drink

For a laid-back tipple by the Thames, The Old Ship provides the perfect setting. With affordable drinks and picturesque views, it’s a popular haunt for those seeking some downtime with friends at the weekend.

If you’re after somewhere a tad more lively, look no further than Smith’s Cocktail Bar on Shepherd’s Bush Road. From classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned to more modern inventions, there really is something for everyone here and all for a reasonable price. The music is generally a mixture of soul and jazz and the cosy vintage aesthetic only adds to the charming ambience of the place.

Where to stay

One of the most atmospheric places to stay in Hammersmith is, undeniably, the Brook Green Hotel. If you’re looking for somewhere with bags of personality and a trendy bar to boot, this is for you. With 17 stylish boutique bedrooms, each with its own unique quirks, this isn’t somewhere you’ll forget in a hurry. It’s also located in a really central spot within walking distance of multiple tube stations, so making your way around London will be a breeze.

Another option is the relatively new Seraphine Hammersmith Hotel. Perfect for the modern day man or woman, each room comes with free WIFI, an iPod dock and flat screen TV and it’s situated right in between both Hammersmith underground stations.

Things to do

You certainly won’t be short of things to do in Hammersmith with lots of entertainment on offer. If plays are your thing, get yourself down to the Lyric Theatre. It’s an intimate theatre with a wide range of shows for people of all ages and tastes. From Jack and the Beanstalk to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, there really is something to suit everyone.

Eventim Apollo (formerly Hammersmith Apollo) is a great night out for music lovers or those into comedy. With a glittering portfolio of past performers such as the Beatles, David Bowie, and even Queen, there’s a whole lot of history contained within this grand auditorium. It definitely hasn’t gone out of fashion though with big names still performing there every week.

One of the best green spaces in London, Ravenscourt Park, sits right in the heart of Hammersmith. With a tea house, lake and rose garden, this 32 acre stretch of land is ideal for picnics and family days out. There’s also a paddling pool and play area for the kids which is great in the summer months.

So that’s Hammersmith in a nutshell! Don’t forget, LeSalon services London zones 1-4 so if you’re staying in the area, give us a shout. For more insights and inspiration have a look at our blog.