West Kensington: Party in West London

If there's one area in London that's becoming synonymous with the word 'party', it's West Kensington. The district has benefited extraordinarily well from the Olympics and is populated by a vibrant crowd of young professionals. This is now so much the case that the plethora of snazzy bars and clubs in the area - as well as the housing market itself - is increasingly starting to cater for this trendy new crowd. Read on to find out if living in West Kensington is really for you.

House-wise

West Kensington straddles the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, with Hammersmith and Fulham to the east. It's vastly underrated compared with its wider-known neighbours, especially since the Olympics put it on the map with some mighty new developments such as the Olympia Exhibition.

The area is largely residential, with the houses made up of a unique collection of buildings, varying from Victorian apartment blocks all the way through to modern developments catering for a busy lifestyle. You'll also find plenty of period conversions - perfect for someone after a place with a bit of character.

Although young professionals dominate the area with a party atmosphere and the determination that someone is going to throw up on a Friday evening, the district also features a number of small communities including Brook Green and Barons Court, which offer a quiet alternative to the Saturday night extravaganza. Great for families or those moving into the city from rural areas.

Rates for living here are fairly affordable considering West Kensington's proximity to Central London (15 minutes to Victoria or 20 to Embankment via the District line). Average flat prices stand at around £515 per week, with a range of between £395 to £650. The majority of the residential area is made up of two or three-bedroom flats, so make sure you've got someone to move in with or you're willing to consider a houseshare with a stranger.

On the horizon

As we've already mentioned, London 2012 put West Kensington on the map. The local council already has a plan in place that will see more than 8,000 new homes constructed in the area by 2030, made up of small village blocks to be built with residential and commercial purposes in mind.

This on top of the planned redevelopment of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, coupled with the construction of a luxury apartment complex at 375 Kensington High Street, makes West Kensington an extremely exciting place to be.

Your local high street

Most of the residential properties are within easy access of Kensington High Street, where you'll find more than enough facilities to persuade you that a trip into Central London isn't necessary every time you need something.

From cosy boutique shops offering unique knick-knacks to the great shopping giants such as H&M that inhabit Westfields, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping. It's also easy to get hold of the necessities. West Kensington is home to two 24-hour Tescos as well as a Sainsburys, but if you're used to buying your bacon from a local family-run business, check out HG Walter on Palliser Road, Barons Court. This nifty little butcher offers organic meats, as well as a good selection of cheeses and seasonal vegetables. Good wholesome ingredients can also be secured from the Fishmonger's Kitchen on Shepherds Bush Road.

For wining and dining, forget about Covent Garden. Take your date along to Alounak on Russell Gardens. It's a great Middle-Eastern restaurant that provides sizeable portions of great food at a very reasonable price. Failing that, why not try Blue Lagoon, a highly-rated Thai restaurant which many foodies hold in high esteem. They deliver for free if you fancy keeping your date to the confines of your house. For a reliable Italian, head over to Pizza Express on Hammersmith Road, or Best Mangal for a tasty genuine Turkish kebab.

Cultural splendour

If you're planning to live in West Kensington, the good news is that you won't quickly bore of the cultural splendour around you. The area has much to offer, including the many expos and events offered by the Olympia and Earls Court exhibitions throughout the year. Those who like a bit of sport will no doubt be aware of The Queen's Club on Palliser Road, which is one of the most famous racquet clubs in the country. Head over there in summer when they host their annual grass court tennis tournament in the run-up to Wimbledon and see if you have what it takes to give Andy Murray a run for his money.

Leighton House Museum is highly recommended for those who enjoy spending an afternoon looking at objects of fascination and wonderment. Known for its extensive art collections, the building is a work of beauty in itself and considered one of the most remarkable constructions of the 19th century.

People of note

Don't just take our word for how great West Kensington is. The area has attracted many people of note, including Freddie Mercury of Queen fame to Mahatma Gandhi himself, who lived there for a year as a student. Perhaps sportsmen will try and capture a little of the magic that inspired Formula One legend Sir Sterling Moss, who was born in the district.

All in all, West Kensington is a sellar place to live. You'll have everything you could ever want or need - easy access to London, a thriving vibrant high street, gorgeous open spaces and enough culture and sports opportunities to last a lifetime. And with a wide variety of properties on offer, you're bound to find something that meets your expectations on both price and quality.

Published 25th April, 2013

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