London’s Hidden Villages: Brook Green

Ok, I’m about to let out a big secret.

We moved to London nearly 6 years ago, and first lived in Barbican, then Highgate. Lovely places, but neither quite clicked with me. I was missing something. It wasn’t until we moved to our current neighborhood that I fell in love with London!

Suddenly I was surrounded on all sides by darling houses, colorful doors and facades, and independent shops lining the high street. So I thought I’d spill the beans and let you in on one of London’s best kept hidden villages: Brook Green.

Just outside of zone 1, Brook Green is a little leafy neighbourhood nestled between Hammersmith, Holland Park, and Shepherds Bush. Family-friendly, the village centers around Masbro and Blythe Road with a few pubs, bakery, tea room, restaurants, and even a lovely clothing & toy shop. I’ll give some recommendations at the bottom of this post, if you’d like to see.

We have great schools in the neighborhood, a nice playground and dog park, and even a Saturday food market with great vendors and live music in good weather.

The location is perfect for great access to my favorite places in London. It’s a 15 minute tube ride to central London, a 10 minute bike ride to Notting Hill, and a 20 minute walk to the River Thames.

We moved here right before I had our second baby. I spent so many days taking slow walks and noticing all the small details around the neighborhood. First pushing a newborn in a buggy, and eventually slowly following a new toddling walker around the neighborhood (always looking for kitties wandering – her favorite then and still today!). This neighborhood, with its sweet pink houses definitely was an inspiration for London is Pink. Actually, I wonder what would have happened if we’d never stumbled onto Brook Green!

And with that introduction, I think it’s time I show you around the neighbourhood!

My neighbourhood recommendations

Cafes | Gails Bakery, Betty Blythe Tea Room, Farina & More – all serving their own twist on sandwiches, salads, cakes, and coffee. Betty Blythe does vintage afternoon tea parties, too, definitely worth looking into if you are after something special for a celebration.

Restaurants/pubs | Bird in Hand – Stylish and cozy interiors with pizzas and european small plates, Pentolina – Casual Italian in a beautiful setting

Shops | Scandi Mini – a lovely childrens clothing and toy shop, and they just started carrying unique womens brands and homewares, too. Lovely place to window shop, and I always come away with something special.