The southern part of Cricklewood is anchored around the Shoot-Up Hill high street. Despite not being as posh as other parts of North London, this high street is no less interesting. Lined with eateries celebrating cuisines from all over the world - like Abyssinia’s Ethiopian food, or Rumi’s Persian menu - the neighbourhood has plenty to offer. Just beyond the high street, the side roads are lined with beautiful detached Victorian style houses, many of which have small gardens. For families who were drawn to the area more for its affordability than its grandiose suburban plots, there are many modest post-war semi-detached houses as well. With all of these, as well as the area’s wonderful schools and close proximity to the Kilburn tube stop, it’s no wonder that families are so attracted to the neighbourhood.

The neighbourhood is possibly most famous for its former pub, The Crown. Now a hotel, the former pub began as an inn during the 18th century when it filled an ivy-clad house, surrounded by gardens. It was popular among coach travellers passing through on the way to St. Albans. By the start of the 20th century, the pub was a favourite among locals and the only site in the neighbourhood legally allowed to serve alcohol. Today, the building serves as a four-star hotel, and while it still has a pub - it’s quite different from the old working-class patrons’ gathering space.

Famous English author, Zadie Smith, attended the neighbourhood’s Hampstead School. She’s well known for writing award winning novels that are set in the Cricklewood neighbourhood and other parts of North West London.

The high street running through the neighbourhood, Shoot-Up Hill, does not have many upscale restaurants or boutiques like other suburban parts of North London. However, residents in the area find that the shops that line the high street are sufficient and meet their daily needs.

The regeneration schemes that are ongoing nearby at the Brent Cross shopping centre will likely impact the businesses and homes in Cricklewood. The scheme, known as the Brent Cross Cricklewood development, will extend the shopping centre while creating 7,500 new homes to the south of the North Circular, rebuilding three schools and creating new parks. This development, while slightly outside of the neighbourhood, is so large that the developers have been doing extensive consultation with residents at the local Crown hotel. They want to make sure that the improvements to the public realm meet the needs of Cricklewood residents. In 2022, a new milestone was reached in this multi-billion pounds regeneration scheme with the launch of the first homes.