This is a relatively quiet neighbourhood located to the east of Hendon town centre, comprised mostly of interwar semi-detached houses along straight roads. Despite being predominantly residential, the high street (Brent Street) is highly accessible from all parts of the neighbourhood area. Situated to the middle of the area and stretching almost all the way from north to south (with another row of shops north), it is home to a variety of eateries, retail shops and services. At the same time, this neighbourhood also benefits from access to green spaces. There is Hendon Park to the west, closer to the underground station, as well as to the eastern edge, bordering Golders Green and the North Circular Road, in the form of the River Brent and the linear park along its banks- providing a jogger’s path up to Mill Hill East and beyond as well as down to the Brent Reservoir.

Hendon Park was originally part of an estate known as Steps Fields, owned by the Goodyer Family. The Kemp Family owned the land from 1868 until 1903, when Hendon Council opened the park for public use. On 21 July 1940, Hendon Park was used for a ‘Rout the Rumour’ Rally, an initiative by the Ministry of Information to reinforce the message that gossip and rumour harmed the war effort. Sketches and songs were presented throughout the afternoon, as well as a group of stars, such as Renee Houston, Jack Hawkins and Jack Warner, who appeared for free. The rally was not unanimously welcomed, however, with the local clergy complaining about entertainment on the Sabbath.

Hendon School, located on Bell Lane, close to the High Street, has produced a few noteworthy alumni. Amongst them is Harry Melling, who played Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter’s cousin in the films. Since then, he has starred in a number of plays and TV episodes, including a revival of Mother Courage and her Children, the BBC series Merlin, as well as Just William. Since his first appearance in Harry Potter, he has been said to have lost so much weight that it necessitated him to wear a fat suit for his final appearance nine years later.

Brent Street was, in the past, one of the old roads connecting London to the rest of Britain – in fact, there is still a milestone at the Quadrant, the last physical evidence of the old road. A small hamlet had grown at the junction of Brent Street and Bell Lane even during Tudor times, in what is today the main commercial area of Hendon.

Dennis Compton, a famous cricketer, was born here and went to school at Bell Lane. He had a remarkable career in cricket, playing for England in spite of his recurring knee problem, and eventually becoming a cricket commentator. When he passed away in 1997 the Championship season began with a minute’s silence in his remembrance.

While well-connected, with numerous green spaces and decent housing stock, this neighbourhood is far away from much of the attractions of the area. On the flipside, however, this means that the bulk of the development which has sprung up in Hendon has not affected the area, and it remains a tranquil suburban neighbourhood.

Barnet is attempting to regenerate the Hendon area, particularly the West Hendon estate, whose homes do not meet the Decent Homes Standard. The project will deliver more than 1500 new homes by 2027, improved links to Hendon underground station, and the removal of the existing gyratory system. At the same time, the town centre will be enhanced, and a new Community Centre built, improving the neighbourhood area as well as its environs. The West Hendon regeneration is set to be fully completed by 2028. In 2021, it was also announced that Barnet Council endorsed plans for an £18.8m investment to create a state-of-the-art community sports hub for West Hendon Playing Fields. New facilities will, among other amenities and spaces, include tennis courts, an outdoor gym, a play area and a skate park. The Hub building will boast a café, indoor climbing, activity studio, nursery, community rooms and more!