The Kensal Rise neighbourhood sits in the borough of Brent and is made up of parts of the wards of Harlesden, Willesden Green, Kensal Green, Brondesbury Park, and Queens Park. Running through Kensal Rise is Chamberlayne Road, which was once named the “hippest street in Europe” by Vogue. Beyond this road, the area is characterised by its plethora of local shops, cafes and bars as well as its multiple green parks. Additionally, while strolling through Kensal Rise, it’s hard not to notice the old Victorian houses that line the streets. All of this makes it no surprise that the neighbourhood was once described as “Notting Hill, without the tourists.”

The Willesden area of Kensal Rise was originally inhabited by the Willesden family from 1278 through 1494. Meaning, “Hill of the Spring”, Willesden was made up largely of farmland until 1738, when buildings, including the Spotted Dog dance hall, began to pop up around the green. Middle class residents were drawn to the area for its suburban feel, but when the railways were introduced to the area in the 1800s, working class communities began to move in. Unfortunately, by 1890, the neighbourhood was struggling with overcrowding issues and 20% of families were living in poverty. The area suffered even further during World War II due to heavy bombings and air raids. Following the war, residents began to move out of the area to London’s New Towns, which led to industrial and economic decline in the area. By the second half of the 20th century, the area had become one of the most ethnically diverse localities in London, home to large Jewish, Irish and Caribbean communities. Eventually, in 2001, Brent Council led extensive regeneration efforts in the area, upgrading the public spaces, historical buildings and providing resources to improve local high street businesses.

Famous singer, Lily Allen, lives in the Kensal Rise neighbourhood. She recently released a new album, and is very politically active.Celebrated author, Zadie Smith, also lives locally with her family. She’s well known for her novels set in North West London.

Kensal Rise is home to the UK’s first social enterprise cinema. Lexi Cinema donates 100% of its profits to charity.

Queens Park was originally created for the International Exhibition of the Royal Agricultural Society.

The Harlesden area of Kensal Rise is home to a higher than average percentage of deprived households. The area’s crime rate is slightly higher than London’s on a whole, with the majority of crimes being classified as violence or harassment. Regardless, locals love the hip and diverse but suburban feeling of the neighbourhood.

Over the past couple of years, Brent Council has launched a Kensal Corridor improvement program. With this program, as well as the Chamberlayne Road improvement plans, the council has committed to beautification and making positive changes to the area’s public open space. While there are no significant private developments planned in Kensal Rise itself, there has been debate amongst locals about the newly confirmed Brent Cross Town placemaking project. Argent developers, who oversaw much of King’s Cross’s recent transformation, are behind the project which will be located in the north of Willesden, slightly north of this neighbourhood. The scheme promises to be transformative, boasting 6,700 homes, workspace for 25,000 people, a new high street, 50 acres of parks, as well as schools and community facilities.