This Kennington neighbourhood is nestled between Oval and Brixton. While many of the streets are largely residential, and lined with quaint Victorian terraced houses, the area is also home to a wide variety of businesses. Aside from the large offices at the Kennington Park Business Centre, there is also the National Theatre Costume Hire nearby. For those visiting the area, there are plenty of wonderful food and drink options. Between the delicious vegan food at Cafe Van Gogh, the Eritrean dishes at Adulis, sashimi at SW9, and the sweets at Cable Café, there’s something for everyone here. Any of these followed by a pint at the beloved Crown & Anchor pub, and you’ll surely find yourself falling in love with the locality.

Kennington dates back to 1337, when it was given to Edward, the Black Prince, so that a royal palace could be built there. Later on, in 1622, leases were granted to many of Kennington’s residents, allowing the settlement and properties to grow. Once Westminster Bridge was built in 1750, the area became more popular amongst Londoners looking to move from north of the river. During the start of the 19th century, this part of Kennington developed into a village and a semi-rural suburb, with a modern street pattern. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century though that Lambeth Council began building large high-rise estates in order to house those affected by air raids following the Second World War. While many of the original terraced houses no longer exist, some can still be found and are going through constant renovation.

Music Hall comedian, Dan Leno (1860-1904), lived in the neighbourhood for a few years as an adult. He often performed at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane.

The crime rate in this part of the neighbourhood is higher than the rest of the borough of Lambeth. Many of these crimes have been theft related, so residents have to definitely stay alert when walking around after dark. Still, locals say they feel as safe as anywhere else in London.

Completed in 2017, Oval Quarter is the regeneration of the Myatts Field Estate, which has provided 808 new homes and refurbished 172 homes. Notting Hill Genesis manages the affordable housing element with 146 shared ownership homes across its several phases. The development, which provides a variety of housing sizes (from 1 to 5 bedrooms) won a number of awards including Best Scheme in Planning (Affordable Home Ownership Awards 2012) and Best Residential Development in London (UK Property Awards 2014).

In more recent news, in early 2021 it was announced that Lambeth Council would loan Homes for Lambeth a further £7.5m for the redevelopment of the former Patmos Lodge site in Vassal ward. Homes for Lambeth – the Council owned property development company – will build 31 homes in return. It claimed that 13 of these will be ‘affordable’ with only 7 at council rent level. The much-delayed development originally had 50 new homes as the aim. The development is expected to be completed in 2023.