The first thing that strikes people about this neighbourhood is just how tranquil it is, especially considering the frenzy of Hammersmith station at its doorstep. This area is made up of an affluent slither of Shepherd’s Bush on its western side, and Brook Green on its eastern side. Shepherd’s Bush Road runs straight through these two halves and acts as the spatial divider of the territory. Mostly residential, yet complemented by strong local amenities including good schools, transport connections and public spaces, this community is highly popular with well heeled families. A stroll along Brook Green, complete with a cold pint at local gastropub The Queen’s Head, embodies the relaxed disposition of the area.

It might be hard to believe now, but this neighbourhood wasn’t always so lovely. Originally it was contaminated marshland, it was land used for market gardening at best and brick fields at worst. In fact, it used to be the location for a popular annual fair, but the festivity was put to an end in 1823 due to all of the ‘undesirable characters’ that it attracted. The industrial revolution brought Lyons to the neighbourhood, where over 30,000 employees produced Britain’s food in Cadby Hall until the late 1960s. It was thus over the past 60 years that the area has developed its uptown residential character.

The composer Gustav Holst lived and worked at the prestigious St Paul’s Girls’ School as head of music. He dedicated the tune ‘St Paul’s Suite’ to the institution and its pupils.

St Paul’s Girls’ School has also produced some impressive famous ladies. Rachel Wiesz, Natasha Richardson, Jennifer Saunders and Joely Richardson have all graced both the school’s classrooms and world cinema screens.

Margaret Thatcher used to work for J Lyons and co. Before she would go on to be the Conservative PM, she used to spend her days trying to figure out how to preserve ice cream for the iconic food brand from 1949 to 1951. So, we have her to thank for British neoliberalism and soft serve ice cream!

The key concerns about this area are mostly about its proximity to congested areas of West London, specifically around Hammersmith Station and the Hammersmith Flyover. That said, plans to replace the flyover with a ‘flyunder’, an underground motorway, are still being explored by the local council, which has included that ambition in their updated constitution. King Street’s, which is a ten minute walk away from Goldhawk road, has been undergoing regeneration that has seen construction and economic investment in the area increased over the past few years despite the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A new retail centre, Livat Hammersmith was opened in February 2022, and two more grand developments are underway: the council’s new Town Hall and Olympia London, a new arts and culture centre. North Hammersmith, however, is under council’s protection as it is located within their protection area and is therefore unlikely to be threatened by overdevelopment, retaining its peaceful character for the foreseeable future. While the desirable location and character of the area have led to steep property price increases, the ground floor shops contrast rather playfully with the up-market houses given their affordable and accessible nature.

The eastern end of Goldhawk road marks the southern entrance of Shepherd’s Bush Market, which has been the commercial heart of the community since it opened in 1914. Its ‘low-brow’ character may not be to everyone’s liking, but there’s no denying the special place it holds in the hearts of long-standing residents. The market is also characterised by its sense of community and fierce activism, having successfully stopped a redevelopment plan that would have displaced the livelihoods of the market’s shopkeepers and entrepreneurs. The market provides a variety of goods from prepared foods, fresh groceries and butchered meats, to appliances and clothing. Shepherd’s Bush Market and Uxbridge road to its north are also well known for their textiles and fabrics. In 2020, majority ownership of the market was acquired by Yoo Capital Investment Management, which plans to rejuvenate the market following consultation with the market’s businesses and supportive community.