It’s hard to believe that the area that’s known as Belsize Park used to have a reputation as ‘a poor-man’s Hampstead’. A gentle stroll down England’s Lane or Belsize Park Gardens - keeping one eye open for any lurking celebrities hanging out their laundry – is enough to prove that this neighbourhood is a London gem in its own right. Although the neighbourhood is well-connected by a plethora of tube stations, its relaxed nature, and proximity to some of the city’s best green spaces, makes it a perfect hiding spot.

Belsize Park first appeared on records in the 14th century as a large manor. It gained notoriety in the 1700s as the venue of a saucy pleasure garden that even the Prince of Wales attended. However, these scandalous old-age rave days came to an end when the gardens were closed in 1740. By 1850, most of the area had been suburbanised. The 20th century brought with it new cultural influences like the World War Two refugees who opened the Belsize Square Synagogue and continental cafes. Fast-forward to today, and the leafy neighbourhood is known as a refined celebrity-ridden hub of north London.

Leslie Hutchinson, also known as ‘Hutch’, used to live in the neighbourhood. Granada-born Hutch resided at 31 Steele Road and was one of the most important singers and cabaret entertainers in the 1930s. Arguably one of the area’s original superstar celebrities, he was mobbed by fans, hung out in the glitziest clubs and even had an alleged affair with Edwina Mountbatten, causing scandal amongst the British upper classes.

There have been some reports of a spike in crime in the area as the affluent nature of the neighbourhood has attracted sticky fingers. Furthermore, bidding for houses against the likes of Helena Bonham Carter, Kate Moss and Chris Martin isn’t going to be easy on the wallet. That being said, its residents are the first to sing the praises of the area. A local writer put it perfectly when stating that the neighbourhood “has attracted many famous artists but it is home to ordinary people too, who all have unique stories.”

The local Hall School has had plans in the works for the past few years to invest in the expansion and improvement of its facilities. While their proposal has yet to move forward, they are still aiming to expand in the future. Another school, Abacus Belsize Primary, has had plans to move to new facilities for a while as well. Originally, they were permitted by the Department of Education to move into the former Hampstead police station, but their application was rejected in 2020. The school could now move onto the Haverstock School site, according to plans being considered by Camden Council.

In 2021, the redevelopment of Belsize Park Firehouse into residences was completed. The old iconic fire station was awarded its English Heritage Grade II* listing 40 years ago. However, the neighbourhood is generally fiercely protected from over-development by its residents and thus is likely to retain its laid-back atmosphere for the time being.