Hammersmith, Hammersmith, Hammersmith. Where to begin? Some describe this borough as the real beating heart of West London, a lively mix of upmarket pubs, beautiful riverside scenery and great eateries, as well as some of the best live entertainment venues in the country. Drop off your bags and take a peek at what W6 has to offer.
Things to Do in Hammersmith
If it’s shopping you’re after, then look no further than Shepherd’s Bush Market. While street markets abound in the capital, few have the same truly local feel of this one. Vintage clothes, ethnic foods, rugs, second-hand goods— it can all be found here. This charming little place is a real slice of London, and a world away from the drabness of the nearby shopping malls.
In this slightly calmer, leafier part of town, you can also find some great spots to get away from the noise and worries of the big city. Ravenscourt Park is not one of the best known in London, and is admittedly off the beaten track, but is intimate, peaceful and comes fully equipped with its own gorgeous secret garden. For something more grandiose, Chiswick House and Gardensoffers visitors the opportunity to explore some stunning landscaped grounds, designed in the Romantic style and inspired by Inigo Jones. With 65 acres to explore, we’re sure you’ll be able to find somewhere you can play at being your favourite Jane Austen characters away from prying eyes…
And for evening entertainment, you’ve certainly come to the right place. Hammersmith boasts venues like The Apollo, renowned globally as a platform for 38 Beatles gigs (yes, 38), David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and countless top-notch comedians. The nearby Shepherd’s Bush Empire also hosts a constant stream of gigs, with the biggest names in music playing here on a regular basis.
Places to Eat in Hammersmith
Hammersmith is one of the capital’s major travel routes, and nowhere is this better reflected than in the range of cuisines on offer. For proper British grub, we’d head to The Anglesea Arms. The Angelsea is famed for its food offerings, and like many of the places in this article, is a truly local institution. Gastropub fare is served up to the highest of standards, with the Sunday roasts standing out as a particular highlight. With a great drinks menu and a cosy ambiance, there’s few pubs around here that could outdo this one.
Vietnamese restaurants are everywhere these days, and Saigon Saigon is up there with the best of them. You can tell the kitchen prepares the dishes here with love — each one is packed with the stunning array of flavours that we’ve come to expect from a far-east dining experience, and you can pile the table high with treats at a price that certainly isn’t going to break the bank.
Sticking to the Orient for now, we’d also recommend nearby Yoshi Sushi. While the interior is about as no-frills as you can get, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better Japanese delicacies in London, if not the country. Fresh sushi sits side by side with perfectly cooked South Korean dishes on this well-executed menu, although our personal recommendation is the soft shell crab (you won’t regret it).Tasty, reasonably priced and boasting great service, Yoshi is the crème de la crème of neighbourhood restaurants, and something of a hidden culinary gem. Don’t miss out.
Pubs in Hammersmith
There’s worse places you can spend a summer afternoon or a winter evening than the riverside pubs of Hammersmith. And for us (and indeed the majority of West London), the jewel in the crown has to be The Dove. With tons of heritage charm and prime views of the river, this little boozer is oozing with historical curiosities — the perfect place to sit down, unwind and watch the world go by.
Somewhat closer to the tube, The Hop Poles is a gorgeous, craft beer-focused pub in the heart of Hammersmith. With a huge range of beers and a great roof terrace for those summer evenings, this Victorian boozer is a firm favourite of nearby residents. While it can get crowded, the throngs of people make for a lively atmosphere, and its King Street location makes it a perfect place for a pit stop before a show or dinner in town.
Stashpoint Recommendations
Hammersmith Bridge has a special place in our hearts. It’s an ideal place to watch the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, but also a great location to have a stroll and admire some of London’s best views all year round. Ornate, elegant and imposing (and conveniently located next to some amazing pubs), bridges like this remind you that some of the best things to see and experience in London don’t cost a penny.
Nearby StashPoints
You can find our Hammersmith StashPoint on King Street, next to the tube and a short walk from the Apollo and Hammersmith Bridge. Better still, it’s open late seven days a week.
