Are you thinking about living in Brook Green? Tucked away between Hammersmith and Olympia, this leafy corner of West London boasts excellent schools, green spaces and secluded streets lined with covetable houses – it’s one of the most sought after places to live in our patch of London.
Brook Green’s proximity to some of the best schools in the area makes it a sought after postcode for families, and with multiple transport connections nearby and a vast selection of amenities on the doostep, it’s of little wonder that the prospect of living in Brook Green is quite so appealing to professionals too.
In this article, we highlight why you might want to consider living in Brook Green and the many benefits that residents enjoy.
A brief history of the area
The hamlet of Brook Green was established in the 16th century. The area takes its name from a narrow, wedge-shaped green space which was traversed by a brook running south from Shepherd’s Bush.
During the 18th and early 19th century, Brook Green and its surroundings were primarily used for market gardening.
Then in the 19th century, the area expanded rapidly during the industrialisation of London. The brook was covered over, but it still flows below the Brook Green Hotel at the park’s western end.
A notable building overlooking the park is the Grade II listed Holy Trinity Catholic Church on the south side of the eastern end. This was built between 1851 and 1853.
One of the leading independent schools in the country, St Paul’s Girls’ School founded in 1904, is also located near the church.
Brook Green boasts four English Heritage blue plaques and also has its fair share of notable businesses, including L’Oreal, Bectel, Coca-Cola, Innocent Smoothies, Disney and the Youngs Brewery based in Hammersmith.
The Brook Green neighborhood has changed rapidly in the past decade, as smart boutiques and sidewalk cafes have popped up. It is now one of West London’s most desirable areas to live in.
Where is Brook Green?
Brook Green spans across W6 and W14 postcodes and is situated at the east of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
It is bordered by Holland Park Road, Hammersmith Road, and Shepherd’s Bush Road.
The districts of Notting Hill, Kensington, and Chiswick are all within walking distance and Hammersmith Riverside is a 15 minute walk away.
The excellent transport links in Brook Green include London Underground services from nearby Hammersmith station which has the Piccadilly, District, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines.
The Overground is also nearby in either Shepherd’s Bush and Kensington Olympia, and ideal for accessing both north and south London.
Heathrow Airport is either a 30-minute Tube journey or 45 minutes via the M4.
Are there many green spaces in the area?
Brook Green Park is the central hub of the area and a haven of green space for workers and residents.
The 1.8 hectare park offers open space for field games and picnics, it also has tennis courts and a children’s play area.
Community bulb plantings result in snowdrops, daffodils, and crocuses blooming each spring.
Locals like to stop off at the small unassuming Brook Green Cafe.
Further green spaces in proximity include Ravenscourt Park, Shepherds Bush Common, and Furnival Gardens.
In addition to gyms and cycle paths, the Thames Path National Trail offers miles of walking, and you can rent boats on the river.
Brook Green shops
There is a broad selection of shops nearby, Shepherd’s Bush Road is dotted with small locally-owned shops with an assortment of goods, as well as quaint cafes, and even has its very own fishmonger. From greengrocer, Brook Green Wholefoods to homeware store, Holloways of Ludlow, those living in Brook Green really are spoilt with independent shops on the doorstep.
On Blythe Road, there are further parades of shops and eateries including popular Italian Pentolina, The Popeseye Steak House and Betty Blythe tea house.
Hammersmith Broadway, Holland Park and High Street Kensington are all nearby, which provide residents with pretty much anything they need.
Westfield Shopping Centre, to the north in Shepherd’s Bush, is one of London’s most visited shopping malls and is filled with almost all major UK brands and many designer names, and there is a broad selection of restaurants.
Places to eat and drink in Brook Green
Residents are spoiled for choice when it comes to cafes, restaurants and pubs in Brook Green.
The Queen’s Head is one of the most popular local pubs; the wood-beamed village-esque public house with fireplace and a big leafy garden is a favourite with residents who live nearby year round. Known for the traditional Sunday roast dinners and being an ideal spot to spend a sunny afternoon with its big beer garden.
A few local highlights include Brackenbury Wine Rooms on Hammersmith Grove, The Bird in Hand, The Blue Corner, Havelock Tavern, Zia Lucia, Farina & More and the Kerbisher and Malt.
But if formal dining doesn’t appeal during the week, then picnic in the park with a fish and chip takeaway; an enjoyable summer pastime for locals.
The area is blessed with some of the best venues in London for entertainment too, including Eventim Apollo for music and comedy performances, Shepherds Bush Empire for live music, and the Lyric Theatre all within a reasonable distance of homes in Brook Green.
Schools near Brook Green
Families are known to move to Brook Green for the exemplary schooling alone.
Brook Green is a hive of activity at drop off and pick up times with several schools dotted around the green including Larmenier & Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Ecole Francaise Jacques Prevert, Bute House Preparatory School for Girls and St Paul’s Girls’ School.
For pre-school aged children there are also several highly rated options including The Brook Green Kindergarten and The Montessori at Brook Green.
Several highly rated state schools are nearby including Sacred Heart High School that caters to children of secondary school age.
Other well-regarded schools locally include Lena Gardens Primary School on Lena Gardens, Addison Primary School on Addison Grove and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School on Masbro Road.
Property in Brook Green
Brook Green has plenty of pretty streets for house hunters searching for the perfect West London home to escape the hustle and bustle of London life.
The housing stock is mainly period but offers a diverse range of Victorian and Georgian properties, flat-fronted cottages, terraced houses and elegant mansion blocks, many of which have been converted into apartments. There are also a few modern developments.
Property in Brook Green often boasts high ceilings and grand, spacious proportions. These homes have leant themselves well to being converted into well-proportioned apartments.
Houses on prime Brook Green roads are in extremely high demand and rarely become available to buy on the open market.
Why move to Brook Green
One of the most cosmopolitan areas in West London, boasting top schools, access to local amenities and a variety of transport links, all make living in Brook Green an incredibly appealing prospect as a place to live for families and professionals alike.
If you’re thinking about living in Brook Green and would like to talk to us about moving to to the area, or if you’re planning to sell or rent your property in Brook Green, our team of experienced estate agents would be delighted to speak with you, without obligation.
