Why I Live in Shepherd’s Bush: Vintage Shop Owner on Her Love Affair with Shepherd’s Bush – Notting Hill’s ‘More Affordable and Interesting’ Neighbor

People think of Westfield and move on, but the neighborhood is a real onion. Even if I know it as well as I do, I’m constantly finding new and exciting things.

I live in a four bedroom Victorian house that is slightly higher than the others in the area. My husband and I recently bought it and we were so lucky that the previous owner has kept many of the original features.

We both grew up in Notting Hill but couldn’t afford to buy anything there so Shepherd’s Bush is close enough to our family but much more affordable and maybe a bit more interesting.

I had a long love affair with the Bush. I lived here until I was five years old and then moved here with my older sister when I was 22. This latest move feels like coming home.

Food and drink

There are so many places within a stone’s throw of us.

The two I take turns going to are The Anglesea Arms on Wingate Road – a glorious place, not more you could ask for in a pub – and the Electric Coffee Co on Goldhawk Road, where I get my morning coffee. It’s a place I really miss when I’m out of town.

Shikumen is a Chinese restaurant near Shepherd’s Bush Green. It serves food all day and has been my happy place on many a hangover day.

One of the places that has popped up is Next Door Records of Uxbridge Road. They have wine, coffee, plates and pizza. I mean, that’s pretty awesome. Frankly, there are too many places to list.

Where I work

I’m not the right woman for this. I just started at Fitness First in Hammersmith. Everyone is nice and the place is doable, but my favorite exercise is walking. For that we go to the river, walk along and if possible stop at The Carpenter’s Arms on Black Lion Lane.

For a culture fix

Emery Walker’s House is a 15 minute walk from me in Hammersmith Terrace. It’s pretty spectacular; a monument to the Arts and Crafts movement.

Bush Hall is a great event space and there is always something interesting going on.

Further on is Bush Theater on Uxbridge Road, in an incredible spot that stands up for new plays and playwrights.

Communicating with nature

Ravenscourt Park is a pretty good place to wander. My old favorite is Hyde Park and it’s not too far so I sometimes go that way.

Shopping

There is a wealth of fruit and vegetables on Uxbridge Road. Everyone’s favorite, Damas Gate delivers the best hummus I’ve ever tasted.

To move

I find Shepherd’s Bush incredibly easy to get around. You have the Overground, the Central Line and Hammersmith & City. I don’t think you can complain.

Dream Street

There are many dream streets. I think the all-rounder is Askew Road. It has The Ginger Pig, Burnt Provisions coffee shop and is steps away from the excellent pizza at The Oak W12.

Something you only see in Shepherd’s Bush

You’re spoiled for choice with fabric shops on Goldhawk Road. I spend my life getting in and out by a few feet.

What’s the catch?

I feel a little sad that the police station is closed. I’ve recently been in one or two skirmishes with shoplifters. It needs to be addressed.

In three words

Eclectic. Busy. unsung.

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schools

Shepherd’s Bush has several primary schools that have been rated excellent, including Brackenbury Primary School and St Stephen’s CofE Primary School.

For secondary education, Kensington Aldridge Academy and The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School are rated as excellent, while Hammersmith Academy is rated as good.

What it costs?

Buying in Shepherd’s Bush

Average house price: £1,038,000

Average Fixed Price: £516,000

Rentals in Shepherd’s Bush

Average house price, pcm: £3,110 pcm

Average fixed price, pcm: £2,090 pcm

Source: Hamptons