Why choose Hammersmith to live in?

Published: 01/12/2016 By E. Finlay

There are lots of reasons why you should choose Hammersmith or West London to live in. The meandering river Thames a London artery, sweeps from West to East London, on its way to the estuary passing the Southern border of Hammersmith. Notably marked by the grade 2 listed Hammersmith bridge, conceived in 1824, this Victorian green steelwork is a not only a wonder of timeless engineering but a true landmark and is celebrated on both flanks by a plethora of watering holes. There are award winning pubs, bars and restaurants, steeped in history and cutting edge cuisine.


From The Dove, this early 18th Century gem of a pub is tucked away on the river path, boasting a feature worthy enough to be mentioned in the notorious Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest bar room in the world. Follow the pathway East under the bridge and you with come across the River Café which needs no introduction, its reputation for fine cuisine is infamous. In between there are more establishments worth a visit all offering equally stunning river views that only Hammersmith can offer. On boat race day this midway vantage point is guaranteed to be humming with crowds eager to get a glimpse of the historic event cruise by. Whether you are light or dark blue you will enjoy the atmosphere drink in hand and no doubt be met by friendly faces all enjoying the festive like day.


If you are brave enough to venture out on to the water, Hammersmith boasts several rowing clubs, canoe and sailing clubs, adorned by Olympic champions to social members. These all allow you to break away from the city life and escape into a world devoid of cars and noise. If you haven’t tried it you really should experience the tranquillity of a warm day on the river, messing about in boats. Alternatively the physical challenges offered paddling or navigating your path via boat racing friends is real a adrenaline boost.


Moving into the heart of Hammersmith you are serviced by some of the best transport connections in London. Boasting four tube lines, Circle, Hammersmith & City, District and Piccadilly line. Connecting you to Heathrow, Richmond in Surrey and the very centre of the city of London.  Buses will carry you to all of the local areas, affordably and hassle free. The two stations are surrounded by a buzzing business district which brings a variety of glamour. Sony, L’Oreal, Disney and Shazam all call Hammersmith their home. Catering this hub is taken up by many more restaurants, bars and pubs including a local yet global farmers market situated in Lyric Square. Simply grab a bacon sandwich, Caribbean snack or homemade Asian bite, make your way up onto the city garden via the Lyric theatre and watch the world go by.


The Lyric Theatre sits centrally in Hammersmith, one of two theatres in the area providing Westend quality performances at a fraction of the price. Summer brings performance art often direct from the theatres, entertaining crowds for free, yoga classes or the big screen during Wimbledon can make a lunchtime that much more enjoyable, strawberries and cream in hand. Spirits are further lifted by talented and licensed street entertainers from magicians to blues, jazz and Bob Marley tribute bands. There is always something worth pausing for in your busy life or even if you can’t stop the atmosphere will raise your mood in only the way Hammersmith can.


Hammersmith is lucky to have a large number of schools from primary to Sixth form. Nineteen primary schools, eleven Secondary schools and eight special or alternative schools. These range from State funded to private education, with two thirds State and one third private. On both sides of the river you will find two of London’s finest schools Latymer Upper and St Pauls School. Famous Poets, Political writers, athletes, boxers, actors, comedians and scholars have all called Hammersmith their home at some point. Lily Allen, Bill Bailey, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sacha Baron Cohen and Joe Calzaghe, are all from Hammersmith.


If this hasn’t given you an appetite for one of West London’s finest districts then I have let the area down. Willmotts is a proud member of the Hammersmith family and has been working in the area for over 160 years, giving us a great insight to what Hammersmith has to offer. The best houses and property to rent or buy and we know we will be able to sell better than another agent due to our depth of local knowledge. Our retention of staff which averages over eleven years per employee, gives us that edge, something we are very proud of.


If you need advice on residential or commercial buying, selling, letting, managing property or help from our surveying department, please get in touch…