The unlovely Hammersmith Broadway, a hectic junction of cars buses and tubes, will put many people off visiting the area. Look behind the whir of traffic, however, and you’ll find Hammersmith retains many charming spots.
Any comments - or a suggestion? Please e-mail me.
Hammersmith
St Peter’s Square
It’s a surprise to find this lovely oasis of 19th-century houses - average price now about £1.5m - so close to the bustle of the Great West Road. The statue of a Greek runner in the square is by Sir William Blake Richmond. The church of St Peter - note the unusual tower - dates to 1827.
St Peter’s Square W6
Tube: Stamford Brook
www.stpetersw6.org
The Dove
A lovely riverside setting, good beers and food, and its old-fashioned charm, make this a popular place. A favourite spot to watch the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, it also claims to have the smallest bar in England. Happily, there’s more than one bar.
9 Upper Mall W6
Tel: +44 (0)20 8748 9474
Tube: Ravenscroft Park
Hammersmith Bridge
Arguably the finest bridge across the Thames, the current design replaces the one of 1827 which was the first suspension bridge across the river. Joseph Bazalgette, the mastermind of London's Victorian sewage system, was also the brains behind this lovely design.
Tube: Hammersmith
www.hammersmithbridge.co.uk
London Wetland Centre
Right under the Heathrow flight-path, winged visitors from all over the world touch down under their own steam, to join countless native birds. There many rare or endangered species in environments reflecting differing habitats.
Queen Elizabeth's Walk SW13
Tel: : +44 (0)20 8409 4400
Bus: 283 from Hammersmith
www.wwt.org.uk
Tosa
A charcoal grill dominates the front part of this Japanese restaurant and booking a seat at it is a good idea. The food in the cosy interior is great , too, but speaking directly to the chef guarantees you get the best yakitori in town. A good choice of sake and sushi adds to the appeal.
332 King Street W6
Tel: : +44 (0)20 8748 0002
Tube: Stamford Brook
The Carpenter’s Arms
Taking over the mantle of best gastro pub in the area from the Anglesea Arms (35 Wingate Road - still worth a visit), this unpretentious local serves great seasonal British food in simple style, with a dozen wines by the glass. The fact it’s in such a quiet spot also adds to the appeal.
91 Black Lion Lane W6
Tel: : +44 (0)20 8741 8386
Tube: Stamford Brook
Kelmscott House
The home of Arts & Crafts legend and socialist pioneer William Morris from 1878-96 is now the headquarters of the William Morris Society. This was the site of his Kelmscott Press, whose edition of Chaucer is often called the most beautiful book ever printed.
26 Upper Mall W6
Tel: : +44 (0)20 8741 3735
Tube: Hammersmith
