There’s more to the West London district of Chiswick than celebrity sightings and yummy mummies.
If you’re willing to sit on the Westbound District Line for almost an hour – hear us out, ok – you’ll make it to Chiswick. A leafy haven away from the hustle and bustle of central London, home to the likes of Ant and Dec, David Tennant and Colin Firth. Hugh Grant has even been spotted waiting for a tube at Chiswick Park station on two separate occasions by a Secret London insider. Sounds like fate to us! However, there are loads of reasons to visit Chiswick that have nothing to do with ageing celebrities. Here’s why you should head west and check it out:
1. For the beauty
We’re kicking things off with a shout out to the gloriously beautiful Chiswick House and Gardens. You really can’t go wrong with a wander round this charming locale on a sunny day. While there’s no charge to walk round the gardens and conservatory you’ll have to cough up £7.20 (if you’re an adult) to snoop round the house. You can find more details here. Fun fact: from 1892 to 1928 Chiswick House operated as a private asylum, housing between 30 and 40 patients.
2. For the cakes
As I’m sure you all know, cakes are a very important part of your balanced diet. They’re practically their own food group. Well, Outsider Tart on Chiswick High Road provides a variety of American-style (aka pretty enormous and bad for you) cakes that will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth. Oh, and did we mention that on September 2nd Outsider Tart is hosting a Pug Cafe event? Check out our article for more details on that one.
3. For the booze
Chiswick is home to two famous alcoholic attractions, so it’s kind of no wonder this place has been honoured with a Secret London area guide. If beer’s your beverage of choice head to Chiswick’s Fuller’s Brewery, the largest London brewery around and also the home of the oldest wisteria in Britain – although, let’s face it, you’re probably not visiting for the horticultural history. A tour and tasting will set you back £20. Alternatively, if – like us Secret Londoners – gin’s your tipple, you can enjoy a tour of Sipsmith’s distillery for £25.
4. For the shopping
Chiswick’s Sunday Food Market is well worth a visit. Featuring stalls from 25 producers all flogging their seasonal wares. There’s artisanal bread, fresh juices, cakes, meat, fish, veg, and even freshly rolled sushi. You won’t leave here hungry.
Or, if you’re more into vintage homeware than fresh veg, head to The Old Cinema for an Aladdin’s cave of antique treasures. Even if you’re not in the market for upmarket home accessories it’s worth having a wander round. It’s literally a shop inside what used to be an old cinema (no surprises there, then) and it’s a seriously cool space.
5. For the coffee
Chief Coffee offers you an adrenaline boost alongside your caffeine fix, because it’s home to a basement full of retro pinball machines. Although, while this setup is rather novel, we would like to emphasise that Chief deserves a visit based on the quality of its coffee alone. Another excellent coffee shop pit-stop is Brew, which is also located a short walk from Turnham Green station. Oh, and it serves up a mean smashed avo’ and poached egg on toast.
6. For the culture
Chiswick is home to one of the best pub theatres in London, the Tabard Theatre. They regularly host big names in stand up comedy – Lee Nelson and Paul Chowdhry are both performing there in July – and showcase performances of new plays and musicals, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on their calendar.
7. For the food
Food is an integral part of any London area’s appeal and Chiswick certainly doesn’t disappoint in this arena. We’re urging anyone who happens to find themselves in Chiswick to go and try Charlotte’s Bistro. Part of Alex Wrethman’s successful Charlotte’s Group, its buzzing Chiswick site, Charlotte’s Bistro, focuses on quality, seasonality and atmosphere. They do some cracking set lunch and dinner menus so you’re guaranteed a good meal without breaking the bank any day of the week. Check out their menu (if you need any more convincing) here.
Other area guides:
? 8 Excellent Reasons To Explore Exmouth Market
? 7 Reasons To Visit Spitalfields That Have Nothing To Do With The Market
? 5 Perfect Ways To Spend A Glorious Day Around Angel
? 11 Reasons To Visit Greenwich That You Never Knew Existed