Living in Bayswater

About Bayswater

The area’s vibrant mix is reflected in the eclectic restaurants and international food stores lining Queensway, while its community spirit is nurtured by active residents’ associations and local publications.

The neighbourhood is known for its white stucco terraces, shared garden squares and proximity to Hyde Park, making it a favourite among families, professionals and long-term residents. Whether you're drawn by the excellent schools, the easy commute or the abundance of local amenities, living in Bayswater offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

Fact file

• Leinster Gardens features two “fake” houses – facades built to conceal a section of the London Underground.
• A statue of Peter Pan in nearby Kensington Gardens pays tribute to author J.M. Barrie and can be activated as a “talking statue” using a smartphone.
• Many local streets are named after the River Westbourne, once a source of pure water and now one of London’s ‘lost rivers’, flowing underground.

Architecture and property 

The majority of the housing in the area is dominated by elegant, four and five-storey white stucco fronted buildings, many converted into spacious flats and arranged around picturesque garden squares.

The area also features mid-century gems like the Hallfield Estate, designed by Berthold Lubetkin, which appeals to fans of modernist architecture. While flats are most common, mews houses and five to six-bedroom family homes can be found around Connaught Square. Contemporary high-spec apartment blocks also offer luxury living in the heart of London.

Going out

Bayswater’s dining scene is as diverse as its residents. For Persian cuisine, Hafez is a local favourite, while Aphrodite Taverna and Halepi serve authentic Greek Cypriot dishes in warm, welcoming settings and are frequently visited by celebrities, including Richard Branson.

The Leinster Arms is a classic British pub with a traditional menu. Further away from the park lies The Porchester, a recently refurbished bar with ‘posh pub grub’. The Swan is a family-friendly option near the park, and Old Mary’s, tucked beneath The Mitre Townhouse and is perfect for cocktails in a quirky underground bar.

Cultural highlights include Kensington Palace, the Serpentine Gallery and the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum in Paddington. For nostalgia, visit the Museum of Brands and Packaging in nearby Notting Hill.

Local amenities

Bayswater offers a vibrant mix of local amenities that blend convenience, culture and wellness. Waitrose has become a social hub, anchoring the area’s lively streetscape, while luxury treats await at Artisan du Chocolat and Cocomaya, an upmarket bakery known for its indulgent pastries.

The Print Room, housed in a former cinema, is a vibrant fringe theatre space. Every Sunday, Bayswater Road transforms into an open-air art gallery, with over 150 artists showcasing their work.

For stylish interiors, locals head to BoConcept and fashion lovers can find designer pieces at discounted prices at The Dresser. The Idler Academy is a unique local gem and is part bookshop, part cafe, and part learning centre offering classes in everything from calligraphy to philosophy.

For leisure, All Star Lanes is another popular choice for bowling and dining. The beautifully restored Porchester Spa, once a Victorian municipal bathhouse, now offers saunas, steam rooms and a plunge pool for relaxation. 

Paddington Library supports the community with employment advice, reading groups and children’s activities, and fitness enthusiasts have access to a range of cutting-edge gyms, including Barry’s Bootcamp, Psycle London and 1Rebel, making Bayswater a dynamic and well-rounded place to live.

Green spaces

Set in the very heart of London, Bayswater residents enjoy access to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, offering over 600 acres of green space. Hyde Park features Speakers’ Corner, memorials to Princess Diana and the Holocaust, and activities like tennis, swimming, cycling and horse riding.

The park also hosts major events such as Winter Wonderland, Proms in the Park, and summer concerts. Kensington Gardens includes the Italian Gardens, Diana Memorial Playground, Albert Memorial, and the Serpentine Gallery, now enhanced by a Zaha Hadid-designed extension.