Living in Brook Green
Nestled between Kensington Olympia and Hammersmith, Brook Green is a family friendly neighborhood in West London, known for its village like atmosphere, elegant period architecture and leafy green spaces.
About Brook Green
Brook Green is a residential enclave that feels pleasantly removed from the hustle and bustle of nearby Hammersmith Broadway and Kensington Olympia. Its tree-lined streets, period homes and mansion blocks create a tranquil setting, while its proximity to Hammersmith station makes it one of the most well-connected areas in West London.
Locals enjoy a strong sense of community, with regular events, friendly school runs and a thriving local scene centred around Blythe Road. This charming street is lined with independent coffee shops, boutiques and eateries that spill out onto the pavement, attracting visitors from across West London.
Brook Green is also within walking distance of Holland Park, High Street Kensington and Notting Hill, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
Fact file
- Composer Gustav Holst wrote The Planets while teaching at St Paul’s Girls’ School in Brook Green.
- Blythe House, a listed building originally built for the Post Office Savings Bank, now houses treasures from the Science Museum and British Museum.
- Nearby Brackenbury Village is a charming pocket of artisan bakeries, cafés and family-run butchers.
Architecture and property
The Brook Green property market is defined by its elegant period architecture and village charm. Once home to factories like J Lyons and Osram, the area has transformed into a haven of stylish homes and leafy streets.
Many large family homes surround Brook Green park, many featuring impressive bay windows with views across the lawns. Mansion blocks such as Queens Mansions and Phoenix Lodge Mansions offer spacious flats with period features.
Terraced homes on Netherwood Road, Lakeside Road, Addison Gardens and Bolingbroke Road, are popular for their painted facades and character. Stylish flats and apartments can be found along Holland Road and Shepherd’s Bush Road, catering to professionals and downsizers alike.
Going out
Brook Green is a place of relaxed bistros and pavement cafes. The Brook Green Hotel is a warm and welcoming offering classic roasts and real ales, with a hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar called Smith’s in its basement. At the other end of the Green is The Queen’s Head, a reliable local with a spacious beer garden.
Masbro Road is home to popular pubs and restaurants like The Bird in The Hand and The Havelock Tavern, which features a walled garden. For an authentic steakhouse, Popeseye Steakhouse is a carnivor’s delight serving high-quality beef from the North of Scotland. Other favourites include Pentolina, a traditional, rustic-style neighbourhood Italian restaurant and Los Molinos, a family-run Spanish tapas restaurant.
Brook Green also has a strong cultural scene. The Brook Green Festival of Books attracts literary stars like PD James and Hanif Kureishi. Nearby venues like Hammersmith Apollo and O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire host iconic concerts, while Olympia London offers exhibitions and performances all year round, including the International Horse Show.
Local amenities
Brook Green offers a charming blend of independent shops, lifestyle services and community-focused amenities. Keen shoppers enjoy browsing the unique stores and fashion boutiques clustered around Blythe Road, with favourites like Bliss Fields for elegant gifts.
A short walk or bus ride takes locals to Westfield London, one of Europe’s largest shopping centres, while High Street Kensington is home to Whole Foods and a range of premium retailers.
Shepherd’s Bush Road is another hotspot for antiques, delicatessens and stylish boutiques. For fitness and leisure, Brook Green’s tennis courts are free to hire, and Virgin Active Hammersmith offers a full suite of facilities, including studios, a swimming pool and spa.
The Brook Green Market and Kitchen features organic produce, street food and cooking classes. Just across the A4, H G Walter is a trusted family butcher known for quality meat and poultry.
Hammersmith Library provides books, media and community events, including unique ‘Play Mandarin’ sessions for children.
While the Masbro Centre is one of London’s most vibrant community hubs, supporting over 2,700 weekly visitors with services ranging from youth clubs and under-fives programmes to befriending schemes and skills workshops.
Green spaces
The park at the heart of Brook Green is a focal point for the community. Families gather at the playground, while others relax under the trees or join early morning fitness bootcamps.
For longer walks or somewhere to play sports, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are just a stroll away. Riverside walks along the nearby Thames are also a popular weekend activity for locals.