Queen’s Park and Kensal Rise: an insider guide
While its most famous export may be Queens Park Rangers FC, the residents of this West London enclave are equally renowned: Alexandra Shulman, Thandie Newton, Zadie Smith and Daniel Craig all live locally. Cradled between Notting Hill and West Hampstead, Queen’s Park – along with Kensal Green and Kensal Rise on its blurred boundaries – has just as much creative flair as its better-known neighbours, minus the hordes of tourists ticking off blue plaques. The leafy park stands at the centre of the community, with the bustling Chamberlayne and Salusbury roads flanking either side.
Where to eat and drink in Queen's Park and Kensal Rise
Cable Co
This is where to get your caffeine hit, with expert baristas, a variety of brews and blends and a multitude of milks on offer. Have a light breakfast of Greek yogurt and granola or a lunch of old-school toasties filled with oozy mature Cheddar. In the warmer months go for an affogato pick-me-up.
Address: Cable Co, Bridge House, Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3NR
Telephone: +44 7444 421087
Sacro Cuore Pizza
Turn a blind eye to the dodgy tattoo parlour-style logo and pretend you’re in Naples. All the ingredients and even the oven are sourced from the Italian city. The reclaimed wooden furniture and dangling light bulbs strip things back to let the food do all the talking. Order pizzas smothered in truffle oil, friarielli or smoked mozzarella for the ultimate Italian experience.
Address: Sacro Cuore Pizza, 45 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3NB
Telephone: +44 208 960 8558
Website: sacrocuore.co.uk
MILK BEACHMilk Beach
Everyone knows that Australians do the best brunch in London, but supper (from 6pm Wednesday to Sunday) doesn’t disappoint either here. You’ll want to order practically everything from the short list of small plates such as burrata spiked with Thai basil pesto, salted almonds and chilli oil, Grana Padano and mushroom risotto and pappardelle with red wine-braised beef cheeks. Choose from the eclectic wine menu of organic and vegan bottles from small, independent, low-intervention makers or opt for a coffee that’s ethically sourced and roasted in small batches on site.
Address: Milk Beach, 19 Lonsdale Road Queen's Park, London NW6 6RA
Telephone: +44 20 8144 8277
Website: milkbeach.com
Bel and Nev
This husband and wife duo have been serving tasty, affordable food to loyal locals (and their dogs) for the past six years. Share one of their famous toasted banana breads or tuck into a decadent three-cheese toastie – Bel and Nev never disappoint. There’s a small seasonal menu and only a handful of tables that are usually full, thanks to a number of awards.
Address: Bel and Nev, 15 Station Terrace, Kensal Rise, London NW10 5RX
Telephone: +44 20 3720 8825
Website: belandnev.comMichiko Sushino
Its pared-back interiors bringing a dash of East London minimalism to north-west Queen’s Park, Michiko Sushino serves reasonably priced, high-quality sushi in a relaxed setting. Nigiri, uramaki, hosomaki and sashimi are prepared in front of you by two highly trained Japanese chefs, who are generous with both their sushi and sake portions. A welcome Asian addition to an otherwise European-focused food scene.
Address: Michiko Sushino, 74 Salusbury Road, Queen’s Park, London NW6 6NU
Telephone: +44 20 7604 3455
Website: michikosushino.com
Ida
Pronounced ‘eeda’, the neighbourhood's favourite Italian was established by husband and wife Avi and Simonetta back in 2007. Hand-rolled fresh pasta – such as tagliatelle with a beef, pork and chicken ragu – is served on white linen, and there are vintage travel posters and paintings covering every inch of wall space. At the monthly cinema night £45 will get you a film, a glass of prosecco and a three-course supper.
Address: Ida, 222a Kilburn Lane, Queen’s Park, London W10 4AT
Telephone: +44 20 8969 9853
Website: idarestaurant.co.ukThe Salusbury
This place is home to three adjacent dining experiences. For upscale pub grub head to the cosy pub, or for a tapas-style plate with knowledgeable wine pairing, opt for the wine store. Still can’t make up your mind? Then check out the neighbouring deli, which serves undoubtedly the best gluten-free pizza, alongside zingy juices, refreshing salads and homemade ready meals, available to eat in or take away.
Address: The Salusbury, 54 Salusbury Road, Queen's Park, London NW6 6NN
Telephone: +44 0 7372 6664
Website: thesalusburywinestore.com
Wolfpack
As macho as the name sounds, Wolfpack is in fact the retirement plan of professional rugby players Al Hargreaves and Chris Wyles. The steamy, dive-style bar is home to their own-brand, fuss-free lager of the same name. No muscles required at this bar though – everyone is welcome to get stuck in.
Address: Wolfpack, 53 Lonsdale Road, Queen’s Park, London NW6 6RA
Telephone: +44 20 7624 1263
Website: wolfpacklager.com
Parlour
At this popular haunt for local creatives you can help yourself to endless bread and spreads at breakfast, eat lunch or supper at a dedicated table in the busy kitchen or enjoy £5 cocktails on Thirsty Thursdays before devouring the imaginative and seasonal menu. Outside there’s a secret garden, resplendent with potted plants and bunting and the ideal spot for a summer evening drink.
Address: Parlour, 5 Regent Street, Kensal Green, London NW10 5LG
Telephone: +44 20 8969 2184
Website: parlourkensal.com
Vicki’s
Vicki’s, the restaurant, has been around since 1985. And Vicki (the person)| is still here, serving Ottolenghi-style salads with the help of her children, Theo and Daisy, in Kensal Green. Their burrito is also famous – join the eager queue on your lunch hour.
Address: Vicki’s, 43 Kilburn Lane, Kensal Green, London W10 4AE
Telephone: +44 20 8964 2514
Website: vickislondon.co.uk
Paradise by Way of Kensal Green
Something of an institution, Paradise is at the heart of the Kensal community. The combination of rabbit-warren rooms, creaking floorboards, antique chandeliers and heady cocktails creates a night to remember. After a sophisticated supper you can swan upstairs for a DJ set or have a drink at the bar. Paradise hosts regular live-music and comedy nights and offers hearty Sunday roasts and Monday-night swing dance classes.
Address: Paradise by Way of Kensal Green, 19 Kilburn Lane, Kensal Green, London W10 4AE
Telephone: +44 20 8969 0098
Website: theparadise.co.ukMinkies Deli
Yet another creative couple whipping up breakfast, lunch and afternoon delights for the Kensal community. Husband Olly trained at Leiths cookery school while wife Ollie was a landscape designer, and the passionate pair took over Minkies back in 2017, having had huge success with their supper-club and catering company, Walrus and Otter. A favourite amongst vegetarians, Minkies is a tranquil greenhouse oasis in the buzzing centre of Kensal Rise.
Address: Minkies Deli, The Glasshouse, Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 5RQ
Telephone: +44 20 8969 2182
Website: minkiesdeli.co.ukWhere to shop in Queen's Park and Kensal Rise
Iris
This boutique always has a great edit of cult brands including American Vintage, Isabel Marant, Love Stories and Ba&sh. There are also miniature sustainable Veja trainers and Bella Freud candles available.
Address: Iris, 73 Salusbury Road, Queen's Park, London NW6 6NJ
Telephone: +44 20 7372 1777
Website: irisfashion.co.ukSupra
Shop for the coolest streetwear at this boutique on Chamberlayne Road. While the menswear section focuses on utility chic – You Must Create, Carhartt, Norse Projects and limited-edition Vans – the womenswear has a more playful approach, with rails of Ganni, Aries, Sessun, Stine Goya and LF Markey. A great place to find something a bit different.
Address: Supra, 71 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3ND
Telephone: +44 20 8968 6868
Website: supralondon.com
Queen’s Park Books
Independent bookshops are becoming fewer and further between, but Queen’s Park Books has been enlightening and expanding our minds since 2004 with its selection curated by the Fergiani family. Whether you’re trying to source a rare or out-of-print book or want to host a book club or attend a launch, the knowledgeable and friendly staff are there to help. For a weekend in the summer they also help organise the burgeoning Queen’s Park book festival.
Address: Queen’s Park Books, 87 Salusbury Road, Queen's Park, London NW6 6NH
Telephone: +44 20 7625 1008
Website: queensparkbooks.co.ukJ White Framing
Local artists and interior designers flock here to frame their masterpieces. The business has been going for almost 30 years and they will help you find the perfect frame to fit your artwork, waxing liming or staining to give the look you’re after, and framing treasured objects with their 3D service.
Address: J White Framing, 491 Latimer Road, London, W10 6RD
Telephone: +44 20 8960 2660
Website: jwhiteframing.com
Scarlet and Violet
Scarlet and Violet has been a purveyor of the finest blooms for more than a decade. With its antique truck parked outside, and a section of pavement brimming with the colourful booty from that morning's flower market, it’s hard to miss. It’s most famous for its whopper wreaths, but can cater for bunches of any size to suit any pocket and will also teach you how to replicate its voluptuous creations at its intimate workshops.
Address: Scarlet and Violet, 76 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3JJ
Telephone: +44 20 8969 9446
Website: scarletandviolet.com
Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market
Organic and biodynamic are the buzzwords of Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market, which sets up shop in the Salusbury Primary School playground between 10am and 2pm every Sunday. All 40 stalls make sustainable living easy – there’s a no-plastic-bags rule in place and you can fill up your tote bag with seasonal produce, local handmade products, meat, fish, cheese, plants and cut flowers.
Address: Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market, Salusbury Primary School, Salusbury Road, Queen's Park, London NW6 6RG
Website: lfm.org.uk/markets/queens-park/Provenance Village Butcher
When Erin moved to London from New Zealand with her husband Guy, they were disappointed with the lack of high-quality meat available. Today, Provenance’s five stand-alone shops prove that hungry Londoners agreed with them. It’s very much a family affair – Erin’s brother-in-law Tom runs the butchery masterclasses – and the in-store butchers are extremely attentive, giving advice on all of their organic grass-fed and free-range meat.
Address: Provenance Village Butcher, 93 Salusbury Road, Queen’s Park, London NW6 6NH
Telephone: +44 20 7624 1444
Website: provenancebutcher.comWhat to do in Queen's Park and Kensal Rise
The Lexi Cinema
If you don’t feel like forking out a fortune to watch the latest blockbuster with a vat of overpriced popcorn, then the Lexi is your cinema. It’s run by generous volunteers, has a bar stocking local beers and spirits, and all profits are donated to The Sustainability Institute, a leading learning and living centre in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Address: The Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London NW10 3JU
Telephone: +44 20 3011 5523
Website: thelexicinema.co.ukQueen’s Park
A lush 30-acre park that first opened to the public back in 1887 and was named in honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Tucked away from the high street the park is home to immaculate flower gardens, sweeping greens, six all-weather tennis courts, a playground, paddling pool, outdoor gym, bandstand, putting green and a café that’s well worth a visit for its sweet crêpes and savoury galettes.
Website: cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/queens-park
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Keep scrolling for more pictures of Queen's Park and Kensal Rise
Bel and Nev
Wolfpack
Parlour
Ida
Paradise
Paradise
Scarlet & Violet
Vickie's
Cable Co
Sacro Cuore