Laura-Jane Adventures

An under-appreciated London borough

It is kind of crazy (and a bit lazy of me) that for over a year and a half I have lived in London and I am yet to write a blog post on my home and arguably one of the best cities in the world. So I thought, what better time to start than the present, and create a little series – called the London Series. My intention is to bring you blog posts on different parts of London and places to check out. and I thought we could begin with my local neighbourhood – Hammersmith.

When I first moved to London for a graduate scheme, I was all about socialising and going out, mostly in East London. This meant that Hammersmith felt a bit cut off from everything. However, I have grown to love and appreciate it. As I have settled into London Life, Hammersmith has become a great place to live and explore. I am still discovering many local spots, but I thought I’d share a few things that make it feel like home.

Hammersmith Bridge Run Club

One of the things I think is so important about enjoying your local area is building a sense of community and getting the chance to know others who live locally. Hammersmith Bridge Run Club (HBRC) has helped me do just that! This run club meets every Monday evening and has grown so quickly – it is honestly so impressive. Lee and Antony, who founded HBRC, are two of the nicest guys and they have helped so many people connect locally.

The River Cafe

I put the River Cafe on my ‘Special Occasions’ list as soon as I arrived in Hammersmith. This Italian restaurant is known for fostering the development of famous chefs, including Jamie Oliver and Theo Randall. The food here is amazing, and it is truly an experience. They have also just opened up the River Cafe ‘Cafe’ – it is also worth a visit!

Sam’s Kitchen, Larder and Riverside Restaurant

Sam’s has become a staple for me in Hammersmith. It is where I go to grab a morning coffee and chat with my friends who work in the Kitchen; I go there every time my mum visits for breakfast before she heads back to London; the Riverside restaurant is where I took my mum to dinner after I got my first ‘big girl’ paycheck; and I love nipping into the Larder to get myself some fancy ingredients. They have also recently started Sam’s Smash Burger nights, which is a great date night option.

Riverside Studios

Riverside Studios has a bit of everything! There is always an art exhibition on, they regularly host independent theatre productions, have a cinema with the latest movies and hold dance classes. What more could you want?!

Kindred

Another community spot that hosts lots of amazing events and doubles as a coworking space during the week is Kindred. Their concept is focused on ‘The Campfire’. Which is “a series of homegrown events designed as an antidote to loneliness and disconnection in London and to celebrate and support ideas that can change the world for the better”. I love having a space with such a clear and meaningful initiative close to home.

Coffee spots

One of my blog posts would not be complete without a few recommendations for coffee. So here you have them:

• Alma Café: for coffee but the shakes are also delicious! No added boring here.
• Debbie Jo: also try some of their baked goods!
• Antipode: an Australian coffee spot
• Organicos Coffee & Wine: This is next up on my local to try list!

So when are you coming to Hammermith, and where will be your first stop?

If nothing on this list intrigues you enough to make a trip to West London, let me know and I will try my best to find something that does!

Additionally, if there is an area of London you are curious about, share it with me and I can recommend a few things or go exploring and test them out for you.

Lots of love,

Laura-Jane