“I Dreamed of Kensal-Kensal Kensal raise, whoa-oh-oh oh-oooh oh-oh-oh Kensal Rise”, is what Chris Martin should have written, if he wasn’t preoccupied with his “conscious uncoupling.” Well Coldplay’s loss is Kensal Rise (and my cover bands) gain. NW10 is so hot right now; ok it has been for a while. I am not about to “discover” this slice of North West London, much better journos have done that. I prefer standing on giant’s anyway; better view.
However, just to clear it up (kind of) the names Kensal Green and Kensal Rise are used somewhat interchangeably by non-residents. In fact, the area west of Chamberlayne Road, north of Harrow Road and south of Kensal Rise railway station is considered Kensal Green while that to the east of Chamberlayne Road and north of the station is considered Kensal Rise. So there you go.
But who cares about that? There is a cinema whose profits go to an eco-village in South Africa, Mulberry made a bag called Kensal and a tornado struck it in 2006. Could they show off anymore?
Famous for
Noteworthy residents over the years – I don’t stalk them (much) so they might have moved out including actress Thandie Newton, singer Lily Allen, model-turned-author Sophie Dahl, author Zadie Smith…the list goes on.
Positives
Chamberlayne Road was even named by Vogue as the hippest street in Europe a few years ago (so yes, they could show off some more)
It’s also quick into town, really lively with 20-30-year-olds clinging onto their youth and great places to try and drink yourself young.
Negatives
As ever…pricey and it will only get worse (unless you “bought fifteen years ago for three grand and now it’s worth like five hundred million”…snooze).
Transport Links
Kensal Green station (Zone 2) is on the Bakerloo line is only 20 minutes from Oxford Circus and the West End. National Rail London Overground services also operate to London Euston, a journey that takes around 15 minutes, trains also go to Watford Junction.
Schools
Primary, Manor School Princess Frederica CofE Primary School , good. Secondary, Brondesbury College London, good.
Drink/Eat
To drink, Paradise by Way of Kensal Green and the Shop. To eat, Sacro Coure,great pizzas.
Property All properties correct via www.zoopla.co.uk on 17th October 2014
To buy £359,950 2nd floor 2 double bedroom property in a secure gated development with balcony and parking.
To buy in Kensal Rise (Green) click here
To rent £1,495 pcm (£345 pw) Brand new one double bedroom canal side apartment with views across the Grand Union canal.
To rent in Kensal Rise (Green) click here
Photocredit Wikipedia