Saturday, 2 February 2013

Kilburn area

By Monica Livingston


Queen's Park, Kensal Rise and Brondesbury sits just to its west, but from Kilburn High Road you would be too consumed by the busy traffic and the caf'es to notice. There are trains, buses, and the underground taking you out of it, over West Hampstead to the east and Cricklewood in the south to central London, or further across Maida Vale, up north.

Residential options

Council housing takes the pride of place in this town, with quiet private accommodation surrounding the enormous development. As with its neighbours, Kilburn offers a variety of detached and terraced housing for rent; bedsits and rooms are available from lb70 a week. Flats start at lb175: budget-conscious tenants should knock on those above the high street shops and cafes.

Melting Pot, London Style

While the Irish diaspora might have spread a bit further, the town remains hospitable to the many and varied newcomers to London. Eastern Europe and Afro-Caribbean immigrants have flavoured the streets with their emigre touch, whereas Muslim communities have largely settled in the south. Locals and newcomers, whatever their income, are largely happy sharing this 2000-year-old town.

Going Out

Pub crawlers will find three main pubs near Kilburn tube station. Brondesage has a modern decor, with a roomy and welcoming feel to it, but those who prefer an interior touch beyond the Spoons' would do well to visit The Black Lion instead. A Grade 2 listed ceiling, gilded with gold and burgundy ornaments, overlooks a cosy space of fireplaces and mirrors. With a B&B upstairs and an adjoining dining room, the gastropub atmosphere remains very much that of a traditional and crowded haunt. The North London Tavern is another spot frequented by locals.

Theatre

When you have had your fill, pop over to The Tricycle for some entertainment. An art gallery, a theatre, and a cinema boasting pay-what-you-can Tuesdays for lb1.50 should cover your needs. Live music fans will not be disappointed at regular gigs in the nightclub Luminaire, and those looking for a flutter can pop by Meccas' vast bingo halls.

Green Kilburn

Busy as it is, Kilburn also has a bit of peace and quiet to offer, in Grange Park. Between its grassy knolls is just about enough room for tennis courts, children's playpen, and a netball court. The imaginatively named Kilburn Festival runs every July, and is free for all who enjoy a mishmash of Celtic, reggae, and jazz. There are enough stalls to keep you occupied for an afternoon.

Food

Kilburn has a big selection of restaurants and kebab joints for every client`ele. Pubs generally serve good food, and African, European, and Asian cuisines are on offer at restaurants.

Crossing The High Road Into The City

While there aren't too many reasons to set foot out of Kilburn, the tube offers frequent service for those who digress from Kilburn and Kilburn Park stations. The Overground runs four trains an hour through Brondesbury and Kilburn High Road, and you can reach Richmond upon Thames in just 20 minutes. Buses 6, 316, 28, 31, 98, 32, or 189 will all take you to central London, but mind the rush hour.




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