When in...Chiswick
When in...Chiswick
Our second London home opened in 2015 in leafy, laidback Chiswick. We’re amongst all the hustle and bustle of the High Road, but just a short stroll away from this area’s boutiques, delis and open, green spaces.
Below, we’ve gathered together a short guide to our favourite spots in this parcel of west London. That way, you can turn a trip to Neptune Chiswick into a lovely day out, without having to stray very far.
To do
It may be hard to believe today, but Chiswick was chosen by Georgian artist and satirist William Hogarth as the setting for his country retreat. The city may have sprawled since then, but Hogarth’s house, and the ancient mulberry tree that stands in its garden, remain. Inside you’ll find many prints by Hogarth who, apart from being a self-taught painter and cartoonist, was also a great commentator on social injustice.
Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve
Unexpectedly, in the middle of this thriving part of London, sits a sanctuary for wildlife and people. Occupying a triangle of land once destined for development, Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve was saved by the community and is now home to woodpeckers, newts, bats and butterflies. We think it’s a lovely place for a spot of quiet contemplation.
Just a 20-minute jaunt from our store is Chiswick House and Gardens. The magnificent house – one of the finest examples of neo-Palladian architecture in England – sits in 65 acres of gardens and parkland. It was, in fact, never intended as a house, but as a grand pavilion for the 3rd Earl of Burlington to display his collections of art and books. A walk in the gardens (which are free to enter) reveals a collection of some of the oldest and rarest camellias, housed in an elegant conservatory.
Sipsmith may be relatively new when it comes to making gin, but they believe in doing things the old-fashioned way. When they opened in 2009, they were the first traditional distillery in London since 1820. As evening falls you can take a tour, meet their copper stills – Prudence, Patience and Constance – where the careful art of gin-making is done, and of course, taste a few samples.
To eat
Just a five-minute walk from Neptune Chiswick, and a hop across to the other side of the road, and you’ll find High Road Brasserie. Although part of hotel and members’ club, High Road House, this restaurant can be enjoyed whether you’re a resident, member or not. We particularly love to have a leisurely brunch here, people watching on their terrace.
We love the easy-going atmosphere of Franco Manca, ‘home to sourdough pizza’. They may have outposts across London, but the Chiswick restaurant is just a short walk along the High Road from our store, and is our favourite place in the area for a relaxed lunch. All their pizzas are baked in a wood-burning oven, so balance crisp and fluffy.
To shop
Chiswick is an absolute paradise for foodies, with a whole array of independent shops and a farmers’ market every Sunday. You’ll often find us at Hack & Veldt, a delicatessen and café that’s a treasure trove of food and drink from small suppliers.
The shelves of this small store are stacked high with natural and organic things to buy, such as Richmond Park honey, skincare from Tisserand and Pai, and jute mats from EcoYoga. The manager of Windfall, Holly, is also a yoga teacher, and runs vinyasa-based classes in Chiswick and around West London.
The oldest shop on Chiswick High Road, a lovely bow-fronted building from the 18th century, is home to Foster Books. They specialise in hard-to-find and out-of-print books, and their shelves of gently-worn titles are a delight to browse. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, they’ll be very happy to enquire elsewhere for you.
Any little ones you have tagging along will love a visit to Trotters. This children’s clothing and toy shop is filled with pretty, floral dresses, rompers decorated with sailboats and aeroplanes, and canvas plimsolls in a rainbow of colours. Children can also have their haircut here (Trotters are wonderful with any nervous, excitable or just fidgety customers) in front of the tropical aquarium – an excellent distraction.
And for more ideas...
Done everything on our list? The Chiswick Calendar is the place to head to find out more about what’s going on in Chiswick, from places to visit, eat and shop, to a calendar of events in the area.
In the area? Be sure to stop by and see us at Neptune Chiswick.
