In this month’s instalment of “Why We Love”, we’ll be taking a look at West London – from Kensington to Hammersmith, and Chiswick to Ealing. For this edition we’ve interviewed a number of local businesses and influencers to find out exactly what makes the W postcode so special.
Local businesses we’ve interviewed:
Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre was founded in March 1985, and has become a major part of the local community. In addition to large retailers including Marks & Spencer, H&M, River Island, Next, and Boots, there are also a number of independent shops too. Lucy Thomas, Marketing Manager at Ealing Broadway, explained that businesses in the W postcode thrive as it is a major thoroughfare for commuters, as well as having a stable community of residents. Although the shopping centre were affected by the recession, it is now seeing better quality retailers return, and an upturn in people’s outlook and spending habits.
The Parlour is a quirky boutique salon specializing in vintage, bridal, and bohemian hair styling. They also serve complimentary cakes and cocktails with every service. Established in Chiswick last August, founder Jacqueline said, “The community has been a big help in getting the word out for us. People out here seem to genuinely want to help the small businesses they love.”
West London Business, as the name suggests, is a Chamber of Commerce for West London, providing services to a membership of 800 or so and promoting West London as a business location. They were established in the area in 2001.
The Good Wine Shop is an independent retail operation specialising in sales of wine, artisan spirits and craft beer. Their Chiswick shop opened 2 years ago, but the business has been operating in West London since 1999, when it began in St Margarets. They also have another shop at Kew Gardens in nearby TW9. Director Mark Wrigglesworth explained that Chiswick is a well known suburb of West London and is highly regarded, so having an address here helps build their profile further afield.
Why do you love West London?
“In Ealing, people are truly passionate about the area. Although this is London, there is a huge community spirit, which we try to embrace as a shopping centre. It is also remarkably beautiful with heaps of parks, greens, trees and hanging baskets,” said Lucy. Jacqueline from The Parlour added, “It feels like a real community. People look out for each other here.”
Mark from The Good Wine Shop echoed this sentiment: “It is a very pleasant area to live and work in, it has a great mixture of coffee shops, bars and restaurants and independent traders. The community spirit is very active for a part of a big city. It is an area where you always feel pretty safe too.”
Frank Wingate, Chief Executive of West London Business, listed a number of the area’s key attributes: good commercial base, entrepreneurial, international, high quality of life, and international transport links nearby.
What makes the West London area unique from other business centres in the UK and around the world?
Jacqueline mentioned that West London enjoys a slightly slower pace of life. “The W postcode gives off a certain warm ‘village-y’ vibe you don’t normally find in big cities”
“The heritage of the area, particularly Ealing and its link to the film industry,” helps make the W postcode unique, according to Lucy. “There is a creative buzz all around and West London is world leading for fashion, style, food and a mecca for all things cultural.”
Frank from West London Business mentioned the proximity of Heathrow Airport, an educated and multicultural workforce, and the excellent universities in the area.
According to Mark, West London combines work in one of the most vibrant big cities in the world with a very friendly and engaging local community.
What are the challenges of operating a business in West London?
According to Lucy, Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre has very healthy competition from Brent Cross, Westfield London and Kingston. Frank also mentioned the traffic congestion, insufficient public transport, and skills shortages.
Jacqueline explained that “The main issue we’ve had to overcome is brand snobbery. We’re new, so people don’t know us well enough yet and we (and our prices) often get compared to bigger high street chains.”
Mark added, “It is a very competitive environment so we have to always be aware of what is going on. It is very fast paced in terms of customers who are often looking towards the latest trends and fashions, which we need to be fully aware of”.
Where do you go for your morning coffee?
Lucy stops by Yvon’s patisserie on Oak Road for her caffeine fix. “Strong delicious coffee. Perfectly paired with their almond croissant. And it’s lovely to sip your coffee sitting outside on the pedestrianized street watching people hurry by.”
Staff from The Parlour, meanwhile, can be found at Kitchen & Pantry on Chiswick High Street, while Frank recommends Greedies in Isleworth.
Mark told us that “Artisan at Stamford Brook do the best coffee locally, although Hack and Veldt and Café Parisienne also offer great coffee.”
Do you know of a hidden gem for business lunches?
Jacqueline recommends Canta Napoli – they have a lovely atmosphere and excellent food. Lucy enjoys dining at Farm W5: “[they] do the most delicious salads I have ever tasted and I because addicted to their Aubergine Yoghurt dip when I was pregnant with my daughter!”
Frank suggests Memories Indian restaurant next to Osterley Park, while Mark said “The Swan on Acton Lane is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to eating but is not often open during the day. Failing that, the Black Lion down by the river on Black Lion lane serves excellent food.”
Where is your favourite spot for a drink after work?
Lucy from Ealing Broadway told us that “Albertine’s wine bar in Shepherds Bush is amazing. Independent, cozy and home cooked food but exceptional wine selection. And you can pick the owner’s brains about which wine to choose and what cheese to eat with it!”
Meanwhile, Jacqueline recommends Charlottes Bistro, as it’s always a good spot for a delicious cocktail on the way home. Mark seconds this recommendation, saying that their cocktails are as good as anything in the West End.