West Hampstead
West Hampstead was originally known as West End – hence West End Lane and was renamed West Hampstead after confusion was created after Central London.
Until the late 19th century, the locale was a small village called West End. Modern West Hampstead emerged with the arrival of the railways, and the transformation of the area from farm land to housing estates. Hence, the name of West End Lane. In 1879, the Metropolitan Railway adopted the name West Hampstead for its station on West End Lane. Confusion arose when Central London decided to rename itself West End so to avoid even more confusion the area was renamed as West Hampstead.
West Hampstead is a very young, vibrant cosmopolitan community and at its heart is the busy West End Lane with bars, shops and numerous restaurants catering for all types of culinary desires. The houses here are generally older style period property abundant with character features. The area is popular with City workers with excellent transport links via the Jubilee Line (zone 2) and the overground to Euston, Canada Water and Richmond.
The village atmosphere of the area is popular with young families and with the strong sense of community. There are plenty of events/festivals including the 'Jester Festival' at Fortune Green in September. The very popular Farmers Market is held on the forecourt of West Hampstead Thameslink Station.