It’s the combination of handsome heritage properties, leafy green spaces and highly regarded schools that puts Chiswick on the map for long-term home seekers. You’ll find plenty of old-world architecture across the neighbourhood, from cosy Victorian cottages to towering Georgian townhouses – plus the grandiose Grade-I listed Chiswick House & Gardens. Independents flourish here, alongside a strong food scene. Skirting the Thames, there’s a welcome sense of peace that belies how easy it is to get to central London and beyond. Close to the motorway, it’s just an hour to Heathrow Airport, making W4 a highly desirable spot for local and international commuters.
Chiswick High Road is the upbeat thoroughfare that runs through the suburb, connecting the popular parades of Turnham Green Terrace and Devonshire Road. Dotted along these streets, there’s an abundance of artisanal delicatessens, fine dining restaurants and vintage boutiques – all making use of the broad pavements and inviting surrounds to extend their shopfronts and terraces. Weekly markets, independent arts venues and the grassy stretches of Chiswick Common and Dukes Meadows add to Chiswick’s status as somewhere to settle down.
Arguably the best Neapolitan-style pizza outside of Italy, Napoli on the Road has a rustic trattoria feel that’s matched by its outstanding southern-Italian cuisine. Founded by Pizza Maker of the Year 2023 Michele Pascarella, the classics come with a contemporary twist.
With its mirrored walls, leather banquette seating and belle époque artwork Le Vacherin brings a touch of Parisian elegance to Chiswick. The menu relies heavily on French classics, so naturally diners can expect snails, duck confit, ox cheek bourguignon and crème brûlée to finish.
An industrial West London building repurposed for all-day drinks and dining, No 197 Chiswick Fire Station is all high ceilings, white walls and plenty of natural light. It’s the perfect all-round spot, whether you’re there for a business lunch, all-day brunching with friends or a leisurely Sunday roast with the family.
Positioned on the corner of Devonshire Road, Tamp Coffee is another local speciality coffee roastery worth a visit. An ideal place for working or catch-ups with friends over baked goods. Special mentions go to the Portuguese pastel de nata, the homemade sausage rolls and the Brazilian cheese bread.
A former Victorian police station turned modern day coaching inn, The Hound is one of Chiswick’s mainstay gastropubs. A wood-panelled dining room features a roaring fire, making it the perfect spot for cosy Sunday roasts. Outside, there’s a terrace to enjoy draught beers and cocktails in the summer months.
This family-run gelateria is a long-standing favourite among locals. The original Foubert’s was established in Soho in the 1970s, before owners Maria and Luciano made the move to Chiswick a decade later. Served in classic Italian drums, there are 24 flavours of ice cream to choose from at the Turnham Green Terrace shop. They also make an excellent cup of coffee.
A love letter to Sardinia, Bronzo’s handmade ravioli and traditional pinsa-style pizza celebrates the flavours of this Mediterranean island. Headed up by Sara and Fabio, who perfected their craft at the prestigious Alma Culinary Academy in Italy, the couple bring authenticity and passion to each dish.
From breakfast to dinner, art-deco interior design sets a sophisticated tone for this European-style bistro – part of the Soho House group. Set in the heart of Chiswick High Road, there’s a large outdoor terrace perfect for al fresco brunches in the warmer months.
For hearty plant-based food, look no further than Parlé Pantry. Since opening in Chiswick in 2018, this sister-run café has become a neighbourhood favourite for its homemade cakes, colourful salads and take-home larder staples.
Celebrating the best of British ingredients and cooking styles, The Silver Birch is a down-to-earth dining destination. Head Chef Nathan Cornwell brings a wealth of culinary accolades from famed Michelin-starred restaurants – including Geranium in Copenhagen and Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham – to the menu, which is plated to aesthetic perfection.
For more than five centuries, the Bianchi Bandinelli family has been custodians of the Villa di Geggiano estate in Tuscany – renowned for its fine dining, organic wines and art curation – which they recreated in Chiswick in 2014. True to its roots, the restaurant celebrates cuisine and culture in equal measure, with painting sessions and contemporary exhibitions.
Positioned in the quiet enclave of Devonshire Road, this Michelin-starred neighbourhood restaurant has garnered a loyal fan base over the years – and for good reason. La Trompette’s modern French menu is crafted by Chef Greg Wellman, previously of The Glasshouse in Kew Gardens fame. Seasonal ingredients play a starring role, complemented by an extensive wine list and impeccable service.
'You’ll find plenty of old-world architecture across the neighbourhood, from cosy Victorian cottages to towering Georgian townhouses – plus the grandiose Grade-I listed Chiswick House & Gardens.'
As you walk down Chiswick High Road, a vast green wall of over 5,000 plants catches the eye. The biodiverse façade of Chiswick’s independent cinema is as cherished by locals as its five screens, stylish bar and lounge. Catch new Hollywood blockbusters, classic hits and live screenings of ballet and theatre.
Completed in 1729, the Neo-Palladian Chiswick House overlooks 65 acres of parkland – designed by landscaper William Kent, who was behind the gardens at Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. It’s free entry to the house, filled with antiques and artwork collected by the previous owner Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington. Or take a stroll around the gardens, which have been deemed the birthplace of English landscape architecture.
Held annually since 1829, the infamous rowing championship between Oxford and Cambridge universities stretches across 4.25 miles of the Thames, starting in Putney and ending by Chiswick Bridge. Bring a picnic and watch the race from Duke’s Meadows or secure your spot on the bridge to watch the boats cross the finish line.
Running from Kew Bridge to the Grove Park towpath, Strand-on-the-Green is one of the oldest areas of Chiswick. The charming enclave is lined with cosy pubs and heritage properties, perfect for long riverside walks throughout the seasons.
Harking back to its medieval origins, the name Chiswick was derived from the Old English for ‘cheese farm’ – with the area of Duke’s Meadows thought to have hosted an annual cheese fair until the 18th century. Fast-forward to 2020 and a group of local female chefs and restaurateurs set up ‘Cheesewick’ market to honour this long-standing history. On the third Sunday of every month, head to the Old Market Place on Chiswick High Road to peruse cheese and trimmings from across the globe.
The West London outpost of the Soho House members’ club has a low-key kind of character. The ground-floor is reserved for a French-style brasserie, while a series of lounges and meeting rooms are spread throughout the building, all adorned with contemporary British artwork.
'Dotted along these streets, there’s an abundance of artisanal delicatessens, fine dining restaurants and vintage boutiques – all making use of the broad pavements and inviting surrounds to extend their shopfronts and terraces.'
Since opening its doors in Wimbledon in 1997, Bayley & Sage has brought carefully sourced fresh produce to London’s most community-oriented neighbourhoods. At the Chiswick branch near Turnham Green, stock up on classic gourmet hampers, wine and fresh flowers.
A bottle-green façade draws attention to the listed bay window of Foster Books, the oldest shop front on Chiswick High Road. Dating back to 1790, a treasure trove of first editions, fine bindings and antiquarian volumes await inside. Spanning a vast array of interests, bookseller Stephen Foster has been carefully curating vintage texts for the last 50 years.
Sitting on the corner of Devonshire and Chiswick High Road, this independent wine merchant specialises in showcasing contemporary wines from small growers that you won’t find in large chains. The friendly team is on hand to help guide you through the varied offerings or curate a bespoke cellar collection.
A family-run, award-winning business that specialises in everything gluten free. Ma Ma Boutique Bakery’s exceptional white baguettes and sourdough bread won gold and silver at the 2024 Free From Awards. Pick up staple loaves, artisanal pastries and speciality coffee to kickstart your day.
Enjoy an authentic taste of Italy from this neighbourhood delicatessen. Mari Deli & Dining sells classic Italian cheese, fresh pasta, coffee and ice cream, as well as organic and fair-trade fruit and vegetables.
More than your average grocers, Natoora is on a mission to support a better global food system. Since opening its first store in Chiswick in 2013, the brand has stuck to its ethos of stocking only seasonal produce and working with growers that focus on quality and nutrition.
Tucked behind Turnham Green station, Wheelers of Chiswick stocks fragrant flowers and plants for homes and gardens. Headed by brothers Jason and Spencer, the neighbourhood florist comes into its own during the festive period when it’s filled with Christmas trees and luxury decorations to peruse.
Found on Chiswick High Road, Wyndhams champions organic British produce and sustainable animal welfare. Since opening in 1997, the neighbourhood butchers has established itself as the place to go for everything from essential cuts to Essex salt marsh lamb, Norfolk goose and Hampshire pheasants.
The practicalities of juggling family and working life were central to the revamp of Caroline and Felix Milns’ Chiswick home and studio.
Boasting world-class restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues alongside town-like residential pockets, there’s a best-of-both worlds feel to these West London locales.
