Stories of community, creativity and local life, Queen’s Park residents share what makes the area tick.
A magnet for families and creatives alike, lured by green spaces, Victorian villas and excellent schools, Queen’s Park has all of London’s vibrant spirit without its velocity. Breathing space brings a less frenetic pace, with a 30-acre park, tennis courts and a children’s farm at its core. Add to this a down-to-earth feel, flourishing food scene and a community that welcomes with open arms, and the neighbourhood has evolved into one of Northwest London’s most sought-after. Here, some of our favourite Queen’s Parkers give an insight into what makes local life so special.
Daniel Land, founder of Don’t Tell Dad
“Queen’s Park doesn’t try to be cool,” explains Daniel Land, founder of neighbourhood newcomer, Don’t Tell Dad. “Life here has a rhythm. It’s one of the few places in London where you feel both tucked away and deeply connected.”
At the centre of that thrum is Don’t Tell Dad, a space that evolves with the day. By morning, it’s a bakery alive with the smell of sourdough and pastries, all made from scratch. By night, the lights dim, the menu switches, and it becomes a restaurant with a lively but unshowy atmosphere. The name – a playful phrase between siblings, chosen in tribute to Daniel’s late sister Lesley – speaks to the family orientated feel of the area.
For Daniel, weekends in Queen’s Park are simple and close to home. “Lazy starts with the kids, probably involving too many pastries and a coffee from Don’t Tell Dad,” he laughs. Then comes time in the park, a round of pitch and putt if possible, or the bustle of the Sunday farmers’ market. Lunch is often at a local favourite – “Carmel is always a great shout” – while evenings might be spent at Michiko Sushino or the much-loved Ida. “It’s home,” Daniel says of the area. “There’s a creative hum, but no pretension. Everyone’s doing their own thing – quietly brilliant in their own way. No one’s shouting about it.”
What does Queen’s Park mean to you? “I’ve lived here for over a decade and watched it quietly grow into one of London’s best-kept secrets. It’s where my kids were born, where my business lives, and where I can walk down the street and know people by name. It’s also the first place I’ve ever lived where the high street still has soul. You’ve got multi-generational families, artists, young professionals, old-school characters, all rubbing along together.”
Sheena Murphy, founder of Nune
“It sounds so cliché, but I genuinely felt a sense of belonging after moving to Queen’s Park from Brooklyn in 2018,” says Sheena Murphy, founder of interior design studio Nune. Now firmly part of the neighbourhood, Sheena brings a touch of stateside modernism to her designs, elevated by local artistry and an eye for sustainability.
For her, Queen’s Parks appeal also lies in the balance it strikes: a rare community spirit on one hand and still being within reach of the capital’s abundant offerings, on the other. “There’s a real sense of collective support here,” she explains. “But also an awareness that the area is changing, although most people want to retain as much of its authenticity as possible.”
Life in Queen’s Park moves at a gentler pace, she adds. Sundays are reserved for the weekly farmers’ market, a gathering point for the community, while the park itself remains the neighbourhood’s crown jewel. “It has everything – tennis courts, a playground, a bustling café,” Sheena says. “It really is the star of the area.”
Local rituals? “We’ll often walk the length of Salusbury road, run into friends and neighbours, and pop into some of the shops. If the weather is good, we will spend time in the garden and go to the park to meet friends in the afternoon. The cherry on the cake would be a plate of fresh pasta and a glass of house red at Ida.”
Zoë Cooke, co-director of The Lexi Cinema
Once a derelict community centre, now a hive of entertainment, The Lexi is a one-of-a-kind volunteer-run cinema set against Queen’s Park’s leafy back drop. The brainchild of Sally Wilton, now under the watchful eye of co-directors Zoë Cooke and Johnathan Kirk, this small but spirited cinema thrives on the energy of its locals and the strength of its community ties.
“Life in the area feels more like a friendly village than an anonymous city,” Zoë explains. “It’s impossible not to meet people you know as you go about your business.” From the green space of the park itself to the eclectic mix of independent shops bars and restaurants to all manner of local conveniences, there’s not much the area doesn’t offer, she adds. “Access to the rest of London is very easy, but it’s equally as tempting to stay local in the evenings and at weekends.”
The Lexi’s connection to the area is certainly deep rooted, with local businesses supporting the cinema’s charitable causes. “Our volunteers give their time and energy to keep our doors open 363 days a year. Some have been with us since we opened, but whether recent or longstanding, they’re a huge asset,” reflects Zoë.
From the playfully named businesses on Lonsdale Road, to Kensal Rise’s growing cluster of al fresco dining options, the area, she says, “is a destination in itself”. The jewel in the crown though is the park. “We had a lot of fun running a pop-up cinema in the park for many years,” she reminisces. “The park keeper even cycled to raise funds for our screenings. All part of that community spirit.”
What does a weekend in Queen’s Park look like for you? “I like to start with a peaceful walk along the canal or through the historic Kensal Green Cemetery, followed by a few loops of Queens Park. Then I’ll toss a coin for where to stop for something to eat. Ideally, Sunday gets off to an easy start with a trip to the Farmers’ Market. Then to round off the weekend, a film at The Lexi Cinema of course!”
Josh Katz, co-founder of Carmel
Critically acclaimed chef Josh Katz has built his reputation on fire – specifically, cooking over it. The founder behind Berber & Q and Shawarma Bar, Katz brought his Mediterranean-inspired flair to Queen’s Park in late 2021 with Carmel, a neighbourhood restaurant that quickly became a local favourite.
“We’ve been warmly welcomed since opening on Lonsdale Road, and supported by the community ever since,” says Josh. Designed by fellow locals Mata Architects, the space exudes easy charm: double doors open onto the street, giving the restaurant a breezy, lived-in character that matches the food think pillowy flatbreads layered with seasonal toppings — za’atar burrata with matbucha and chilli honey, or ricotta and spinach brightened with lemon and aged Parmigiano. “We’re known for the quality of what our kitchen produces,” Josh says, echoing the enthusiasm of his regulars.
For him, opening in Queen’s Park felt like more than just a business decision. “It’s a lovely neighbourhood with a strong sense of community,” he reflects. Weekends often involve a visit to the Sunday farmers’ market, pastries from Don’t Tell Dad or brunch at Milk Beach, followed by time in the park. “We love finishing the day with early evening drinks at Wolfpack,” he says. “Then heading down to Carmel – obviously – for dinner. I could go on and on.”
What is life in Queen’s Park like? “It has its own pace and energy – a pocked amid London’s bustle with a relaxed atmosphere that feels wholesome and special. It’s culturally quite diverse, with all walks of life mixing it up, both in Queen’s Park but also in the immediate surrounding areas. There’s a sense of community and togetherness, which is particularly lovely to see and be a small part of.”
Sean Ronnie Hill, Co-founder of Rise Design Studio
For more than a decade, Rise Design Studio has been part of Queen’s Park’s fabric, known for its low-energy, design-led architecture that draws inspiration directly from its surroundings. What started as a small studio on Lonsdale Road, 14 years ago, has grown into a practice that lives and breathes the neighbourhood. “For us, good design isn’t about grand gestures,” says co-founder Sean Ronnie Hill. “It’s about creating spaces that are quietly bold, deeply personal, and leave the lightest footprint possible,”
Queen’s Park, he explains, was always more than a pin on a map, and the decision to put down roots was personal as well as professional. “It’s where our daughters learned to walk, and where the studio found its stride” Sean says. “This neighbourhood is full of creativity, character and contradictions – and we love it for all of them. One minute you’re chatting to an artist about their latest exhibition, the next you’re holding the ladder while your neighbour fixes a wonky gutter. That mix keeps the place alive.”
Local life shapes work and play. With haunts like The Salusbury Winestore, Wolfpack, and the ever-popular farmers’ market nearby, Sean’s ideal day off makes the most of the area. “I’d start with an early run along the Grand Union Canal to clear my head,” he says. “Lunch might be at Carmel, or a picnic under the big oak tree in the park. Evening calls for a glass of vino at Milk Beach, a pint at Wolfpack, or just sitting in the garden listening to the neighbourhood tick over.”
Why Queen’s Park? “It feels like a proper village, the kind of place where everyone’s quietly doing something brilliant. You don’t need to shout about it – the charm is in the understatement.”
Alistair Hargreaves, Co-founder of Wolfpack
Once dubbed “the world’s greatest garage” by co-founders and former professional rugby players Alistair Hargreaves and Chris Wyles, Wolfpack has transformed from said garage into a bustling taproom at the heart of Queen’s Park. With benches spilling onto the street and a steady flow of locals and visitors, it’s become a neighbourhood destination in the neighbourhood.
“Queen’s Park was Wolfpack’s first permanent home, so it’s part of our DNA,” Alistair reflects. “It’s where the dream turned into bricks, mortar and beer taps. The neighbourhood embraced us from day one, and in return we’ve always aimed to be a proper local – the kind of place where the staff know your name.”
That ethos defines Wolfpack’s appeal. Whether it’s live rugby on the screens, a pub quiz that keeps everyone on edge, or simply a sunny afternoon pint, the taproom is built around togetherness. “It’s not just a bar,” Alistair says. “It’s a true local, and we’re proud to contribute to our incredible neighbourhood.”
Set against leafy streets and a community that Alistair calls “one of London’s greatest little villages,”, Wolfpack feels right at home. “It’s relaxed during the day, lively at night, and there’s always something interesting happening,” he says fondly.
What are your favourite local haunts? “We’re spoiled here, but Lonsdale Road is where it all happens. The Farmers’ Market on a Sunday is unbeatable [Wolfpack offers free Bloody Marys for those braving the market after a big Saturday] – look out for the Fresh Oysters at Josh’s fish stall. Milk Beach serves a world-class brunch, Carmel and Don’t Tell Dad are exceptional restaurants, and Michiko Sushino is a hidden gem of a sushi shop. The Salusbury pub, a local legend, has also just reopened in fine fashion. And of course, at the centre of it all – the park itself is an absolute beauty!”
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