My West London: Locals on life in Brook Green, Hammersmith & Shepherd’s Bush

David Tigg & Rachel Coll, TiggColl

For David Tigg and Rachel Coll, founders of architecture studio TiggColl, living and working in the same neighbourhood creates a natural overlap between practice and place. “We live here, so we really understand the rhythm of the area,” Rachel explains. “That context is fundamental when we read a brief – how people move through their homes, how they use the neighbourhood and what matters in their day-to-day lives. Working locally always brings an added sense of connection.”

For David, the river is one of the area’s defining qualities: alive with rowing boats, people gathering outside restaurants and the constant shift of the seasons. Move a little further inland and the character changes again. “You discover these small village-like pockets, each with their own personality,” he says. “It’s almost like a miniature exhibition of London contained within one neighbourhood.”

That balance is part of the area’s appeal. “It never feels suburban,” Rachel says. “There’s green space and a sense of openness, but you’re still firmly in the city. Excellent transport, independent businesses – and everything within walking distance.”

Those everyday rituals are just as important as the architecture. Designers, families and neighbours cross paths at the same places, David adds, creating a familiarity that builds over time. “You start to recognise familiar faces and routines – that’s where the real sense of belonging comes from.”

Their own local favourites reflect that rhythm: The Bird in Hand and Havelock Tavern for relaxed drinks, or Debbie Jo’s for what David calls “the best sandwiches in the area”.

What’s family life like in these neighbourhoods? “Ravenscourt Park is the heart of it for us – school runs, sports, weekend meet-ups, community events. Everything connects: Brook Green, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Holland Park. It’s a real anchor point.”

Maureen Gomez, Maureen Gomez Interiors

“I’ve lived in Hammersmith for 13 years and it was the perfect area to set up my interior design studio,” explains Maureen Gomez, founder of her eponymous firm. Specialising in period property renovations, Maureen was drawn to W6 for its wealth of Victorian and Edwardian homes. “Being surrounded by original architectural detail – cornicing, fireplaces, front doors – reinforces my belief in celebrating, rather than competing with, these features.”

For Maureen, the neighbourhood balances inspiration with practicality. “Walking along the Thames Path and under Hammersmith Bridge is one of my favourite daily rituals,” she says. “Everything is accessible – by foot or public transport. I can pop into local suppliers and everyone knows me. There’s a real sense of connection here, from builders to tradespeople, which I haven’t felt elsewhere in London.”

Living and working among so many period properties continues to shape her design language, she adds. “Many of my clients here share a thoughtful, sensitive approach to interiors, which makes the work feel very personal.”

It’s somewhere Maureen will forever call home. “Fun, beautiful, friendly and so convenient. Brook Green has that calm, village-like charm, while Shepherd’s Bush buzzes with energy and diversity. We moved here knowing no one, but have built a wonderful network of friends through schools, work and neighbours.”

What are some of your favourite spots in the area? “The riverside terrace at The Dove on a summer evening, Los Molinos tapas in Brook Green and the W6 Garden Centre and café.”

Mia Kitsinis, Miaki

For Mia Kitsinis, founder of interior design studio Miaki, the choice to base her studio in Shepherd’s Bush felt instinctive. “It’s energetic and unpretentious,” Mia says. “There’s a strong sense of community and an incredible mix of cultures. It hasn’t been over-polished; I love that it still has an edge.”

That diversity is part of what continues to inspire her work, which is never about chasing specific looks but about understanding how people actually live in spaces: how rooms are used, layered and filled with memory over time. With a background spanning art and spatial design, she was drawn to interiors as the point where imagination, psychology and function intersect. “I wanted to create environments that feel deeply personal, not styled for a photograph and forgotten. Miaki grew from that instinct.”

Every project begins with the client, the architecture and the location. Working in West London means being constantly exposed to different ways of living and different types of homes, Mia adds – a reminder that good design can’t be one-size-fits-all.

The team is collaborative and hands-on, united by a sharp eye and an appetite for challenge. “No two days are ever the same,” she says. “It’s a mix of site visits, design reviews, supplier meetings and constant problem-solving. We’re curious, detail-driven and unafraid to question ideas – that’s where the best work comes from.”

Any advice for newcomers? “Walk Brook Green, stop for coffee, explore the independents and finish with a relaxed lunch or drink nearby. It’s a neighbourhood that doesn’t try too hard – which is exactly its charm.”

Diego Alfonso, Bertotti Gelato

“It began as a family project,” explains Diego Alfonso, Director of Bertotti. “We wanted to bring authentic Italian gelato, made by hand, to West London. From day one, it’s been about quality and provenance.”

Run by Diego and his wife, Suzana, the two branches in Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush have grown from small neighbourhood gems into a nationally recognised brand, collecting over 20 Great Taste Awards along the way. Suzana leads flavour development, drawing on classic Italian techniques, while Diego focuses on structure, balance and pushing boundaries. “We love creating traditional flavours that are done exceptionally well, as well as adventurous combinations,” he says. “But everything always starts with taste and integrity.”

The area itself plays a huge role in that sense of connection. “Hammersmith is diverse, energetic and grounded. There’s pride in supporting local businesses; these are streets where people talk to each other. You’ll see families who have been coming for years, neighbours popping in after work, creatives, food industry people and visitors who discover us through word of mouth,” he explains. “It’s a shared appreciation for quality and authenticity.”

How would you introduce the neighbourhood to a first-timer? “Take the time to walk the area properly: Goldhawk Road for its energy and character, Brook Green for a slower pace and green space, and the surrounding streets where independent shops and cafés quietly thrive. It’s an area that rewards curiosity.”