Maida Vale – What’s it all about? 

Most people think of Maida Vale and connect it to the famous Abbey Road studios which also borders along St John’s Wood. But, look further than the tourists posing for photos on the zebra crossing made famous by that Beatles cover, and you’ll see much more including the stunning array of properties in the area. The wide winding streets of Little Venice are full of stucco fronted homes set back from the pavements and boasting views over the canals and wonderfully secret communal gardens, while Maida Vale’s beautiful leafy avenues are lined with impressive and iconic period homes and mansion flats.

Fact file

Maida Vale takes its name from a pub, the Hero of Maida, which was named for General Sir John Stuart who triumphed in battle at Maida, Italy in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars.  The pioneer of modern computing, Alan Turing, was born at what is now the Colonnade Hotel in Warrington Crescent.

Architecture and property

Most recognisable for the large mansion blocks and stuccoed terraces that line its main thoroughfares, Maida Vale is home to some of London’s most sought after properties which means house hunters can now choose from these mansion flats, mews houses, period conversions and 1930s flats on Maida Vale itself. The most desirable properties are the grand stucco houses in Little Venice, on streets such as Clarendon Gardens, Blomfield Road, Maida Avenue and Elgin Avenue.

Going out 

Eating and drinking: Tucked away in the nooks and crannies of Maida Vale’s winding streets, its pubs and restaurants are some of London’s best kept secrets. Choose from The Waterway overlooking the Grand Union Canal, the perfect summer spot for enjoying a jug of Pimm’s while watching the canal boats go by or The Prince Alfred and Warwick Castle who have been serving locals since the 1860s. For great pizza and pasta try  The Red Pepper, or for something different try award winning Persian restaurant Kateh, set in a beautiful street off Warwick Avenue.

Culture: If you’re after some culture the Canal Cafe Theatre puts on a wide variety of performances. Throughout summer Jason’s Trip runs boat trips along Regent’s Canal to Camden Town on a 108 year old canal boat. For kids there is the fabulous Puppet Theatre Barge.

Local amenities

• Apart from Tesco Express you may want to try the many shops stocking organic produce from the area’s many specialist food shops and  The Wineryis one of London’s best independent wine merchants.
• There are many gym and exercise studios. Bannatyne Health Clubis a popular choice as is Wanderlust Nail Lounge for a touch of luxury.
• Maida Vale Libraryis a focal point of the community, offering children’s reading groups and homework clubs as well as employment advice sessions for adults.
• Relax at the iconic Maida Vale Everyman Cinema, where you can relax on their comfy sofas.
• Don’t miss the award winning Clifton Nurseries, one of London’s best garden nurseries, supplying locals with all sorts of garden accessories.

Green spaces 

Just beyond Maida Vale Tube station lies Paddington Recreation Ground offering exercise classes and tennis. Sports fans need look no further than nearby Lord’s Cricket Ground, which celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2014. Part of the Ashes Test series between Australia and England is held here, making it something of a mecca for cricket fans. There’s a museum attached and tours are available. Just a 20 minute walk away, Regent’s Park is so much more than an outdoor space, boasting cafes, an open air theatre, wildlife gardens and of course London Zoo.

Transport

Tube: Maida Vale and Warwick Avenue Tube stations are in Zone 2 on the Bakerloo Line. It takes a few minutes to reach Paddington, just over ten minutes to get to Oxford Circus and 16 minutes to get to Waterloo.

Rail: The Bakerloo Line provides quick access to two busy national rail stations. Paddington and Marylebone are just two and four stops away respectively, making train travel out of London easy.

Bus: limitless options that can get you to north, south, east and west London easily.

Road: A straight journey up Kilburn High Road and Edgware Road lead Maida Vale locals to the M1 in just 15 minutes. It’s also only a five minute drive to the Westway, providing access to the A40 and M25.

Cycle: You can cycle alongside the canal as well as being give minutes from the picturesque bike rides of Regent’s Park.

Education

Little Sweethearts Montessori School is within walking distance of the station. Other primary schools include St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and St Saviour’s C of E Primary School. Secondary options include two academies, Westminster Academy and Paddington Academy, as well as several independent and faith schools.

Please see our schools tab for more information on schools in this area.