Hammersmith, London

Today I want to share my guide to Hammersmith, London with you. Right on the River Thames, this west London neighborhood is known for being home to great restaurants, live music venues, and waterfront scenery. But there’s a lot more to it than that, from the pubs and parks on the Thames Path to the markets and theaters in Lyric Square. Read on for A Lady in London’s Hammersmith area guide.

Situated between Fulham, Kensington, and Chiswick, Hammersmith is one of many great local London neighborhoods to explore.

Once a chapelry of the ancient parish of Fulham, today the area has a vibrant mix of residential streets and places to eat, drink, and shop. It’s a fun neighborhood to discover.

If you’re wondering where to live in London, it’s also a good choice. Hammersmith is easily accessible from the heart of the city, and there’s a great balance of residential areas, riverfront entertainment, and local amenities on offer.

How to Get to Hammersmith

Hammersmith is easy to get to from other parts of London. There are good tube connections with the District, Circle, Piccadilly, and Hammersmith and City lines of the London Underground running through the neighborhood.

Lots of local buses stop at Hammersmith bus station, too, so you’re spoiled for choice.

If you want to get here on foot, the area is within easy walking distance of places like Shepherd’s Bush, Ravenscourt Park, and Holland Park.

Things to Do in Hammersmith

Once you’ve arrived in this part of west London, you’ll find lots of things to do in Hammersmith. Whether you want to eat, drink, walk along the river, or go to a concert, there’s something to suit your mood.

Places to Eat in Hammersmith

There’s an abundance of restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs on King Street, and more on Beadon Road and Fulham Palace Road. I love the little cluster hidden away where Aldensley Road meets Brackenbury Road, too.

My favorite cafe in Hammersmith is The Elder Press Cafe. Tucked away on South Black Lion Lane, it’s a stylish haven of peace near the river. The food is good, too.

Speaking of the Thames, Hammersmith has some of the best riverside pubs in London.

The Dove is a classic. This 17th-century number was frequented by Charles II and his mistress, Nell Gwynne. It’s also been in The Guinness Book of World Records for having the world’s smallest bar room.

The Old Ship is another great riverside pub in Hammersmith, and The Black Lion is steeped in history. Pubs like the Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor are popular, too.

If you want a riverside restaurant, The River Cafe is one of the best in London. This famous Italian place is an institution, and it’s worth a special trip to eat here.

Hammersmith Markets

Beyond brick-and-mortar, the street food markets in the neighborhood are great places to eat. Located right in the heart of Hammersmith in Lyric Square, they offer a range of stalls selling fresh dishes and foods from across the globe.

The Hammersmith Street Market operates every Thursday, and the World Food Market takes place on Fridays. They’re surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops, so there’s no shortage of good food to be found around here.

Entertainment in Hammersmith

When it comes to entertainment, Hammersmith has a lot going for it. There’s everything from theater to live music, and some of the best venues in London are in the neighborhood.

The Hammersmith Apollo is one of them. It’s a classic Art Deco venue with a strong program of live entertainment. Originally built as a cinema, this Grade II* listed building is a local London landmark. Everyone from Oasis to Elton John has performed here.

Another is the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. Housed in a contemporary building with a roof garden, it offers an eclectic program of performances throughout the year.

A third is Riverside Studios. This arts center is set in a former Victorian iron works. It’s now home to an independent cinema, two performance studios, and a restaurant, bar, and cafe.

Thames Path in Hammersmith

If you want to get outdoors, the Thames Path from Hammersmith to Chiswick is one of my favorite self-guided London walks. From Hammersmith Bridge to Chiswick Mall, it shows off big boats and pretty houses as it makes its way west.

Museums in Hammersmith

There are also local cultural institutions dotted along the Thames Path in Hammersmith. They’re great places to visit along the Thames as you walk.

The William Morris Society is a museum dedicated to the famous Arts and Crafts Movement pioneer. It’s set in Kelmscott House, Morris’ final home.

To the west, Emery Walker’s House at 7 Hammersmith Terrace is a Grade II* listed home with the most complete Arts and Crafts interiors in Britain. Walker was a close friend of William Morris, and many of Morris’ and designs can be seen in his house, too.

Parks in Hammersmith

If you want a park, look no further than Furnivall Gardens. This green space is right on the Thames, and it’s a popular place to watch the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

The Upper Mall Open Space is another green patch on the river, and to the north, the large expanse of Ravenscourt Park is a popular place to get into nature in the city.