Maida Vale Area Guide

A stunning west London suburb making up the northern part of Paddington, south of Kilburn and west of St. John’s Wood, Maida Vale lies in the City of Westminster in one of the capital’s most sought after postcodes. Development began in earnest in the early 19th century with the construction of villas along the main thoroughfare before these were demolished to make way for smart red brick apartment blocks in a style directed by the eminent art critic and social thinker John Ruskin. Victorian and Edwardian red brick mansion housing still dominates today, interspersed with large, secluded communal gardens amidst its expansive streets.

With its peaceful atmosphere and close proximity to the centre as well as a selection of good primary schools, the area has become popular with young families although it has been a longstanding magnet for young professionals along with media and music industry magnates. Many are attracted to the luxurious splendour of Little Venice with its canal-side restaurants and delightful barge trips. A host of recognizable faces from across the arts and media spectrum are a common site in this highly salubrious part of London. The BBC Maida Vale recording studios built in 1933 which were originally used to house the BBC Symphony Orchestra have since become synonymous with live recorded music, having hosted the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendricks and David Bowie. It is now home to BBC Radio 1, well-regarded for its live sessions.

The area boasts old Victorian boozers such as The Warrington and an exceptional culinary selection with The Waterway and its canal-side terrace worth frequenting as well as Kateh, offering quality Persian cuisine. Like its neighbouring districts Maida Vale offers a variety of fashion, lifestyle and handmade interior boutique outlets alongside numerous outstanding independent cafes, bistros and delis. Along with its close proximity to central London, Maida Vale residents are never far from satisfying any shopping whims or essentials.

The haven of Little Venice cobbled with a bustling social scene and central location make Maida Vale a highly attractive location for any buyer. Combined with plentiful nearby greenery and a good selection of schools, residents reside in an inner city paradise.