Kew area guide

The royal involvement with this leafy corner of West London is well-established and has left many elegant reminders for those thinking of buying or renting an apartment in Kew. Arranged in tranquil and well-tended streets, fine examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture are much in evidence. New developments tend to be concentrated along the riverfront and will be an enticing option for residents looking to use the Thames as a main commuter route. At the centre of Kew village lies a genuine village green which forms the hub of the community and has a small collection of independent shops, cafés and pubs dotted around it.

Kew owes a large part of its prominence to the nearby Royal Botanical Gardens which were established by successive royal patrons throughout the 18th Century. Having the largest collection of plants in the world as a neighbour will be a definite plus for young families with busy lives and inquisitive minds. The Thames shoreline that passes behind the green as it heads for Kew Bridge is also the site for numerous quaint pubs and scenic walkways. The Glasshouse, Ma Cuisine and Kew Grill are standout culinary destinations in an area that is low on pretence but which puts a high value on quality produce and service.

The Richmond branch of the Underground District Line stops at Kew Gardens, which because of its location on the boundary of Zones 3 and 4, is a cheaper commute than neighbouring Richmond. From here, Tube trains run, uninterrupted into the West End and the City. Another way into Central London is to take a short stroll across the bridge to Kew Bridge Station before taking a direct overground route to Waterloo rail terminus. River buses ply the Thames eastwards to Putney, Chelsea and Westminster.

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