_St John’s Wood area guide: a local expert’s insights

Despite being within walking distance of London’s busy West End, St John’s Wood retains a distinctly village-like feel. Locals are so proud of this characteristic that they have a St John’s Wood Society to protect and preserve it for the community.

With Regent’s Canal, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill on the doorstep, it’s leafy, green, tranquil and feels far more rural than you’d imagine for a London suburb.

Tourists visit for 2 major reasons – cricket and The Beatles. Lord’s Cricket Ground opened in 1810 and is home to the MCC. Cricket fans from around the world descend upon Lord’s for international matches and simply to see the iconic ground. Then of course, The Beatles' iconic album cover shot was taken on Abbey Road zebra crossing and people still recreate it there constantly. Sir Paul McCartney clearly likes the area as he’s had a home there since 1965.

Where is St John’s Wood?

Its postcode is NW8. It’s flanked by Regent’s Park to the east, Primrose Hill to the north, Marylebone to the south and Maida Vale to the west.

Central London is within easy reach. It’s a beautiful walk if you have the time or inclination. Otherwise, it’s a mere 2 stops on the underground via the Jubilee Line. The walk could take you through Regent’s Park, via London Zoo, and past our HQ on Baker Street!

What to do in St John’s Wood?

Neir Gigi, our Head of St John’s Wood Sales, shares his top 5 unmissable things to do in the area.
• Lords Cricket Ground – home to both Marylebone Cricket Club and Middlesex Cricket Club and thousands of cricket fans on match days
• Abbey Road Studios – the legendary music studios date back to 1931 and continue to innovate, hosting artists from Kate Bush to Oasis, Kylie to Jess Glynne
• Regents Park – explore the expansive green space with its beautiful gardens, over 12,000 animals in London Zoo and open air theatre each summer
• Paddington Rec – 27 acres of parkland with cricket pitches, tennis courts, athletics track, play areas and more
• Regents Canal – the attractive London waterway is fascinating to explore and discover hidden gems including beautiful Little Venice and cute riverside cafes.

Where to eat in St John’s Wood?

Chanel Rodriguez-Moore, Head of St John’s Wood Lettings, reveals the favourite eateries for her and her team.

The Good Life Eatery

The Good Life is underpinned by the eatery’s mantra of ‘keep it simple, keep it clean and keep it fresh’. It’s the place for fresh smoothies and cold-pressed juices, seasonal food and healthy bowls of delicious goodness. 

Soutine

The epitome of chic café culture, this Parisian café-restaurant offers a classic French menu. Soutine is great for an informal get-together with friends. A taste of France on St John’s Wood High Street.

Panzer’s

Since 1944, Panzer’s has been an excellent local, Jewish deli. Now, it’s a must-visit destination for any London foodie with its global gastronomic offering. But it’s the traditional bagel with cream cheese and Panzer’s award-winning smoked salmon that can’t be beaten.

The Ivy Brasserie

The British brasserie has something for everyone. This local branch has décor with a wow factor inside and relaxed café-style outdoor seating for al fresco dining. Breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner – it’s all on offer in this friendly local restaurant.

Fora

One of the best Turkish restaurants in London, the St John’s Wood branch of Fora offers a unique experience. Expect sumptuous food in opulent surroundings. It offers authentic cuisine in décor that’s heavily influenced by Ottoman traditions.

What are properties like in St John’s Wood?

The area’s rural qualities are echoed in its housing. Don’t expect to find rows of terraced housing here. It’s mainly period houses and detached villas, the majority of which were built in the mid-19th century. It was one of the first London suburbs to be built around avenues with villa style housing.

St John’s Wood was designated a Conservation Area in the 1960s. Consequently, many of the properties here are protected by English Heritage.

Grand, detached and semi-detached Victorian villas around Cavendish Avenue and Norfolk Road are super desirable.

Flats mainly originate from the 1920s and 1930s, both in popular mansion and purpose-built blocks. You’ll find characterful period properties, plush new developments and also waterside penthouse apartments that line the Grand Canal. There’s an extraordinary proportion of flats in St John’s Wood.

Properties here are some of the most sought after in London. As such, they command Prime Central London prices. Overall, buyers can expect to pay between £1,500 and £2,000 per sq ft.

Schools in St John’s Wood

The excellent education for 4 to 18 year olds at The American School is a key reason many US families choose to live in the area. There are also French schools, providing its diverse community with an alternative education to the British system.

Overall, there’s an excellent choice of independent and state schools in the area. A significant proportion of both primary and senior schools have ‘outstanding’ Ofsted ratings.

Independent schools in the area include Francis Holland (girls aged 11 to 18), Arnold House (boys aged 5 to 18), Abercorn (co-ed aged 2 to 13) and St Christina’s (co-ed aged 3 to 11).

Neir Gigi of our St John's Wood office concludes,

St John's Wood is a quiet North West London enclave that remains a hotspot among domestic and international buyers, thanks to its 'village-like' feel, excellent property stock and proximity to central London. Personally, I think it ticks all the boxes – a buzzing community and local life within walking distance of the West End.