So you’ve managed to make it to London safely and you’ve set your bags down in your Bayswater Hotel accommodation. Now it’s time to get down to business. By business we really mean the complete opposite, your escape from business and work would be more apt. The great thing about Bayswater accommodation is that you’re right in the heart of West London, with countless opportunities right on your doorstep. So where do you start? And what do you need to know about this iconic and diverse area of London?
Cultural hotspot
One of the draws to the Bayswater area is how diverse its population is. Mixing a variety of different neighbourhoods with a menagerie of cultures, the area of Bayswater is home to a large Arab, French and American population alongside the largest Brazilian population in the city. The area borders the Westminster area of London and is within the affluent borough of Kensington.
Interesting Facts About Bayswater
There are many quirks and curiosities around the city of London, some of the kookier of which are located in the Bayswater area. For instance, a large statue of Peter Pan is located in Kensington Gardens. Erected in 1912 due to the fact that one of JM Barrie’s inspirations for Peter Pan was the garden itself, the Peter Pan statue can now speak to visitors using a smart phone activated audio receiver. Bayswater’s many streets were also named after the Westbourne River, one of the “lost rivers” of London which, once used as drinking water for the city, were now diverted underground. With these interesting stories ad many more surrounding the area, you’ll never be devoid of interesting sites in the Bayswater area.
Architecture
Paddington Stations arrival in 1838 began Bayswater’s urbanisation, leading to many simple cottages for workers who found their homes in the area. When the area became popular with creatives, more and more wealth began to land in the area leading to bigger and more expensive properties. These included Italianate Terraces before its decline in the first half of the 20th century before its transformation in the latter half into a wide ranging mix of cultures and property designs. The stucco terraces and smart streets are now back in their prime and the area its self is sought after by many wannabe residents.
Nightlife, cultural hotspots and restaurants
Due to its history as an arty part of town and the influx of affluence which foreign and government investment brought into the area, there are many well-known local pubs in the area which make Bayswater the life and soul of London’s party scene. These include the King’s Head, The Swan and the Old Mary’s pubs, all of which have great cuisine and drinks to go alongside. For tourist hotspots why not try the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, the Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum located in Paddington as well as the Notting Hill Museum of Brands and Packaging. For a diverse selection of eateries Bayswater is the place to be. Examples include the BYOB Moroccan Sahara, the Persian Hafez and the Halepsi for a taste of Greek cuisine.