Edgware Mini Guide
Tell me a Little About Edgware?
It was a Saxon settlement way back in time and still to this day is named after the Saxon chief whose tribe used to fish in the lake formed by the two streams that flow through the area today. Ecgi’s Weir eventually became Edgware and the area developed as a commuter area for the centre of London and as a market town for goods aimed at the capital. Today it is a mainly residential area with some reasonable shopping opportunities but is mostly used as a stop off point before heading into central London.
How Easy is it to get to?
As it’s within the Greater London boundaries, it is a stop on the Northern Line of the London Underground. Most people aiming for Edgware take the British Rail train to Marylebone and catch the tube to Edgware Road. The Northern Line can take you through the centre of London and on to
Waterloo. Local buses are cheap and convenient but can get choked up in the local traffic. With car hire available from over 50 locations across London,
see here for a comprehensive list of car hire pick up locations.
Is There Much to see When I’m There?
Sadly, not much. The historical aspects of the area disappeared long ago after wartime bombing and post war rebuilding to accommodate a growing population. The streets of the area are now mainly houses or flats interspersed with shopping streets. The benefit of staying in Edgware is to have quick and convenient access by tube to the rest of London. Having said that, Barnet Museum, nearby, has an excellent account of the history of the area including old photographs and a 'home front' exhibition.
What About Eating out?
There are a number of good restaurants around the area, many of them with a Jewish theme to reflect the make-up of the population. Others follow the London trait of offering high quality food in comfortable surroundings.
Edgware Road Mini Guide
So, Tell me About Edgware Road…
Edgware Road is in the west of the city of London. It starts at
Marble Arch in Westminster and ends in Edgware in Barnet, a distance of 14km. It was originally a Roman road, and is now the modern A5. Beyond Edgware the A5 follows the old Roman route and ends in Holyhead,
Wales. In London, the road’s name changes in some districts, although it is still known as Edgware Road in its entirety. Kilburn High Road, Shoot-up Hill and Cricklewood Broadway are all part of Edgware Road. Due to the road’s distinct character and Middle Eastern population, this area is known to locals as Little Beirut, Little Cyprus and Little Cairo.
How do I get There?
There are a number of underground stations and bus routes along the road, connecting the area with central London. The night bus 16 is the only service that runs the whole length of the road.
Anything to see There?
At the southern end of the road, you will find a tavern called ‘The Tyburn’, named after the tyburn tree which was where executions took place in the city. Three golden triangles mark the spot, where the tree was located. Just opposite the underground station at Edgware, there is a sculpture by Allan Sly, called ‘The Window Cleaner’.
A Shopping Paradise?
There are plenty of opportunities to shop along the road but for something different head for the famous Church Street Market.
To eat or not to eat?
The Edgware Road near
Marble Arch is well known for its Middle Eastern cuisine. There you can sample Syrian food at Abu Zaad or try Maroush Restaurant for a taste of Lebanon and to watch the belly dancing. If you want a late night bite, go to one of the many shawarma or kebab shops.
Any Nightlife?
You can visit one of the late night bars or Arabic themed nightclubs or take in the exotic aromas in a shisha café. Films are often shown in Arabic at the Odeon Cinema, reflecting the local culture. If you are feeling lucky, take a chance at the Grosvenor London Victoria Casino.