Bayswater Area Guide

Located within the Paddington district of Westminster is Bayswater, one of London’s most cosmopolitan areas that sits west of Edgware Road. Although largely a residential area, there are some great international sights and attractions dotted around Bayswater. It’s a prime location just north of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park with easy access to Bayswater Underground Station and Queensway Station.

When the Domesday Book was established, Bayswater belonged to the Abbey of Westminster and the area was historically rural until the 1830s when roadworks and buildings started to develop around Hyde Park. Notorious author W. H. Hudson was a resident of Bayswater, as was philosopher Herbert Spencer.

With a large Greek community residing in Bayswater, one of the most stunning attractions to visit is the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St Sophia. Built in 1879 on Moscow Road, it’s the oldest surviving Greek Cathedral in London, known as Hagia Sophia. There is a small museum within the crypt of the cathedral where various treasures are displayed. You will also find material from the archives of the Greek community in London, dating back to the 18th century. Marvel at the Byzantine Revival design of the building with exquisite marble decorations that adorn the interior.

Round the corner from Hagia Sophia lies one of the oldest and most beautiful synagogues in the UK, having opened in 1879. One of only two Grade I listed synagogues, the New West End Synagogue in St Petersburgh Place is a fantastic representation of Anglo-Jewish architecture. People are welcomed to look inside the magnificent building to admire the rose stained-glass window and intricate details that line the walls.

Westbourne Grove is home to various shops, restaurants and bars and has a range of quirky independent retailers. It is known as a fashionable area and attracts lots of locals and tourists alike. Due to the diversity of the neighbourhood, you can find amazing ethnic food on this road, from exotic Malaysian curries to mouthwatering Greek moussaka.
Queensway is also a lively, cosmopolitan street lined with amazing international cuisine and has the highest number of Chinese restaurants outside of Soho. Perfect for shopping, Whiteleys department store is located on Queensway and opened in 1889, defining luxury at the time. It is currently closed for a huge regeneration project to restore the shopping centre to its former glory.

Porchester Spa is a piece of tranquillity in central London. You can expect an authentic spa experience as it’s the oldest spa in London which is easily accessible on Queensway. Built in 1929, visitors can expect to see the original and traditional spa features and have access to two steam rooms, Turkish Baths, a Plunge pool and Relaxation Lounge.

Aubaine is right around the corner from Bayswater, so once you’ve had a stroll around, please feel free to drop by for a meal. https://aubaine.co.uk/our-restaurants/notting-hill/

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