The Complete Guide to Steele’s Village, London NW3

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Travel author

Charles

I have a passion for the English countryside and especially anywhere in Yorkshire. I drink far too much Yorkshire tea on my travels and even take it with me when abroad. My passion is to share travel experiences with my readers which may help them plan their holidays and save money.

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Steele’s Village is a London neighborhood that is an escape from the relentless footfall of Camden Town and Hampstead High Street.

Interestingly, many Londoners aren’t even aware that Steele’s Village exists as this trendy northwest London district is one of London’s newest villages, named after Sir Richard Steele, co-founder of the famous British magazine, The Spectator.

If You Have an Afternoon to Spare – Hiking up Haverstock Hill through Steele’s village can be punctuated with a delicious lunch, window shopping, or the best London pastime of all, people spotting!

This concise guide to Steele’s Village, written by an erstwhile local will tell everything you need to know. 

About Steele’s Village

More cynical Londoners may call Steeles Village a real estate agent’s marketing ploy, but the Chalk Farm end of Haverstock is actually a real community and offers a warm welcome to visitors and new residents.

Steele’s Village has all the ingredients of a village including a pub and an eclectic mix of shops and residential property that still evokes the old, non-4 K / HD London.

The Steele’s Village movement, which started in 2011, is definitely grassroots and driven by engaged residents and business owners who want to make it a great place to be. 

Where Is Steeles Village?

If you are expecting the new Belsize Park or Notting Hill, you’ll be disappointed.

It’s not that Steele’s Village is down-at-heel it’s just that this district is incredibly tiny. 

Steele’s Village is centered on the lower half of Haverstock Hill, from England’s Lane to Chalk Farm. 

By naming this area Steele’s Village, locals are hoping this area comes out of the shadows of Belsize Park, Haverstock, and Chalk Farm.

Getting to Steele’s Village 

How to get to Steele’s Village by Tube

Getting to Steele’s Village by tube is quick and easy.

Simply jump on the Edgware Branch (v. important you get the right branch) of the Northern Line and head to either:

  • Chalk Farm and walk up Haverstock Hill for 5 minutes
  • Belsize Park and walk down Haverstock Hill for 10 minutes

How to get to Steele’s Village by Bus

If you’re in Camden Town, just hop onto the 168 and it will take you straight to Haverstock Hill Steele’s Village (Stop P).  

Parking Options for Steele’s Village 

Heading over to Steele’s Village by car is not for the fainthearted but you can get there easily via Kentish Town Rd and Prince of Wales Rd.

Parking options are a bit thin on the ground and this area is notorious for parking attendants who issue tickets liberally.

Heads Up! Your best bet for parking is the Morrisons in Chalk Farm or ducking into a spot on a nearby residential street. 

Steele’s Village Architecture

Head over to Steele’s Village on foot if you love to walk London and want to enjoy the beautiful architecture that put this part of NW London on the map.

You will be able to see all the beautiful period properties that have made this part of London desirable with sought-after properties and architectural styles that include: 

  • Queen Anne 
  • Georgian
  • Regency
  • Mid-Victorian stucco
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Art Deco and Modern movement 

Famous landmarks in Steele’s Village

Outside of the local shops, Steele’s is predominantly residential Village has its fair share of blue plaques in its vicinity.

You can find blue plaques for the following notable people in and around Steele’s Village:

  • The architectural historian Sir John Summerson (1904-1992)
  • The artist Alfred Stevens (1823 -1906)
  • Leslie Hutchinson, the Grenadan born Singer and pianist lived on Steele’s Road (1900-1969)

Steele’s Villages’ greatest claim to fame is undoubtedly the Sir Richard Steele Pub at 97 Haverstock Hill, London NW3.

It may seem like a low-key local, but ‘The Steeles’ is one of north London’s most famous pubs with patrons that have included:

  • Sadie Frost
  • Jude Law
  • Rhys Ifans 
  • Liam and Noel Gallagher 

Pop in for a pint and you are likely to find a celeb or two propping up the bar. 

Famous faces in Steele’s Village

This exclusive London neighborhood is the haunt of many celebrities who you may spot going about their low-key down-to-earth lives.

Steele’s Village locals include:

  • Leonard Whiting
  • Sir Derek Jacobi
  • Helena Bonham-Carter
  • Tim Burton
  • David Walliams
  • James Corden (when he’s in town)
  • and Ricky Gervais

Steele’s Village shops

Steele’s Village centers on the independent shops that line Haverstock Hill.

These small shops span bridal wear to landscape gardening – just right for window shopping.

Highlights include: 

  • Luxe55 – Luxury lingerie and underpinnings. 
  • Diamond Supermarket – A popular local convenience store and off-license 
  • Luxmoore & Co – Beautifully handcrafted kitchens
  • Jimmy’s Barber Shop
  • Joyce Young Wedding Dresses – This is the London boutique of the exclusive Scottish bridal couturier, with a fine selection of dresses that are well worth a peek!
  • Club North Gymnastics – The Hampstead branch of the popular and well-equipped north London gymnastics club.  

Eat and drink like a local in Steele’s Village

If you’re in NW3, You come to Steele’s Village to eat like a local.

There’s no posing at Gaucho’s or queuing for hours for crepes here.

At most, you’ll see a few junior doctors from The Royal Free on their lunch run.

Here are the best spots to give your feet a rest and recharge with some great cuisine.

  • If you’re a fan of fish and chips, a visit to Oliver’s in Steele’s Village is a must. They have been in the village for about 10 years and have built up a loyal following with their delicious battered and grilled fish, served with unlimited chips if you dine in. 
  • The Persian restaurant Tandis is one of the country’s best for this delicious cuisine. It has been around for ages and was even a favorite of the famous Italian chef, Antonio Carluccio. Dress to impress for a night of fine dining with dishes like Chelo Barg, skewered fillets of lamb tenderloin, or a delightfully refreshing rosewater ice cream called Bastian.
  • Passing through Steele’s Village during the middle of the day? Follow the lunch crowd and head to Jakob’s for delicious middle eastern cuisine that includes crowd-pleasers like falafel and lashings of hummus. 

Read later – Best Fish and Chip Shops in London

If you’re in Steeles Village, you’re on your way to

  1. Primrose Hill to chill and take in the iconic London skyline with friends
  1. The Everyman Cinema to see the latest Independent film releases
  1. A swift half pint and some vintage clothes hunting at Camden Lock
  1. Eating a delicious mushroom and cheese crepe at the Hampstead Creperie!

Rounding up 

As you can see, Steele’s Village is a great little stop if you are in the NW3 neighborhood.

Though it is easy to pass by, the great shops and delicious food of this little London village will fuel you on your schlep up Haverstock Hill!

Charles

I have a passion for the English countryside and especially anywhere in Yorkshire. I drink far too much Yorkshire tea on my travels and even take it with me when abroad. My passion is to share travel experiences with my readers which may help them plan their holidays and save money.

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