Insider’s Guide to St John’s Wood, London

What makes St John’s Wood so special?
There’s a great mix of people here – it’s a real international melting pot, close to the West End. From Highgate down to Regent’s Park, you have superb private schools – Channing, Francis Holland, Arnold House, the American School in London – which is a big draw for global residents. And in terms of property, St John’s Wood stands out for its big, detached villas with gardens.

It’s also very convenient. You can get to Heathrow quickly by car or train, and Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath and Kenwood House are almost on your doorstep. For a delightful walk, follow the towpath alongside the Regent’s Canal – you’ll find adorable cafés and a host of wildlife.

Which is your pick of the parks?
The secret garden in Regent’s Park is where I go. It’s officially called St John’s Lodge Gardens, and you’ll find it just north of the Inner Circle. It’s splendidly romantic. 

What sort of properties can you find?
Avenue Road is popular: it runs from Swiss Cottage down to Regent’s Park, and houses here range from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet. They’re all detached villas with carriage driveways – the biggest houses you can buy close to central London with a substantial garden. 

You also find large homes here that offer a high level of security: these are really popular on the lettings market, particularly with tenants who are relocating from the US for work. We have lots of clients from big tech companies who want to be close to the American School in London.

Tell us what’s new in the area?
The high street has a café-culture feel these days – wider pavements mean there’s room for more tables in front of bars and restaurants, encouraging people to sit outside. St John’s Wood High Street is really starting to feel like a destination in its own right.

Where do you like to eat?
Soutine is a wonderful French brasserie – a sister restaurant to The Wolseley – opposite St John’s Wood Church Gardens. It’s beautiful inside, like the Orient Express, and it attracts a chic clientele. If you want coffee, you’ve got The Good Life Eatery or Laurents, but the best place in St John’s Wood is Panzer’s, the most amazing delicatessen. Everybody shops there. It does the best cream cheese bagel in town. 

What’s the best place for a drink?
If I were going out, it would be to The Ordnance Arms, a Sam Smith’s pub near the end of the high street. The Clifton is another bistro pub that’s really charming. It has a lovely outdoor area and you can take your dog. 

What is there to do from a cultural standpoint?
Abbey Road Studios is forever popular and puts on excellent events. We also have Lord’s Cricket Ground, which is a great day out. St John’s Wood is a residential area, but for culture you’re only a short hop from the West End. You’re close to dozens of museums – everything’s on your doorstep, from the British Museum to Madame Tussauds. 

Portfolio recommends
No deli will ever take Panzer’s crown, but for croissants, pastries and other delicious nibbles, Laurents is a strong contender. Looking for something heartier? Try the sausages from Kent & Sons, the neighbourhood’s favourite butcher since 1919. Pick up a bag of beans from Notes Coffee Roasters on the way – its Kenyan Kii AB blend is one of the best you’ll ever taste. B_together is perhaps the most progressive family members’ club in London, offering nursery and children’s camps alongside cocktails and supper clubs. And for pampering, visit LondonCryo, a few doors down, where the extensive list of wellness therapies includes CryoFacials, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, lymphatic drainage and massage.

STEPHEN LINDSAY,
HEAD OFFICE, RESIDENTIAL, ST JOHN’S WOOD
SLindsay@savills.com +44 (0) 20 3043 3602

Pictures from top: Stephen Lindsay and Abbey Road Studios (Alamy); Panzer’s deli on Circus Road; the B_together family members’ club; and the towpath beside Regent’s Canal (Alamy)