Going out

Eating and drinking: The wide boulevard-like Chiswick High Road offers the main supply of shops, cafes and restaurants, including a branch of Neapolitan pizza sensation Franco Manca. Tables spill out onto the pavement, providing lots of opportunity for people watching. Away from the chains, cherished local eateries include the sophisticated yet welcoming La Trompette on the neighbourly Devonshire Road. Pleasant riverbank watering holes serve pints of London Pride from Fuller’s historic Griffin Brewery, a site that has been producing beer since the time of Oliver Cromwell, while The Crown is a favourite with locals. Chiswick has more than its fair share of highly recommended coffee shops and patisseries, including Chief Coffee, Gail's Bakery and Outsider Tart.

Culture: Chiswick House and its landscaped gardens are open to the public, as is the one time home of William Hogarth, the 18th century artist and satirist whose Chiswick country retreat was a world away from the seedy side of London life he’s famous for depicting. There’s a lively comedy scene and the Headliners Comedy Club at The George IV pub is popular with locals on Friday and Saturday nights. Children and adults alike love the classes at Chiswick Theatre Arts, while those who prefer to stay in the audience make for the Chiswick Playhouse. Sipsmith also have a gin distillery on Cranbrook Road and host tours and tasting sessions regularly.

Outdoors: There’s plenty to interest sporty types with tennis courts, golf course, playing fields and rowing clubs all close by. Dukes Meadows Golf and Tennis is a local favourite. For local gyms, there is The Hogarth Club and Virgin Active Chiswick Riverside.