Sandwiched between lofty and affluent Hampstead and Maida Vale, Kilburn is London at its most real. The area, which used to be known as ‘Music Mile’ because of the multitude of gig venues and pubs offering live music, has retained its character, becoming another hub of for London's incredibly diverse and multi-cultural communities.
If it's the arts you're after, you'll find the Kiln Theatre (formerly the Tricycle community theatre). For restaurants, there's everything from haute cuisine to fish and chips, the latter of which is fried in matzo or matzo and egg instead of the usual batter. You won't be short on pubs and bars, too, and if you're after some greenery nearby Hampstead Heath or Queen's Park are just a short walk away. Then you've got the best vintage bargains to rival stock found at Portobello Road when you visit Kilburn’s famous car boot sales.
As Kilburn proves, there really is nothing wrong with keeping it real. Nothing wrong at all.
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