A model of co-existence, Golders Green is a leafy suburb of quiet residential avenues with a diverse high street featuring a new crop of child-friendly Kosher eateries
Home to a thriving Jewish community as well as a large number of South East Asian and Japanese families, Golders Green is the kosher hub of the capital and benefits from a diverse selection of shops and a new crop of Kosher restaurants around the vibrant Golders Green High Street. A cluster of the capital’s top state, independent and Jewish schools make this area an attractive prospect for buyers looking for comfortable suburban living with excellent transport links to centre of town.
Local Authority
Golders Green is situated in the London Borough of Barnet and incorporates the NW11 and NW2 postcode districts. It is in the Finchley and Golders Green parliamentary constituency.
The smallest properties in Band A would receive a council tax bill of £931.38 while the average Band D property would expect to pay £1,397.07. The most expensive properties in Band H would receive a total bill for £2,794.14.
Property
Suburban living first started to take hold in Golders Green in the 1930s, giving rise to a number of well-proportioned gable fronted semi-detached and terraced houses in residential roads surrounding the station, while a variety of spacious Tudor inspired and arts and crafts detached properties are concentrated around the wide avenues of Wellgarth Road and Hampstead way.
Buyers can pick up a two-bedroom flat for an average price of £633,824 while the bulk of tudor fronted two to three bedroom terraced houses come in at around £937,935. The average semi-detached three bedroom home close to Golders Green road will set you back around £1,277,867, however large six and seven bedroom family homes in the environs of the Hampstead Garden Suburb and the Temple Fortune area of Finchley Road can fetch in excess of £3.5 million.
Transport
Golders Green station is in Zone 3 of the London Underground network on the Northern line and is two stops from Hampstead Heath Overground with links to central and suburban London. There are excellent bus links running via north west London to the centre of town in under 45 minutes.
Education
In addition to a large number of the capital’s most sought-after Jewish schools, such as the orthodox Menorah primary in Woodstock Avenue rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, Golder’s Green boasts a number of top-performing state primaries including Brookland infant and junior in Top Hill rated ‘Outstanding’, Garden Suburb infant and junior school on Childs Way rated ‘Good’ and Wessex Gardens Primary in Wessex Gardens awarded a ‘Good’ rating.
There is an excellent choice of table-topping secondaries in the vicinity with the Henrietta Barnett school for girls in Hampstead Garden Suburb consistently rated one of the country’s best selective grammar schools.
The independent Kind Alfred school in North End Road is renowned for its liberal, non-uniform approach and its emphasis on creativity.
Landmarks and history
Golders Green is named after the Godyere family who lived on the land bordering the heath in the 14th century
In the late 19th century the area around Temple Fortune began to take on a suburban identity with the emergence of the brick making industry in the area and families looking for affordable housing within easy commuting distance of central London began to put down roots.
Originally part of the Middlesex Borough of Hendon, the district grew rapidly in the early 20th century with the arrival of the tube station in 1907 and the settling of the Jewish community during the second world war. Galician Polish immigrants also began to populate the area, giving rise to a number of synagogues dotted throughout the district.
Nowadays the heart of Golders Green radiates out from the clock tower on the High Street and the area stretching from the tube station to Finchley road past the sloping terrain of Golders Hill Park.
Shopping and culture
The prime shopping destination for residents is the bustling Golders Green Road, which runs the length of the district from the shopping hub of Brent Cross to the eclectic gathering of delis and clothing stores snaking off into Finchley Road.
There is a dizzying selection of speciality foods and fresh fruit and veg available from kosher and international supermarkets while residents flock to Carmelli’s bakery, famous for its bagels and brightly coloured Jewish patisserie.
Speciality kosher delis sit alongside a variety of coffee shops and bric-a-brac stores, completing the world-market atmosphere of the area. Temple Fortune is also home to independent Joseph’s bookstore and popular fishmongers Sam Stoller & Son.
Eating and drinking
Golders Green’s excellent selection of cafés and restaurants comprise a strong Jewish influence, with plenty of top rated Kosher restaurants in the area. The Hummus Bar prepares its signature hummus twice a day and it’s new menu is cramemd with Israeli specialities. SOYO serves Mediterranean dishes using local produce with a focus on organic ingrediants. There’s a play area for children on the mezzanine level, so parents can dine in style whilst keeping an eye on the little ones.
Thirsty walkers can also find a warm welcome pint and a hearty gastropub lunch after a walk on the Heath at the Old Bull and Bush in North End Way.
Good for kids
Families are well catered for in this pocket of North West London, with Hoop Lane Montessori School and Modern Montessori International offering a variety of creative play sessions for children up to the age of four.
There is plenty of space to gambol around the greens of Golders Hill Park before a visit to the excellent small zoo and butterfly house – one of only two free zoos in London. Children will love watching the flamingos, kookaburras, ring-tailed lemurs and ring-tailed coatis.
Sport and leisure
There can be no better relaxation than a brisk stroll around Golders Hill Park, where visitors can also enjoy its tennis courts and putting green.
It’s also worth taking a walk around the lovely walled water gardens and duck ponds before a stopping off for home-made ice cream at the popular Refreshment House, where music is often performed. Further afield to the north end of the Heath is the little-known gem of the Golders Hill pergola affording breathtaking views across the Heath.
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