Welcome To My New 'Hood - Kensal Rise

In 2009, Vogue named Chamberlayne Road 'the hippest street in Europe'. Now there's every chance someone on the Vogue editorial team was trying to flog a house in Kensal Rise but nonetheless, this is still a pretty cute place to live. Situated in Zone 2, Kensal Rise is allegedly home to Sienna Miller, Daniel Craig and Thandie Newton. Très cool. Though I'm yet to spot Sienna shopping down at the local Tesco, I'm sure it's only a matter of time. I moved here with no idea about the area but the longer I spend here, the more I love it. There are lots of little cafes and delis (you all know how much I love indie coffee shops!) and some great bars and pubs as well. Central London, Notting Hill, Chelsea, Hampstead Heath and even super hip Dalston are all less than 20 minutes away (depending on your preferred mode of transport, of course!).

Minkies Deli
Situated just above Kensal Rise Overground station, this gorgeous glasshouse cafe is a great place to while away the afternoon. They offer free WiFi and have extremely decent coffees, along with a wide range of treats to keep you sustained for a good few hours.
Scarlet & Violet
This is allegedly Nigella's favourite florist. Their Instagram game is hella strong and the shop itself is super cute.

Kandana Deli
This deli is far too close to my house for my waistline to be safe. Good, strong coffee and a Banoffee Pie so good it'll make you weep. Their many sandwiches are also perfection.
The Shop NW10
Cocktails in mason jars (because, of course!). Everything in the place is for sale so if you take a fancy to a piece of art, it can be yours! They don't have a menu themselves but they regularly host pop-up restaurants.
Paradise By Way of Kensal Green
My housemate extols the virtues of the Sunday Roast at Paradise. Decked out in that gilded, pseudo vintage style, it's a glamorous way to spend your weekend.
Parlour Kensal
Tucked away on Regents Street, this restaurant/bar/all day dining spot is a great place to spend a few hours. Lots of craft beer on tap and a nice little courtyard out back.

Sacro Cuore
This place is primarily a wood fired pizza joint but they also do a killer burrata cheese salad starter and parmigiana di melanzane. Cheap and cheerful.
Arthur's Cafe
If you're feeling a little delicate after a night out, head over to Arthur's for a Full English. It's a super cheap, no frills, old school caff but it'll definitely hit the spot. Make sure you try the black pudding!

Lexi Cinema
Run by volunteers. Show everything from new release movies to classics to recorded opera and theatre. Proceeds go to charity. I'm determined to check out Benedict Cumberbatch's sold-out run of Hamlet here in October.