Living in St Peter's Square | Horton and Garton

Living in St Peter’s Square means you’ll be residing in one of the most exclusive parts of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

Set in the heart of W6, the area combines easy access to shops, cafes, restaurants and riverside walks with peaceful garden squares and green spaces.

This article explores St Peter’s Square in detail and highlights why it remains one of the most desirable places to live in West London.

A brief history of the area

During the medieval period the vast majority of land in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham was open fields and commons.

Then in the 19th century, London’s residential housing rapidly expanded west and the Hammersmith area flourished due to its proximity to the River Thames being an important trading area.

St Peter’s Square was laid out during the 1820s and was developed further from 1827 to the end of the 1830s. It was a speculative housing development by owner George Scott who also provided the land for St Peter’s Church.

Today many of the period buildings lining St Peter’s Square are Grade II listed, as is St Peter’s Church, which was built in 1829 and is the oldest church in Hammersmith.

The headquarters of Island Records, one of the UK’s largest independent record labels, is at 22 St Peter’s Square, and several films, including Miss Potter and I Capture the Castle, have also been filmed there.

Where is St Peter’s Square?

St Peter’s Square is at the junction of Chiswick and Hammersmith, just north of the River Thames.

It’s bordered at the top by King Street and at the bottom by Great West Road; to the east by Beavor Lane and to the west by British Grove.

Location and transport connections

From St Peter’s Square, residents benefit from short walking access to two District Line stations and excellent road links, making it one of West London’s most desirable addresses.

Underground stations

St Peter’s Square is well connected by the District Line with both Ravenscourt Park and Stamford Brook station. From both stations, residents can reach central London in under 40 minutes, with frequent services towards Victoria, Westminster and the City.

Driving routes and road links

Major road links close to St Peter’s Square including the A4 and M4 provide easy access into central London, as well as convenient routes out towards Heathrow Airport and the west of England.

Cycling and walking routes

Along King Street and Chiswick High Road, there are dedicated cycle paths. Additionally, the area benefits from several cycling stations, where people can hire a bike.

Riverside walking routes along the Thames Path are also within easy reach, offering scenic commutes and leisure options.

Are there many green spaces in the area?

Parks and outdoor spaces near St Peter’s Square

St Peter’s Square Garden

St Peter’s Square Garden is a public park looked after by residents in partnership with the Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Community-led volunteer schemes regularly help maintain the gardens, adding to the area’s strong sense of neighbourhood.

The Grade II listed park features 1.5 hectares of green space, mature trees and well maintained paths. Community events, such as summer fairs, are also occasionally hosted in this beautiful garden.

Ravenscourt Park

Just a short walk away is Ravenscourt Park, a 32 acres park featuring tennis courts, basketball courts, children’s play areas and a lake. It is one of West London’s most popular open spaces.

Sports clubs and gyms near St Peter’s Square

There are a range of local gyms and sports clubs near St Peter’s Square. For more information on each, read our guide.

One of the popular clubs local residents join is Hogarth Health Club. It is a members-only club, with squash courts, a swimming pool, fitness studios and a medispa.

St Peter’s Square shops

On King Street, Chiswick High Road and near the River Thames, you will find a wide variety of independent shops, boutique bars and quality dining options.

King Street has a variety of supermarkets and high-street retailers, while Chiswick High Road has a range of independent fashion boutiques, artisanal food shops and delis.

In a few minutes’ drive or bus ride, you can reach Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush. The centre has over 150 fashion stores as well as a variety of dining and entertainment options like a cinema. It also hosts a variety of seasonal events and activities, such as the ice rink in the Christmas period.

Places to eat and drink in St Peter’s Square

The surrounding area of St Peter’s Square offers a rich mix of cafes, pubs and restaurants, many within walking distance.

Cafes and coffee shops

For relaxed mornings or weekend brunch, the area has several popular cafes and coffee shops:

The Elder Press Cafe – a dog-friendly cafe minutes from the river
Artisan Coffee – speciality coffee and pastries, ideal for commuters.
Ma Ma Boutique Bakery – a gluten-free bakery with excellent coffee, pastries and cakes.
Parle Pantry – an independent vegan cafe on Chiswick High Road

These are just some of the local cafes that provide a mix of quick-stop coffee or longer brunch settings, all of which are popular with both residents and visitors.

Pubs and gastro pubs

The neighbourhood is particularly strong for pubs, with a mix of traditional and modern gastro pubs:

The Cross Keys – a cosy spot in St Peter’s Square offering classic pub food and a relaxed garden area.
The Carpenter’s Arms – a family-friendly pub in St Peter’s Square with seasonal menus and Sunday roasts.
The Black Lion – a traditional pub with open fires and a large riverside beer garden
The Dove – one of the oldest Thames-side pubs in London, with historic interiors and views of Hammersmith Bridge.

These pubs are just some of the many pubs close to residents in St Peter’s Square.

Cross keys pub — Photo credit: The Cross Keys pub

Restaurants near St Peter’s Square

The wider area has excellent restaurants, ranging from authentic international cuisine to Michelin-starred dining:

Indian Zing – award-winning Indian food, praised by critics for authentic flavours.
Villa di Geggiano – Italian fine dining with Tuscan-inspired interiors and a large wine selection.
Sam’s Riverside – an expansive brasserie with a large terrace and spectacular river views
La Trompette – a Michelin-starred restaurant in Chiswick, renowned for modern European cooking and exceptional wine pairings.

Together, these restaurants make the area a strong food destination, attracting both locals and diners from across the city.

Schools near St Peter’s Square

The high calibre of both state and independent schools is a major draw for families moving to St Peter’s Square. If you’d like more information about each, read our schools in Hammersmith guide.

Primary schools near St Peter’s Square

The local primary option is St Peter’s Primary School, a well-regarded community school within walking distance of the square.

Other options include John Betts Primary School, St Paul’s CofE Primary School and Brackenbury Primary. These are all within easy reach of St Peter’s Sqaure, providing further choices for families with younger children.

Secondary schools near St Peter’s Square

For secondary education, the nearest option is the West London Free School for pupils aged 11 to 18. Other options include Hammersmith Academy, Westside School and Sacred Heart High School.

Independent schools near St Peter’s Square

Primary schools include Latymer Prep, Azbuka Russian-English Bilingual School, Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School.

Independent secondary school options include Latymer Upper School and Godolphin & Latymer School for Girls. These are both consistently ranked among the leading schools in the country.

Property in St Peter’s Square

Types of homes in St Peter’s Square

The square is primarily made up of Regency villas and townhouses, many of which are Grade II listed. A small number of flats and maisonettes are also available, though rarely on the market.

St Peter’s Villas is the prime address in St Peter’s Square and is a good example of 19th century architecture, with stucco fronts, pediments and Ionic porches.

As the first buildings built in the square, numbers 1 to 6 are the most impressive, with some villa properties featuring eagles, lions and dogs as decoration.

Conservation area features

St Peter’s Square includes the St Peter’s Conservation Area which centres around a Grade II listed garden square lined with beautiful Regency properties. This garden square is one of Hammersmith’s prime addresses thanks to its outstanding historic buildings.

As part of the St Peter’s Conservation Area, planning restrictions ensure the preservation of its historic character, protecting property values and architectural consistency.

What’s more, in 2026, The Greek Runner will have stood at the heart of St Peter’s Square for 100 years. Time has left its mark, but thanks to the community’s support, it’s planning to be restored to its former glory and protected for the next century.

Why move to St Peter’s Square

St. Peter’s Square is one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in West London. With top-performing schools, excellent transport links and strong property values, the area continues to attract families, professionals and investors alike.

Lifestyle and community

Living in St Peter’s Square offers the charm of a quiet residential square combined with access to Hammersmith’s excellent amenities, alongside easy access to the riverfront.

Community involvement in conservation and seasonal events creates a welcoming, village-like atmosphere in the heart of London.

I have lived and worked in W6 for almost 30 years. My children went to St Peter’s School and we still attend the church occasionally. The square has been a huge part of their childhood. As an ex-local resident from St Peter’s Grove, I still consider The Cross Keys my local – even if I don’t get there as often as I’d like!
John Horton, Director of Horton and Garton

Architecture and heritage

The square is celebrated as a showcase of early 19th-century design. Regency villas with stucco fronts, decorative porches and period detailing dominate the area, carefully preserved under conservation rules.