When you think of the West London district known as Shepherds Bush, you might initially — and understandably — picture the Westfield shopping centre that appears to dominate the area. However, there is much more to do in Shepherds Bush than simply go shopping.
For a start, you could also engage in any of the following five activities during your time in whatLondonisthas nicknamed ‘SheBu’ — which, despite bordering a range of London areas, including upmarket Holland Park and quaint Chiswick, could offer everything you need.
1. See a performance at O2 Empire Shepherds Bush
This iconic venue was even known as the Empire when it initially flung open its doors as a music hall back in 1903. Though the Empire had a spell under the name of the BBC Television Theatre in the 1950s, it has been accessible to the public since the 1990s.
Today, ‘the O2’ — as London x London has dubbed it — attracts well-known music acts from around the world, and has a history of putting on comedy shows as well.
2. Go bowling at All Star Lanes
While there is certainly no shortage of places to go bowling in London, All Star Lanes in Shepherds Bush warrants a special mention.
This is for several good reasons — including its opulent art-deco architecture, dim lighting, and opportunities for karaoke. You could also be pleasantly surprised by the low price you would be charged for an all-in-one package of bowling, drinking, and dining at this bowling alley.
3. Relax on Shepherds Bush Green
The leafy area holds an interesting place in local history, having been the area around which the wider Shepherds Bush district originally developed.
The green was once a pasture where shepherds would travel with their flocks towards Smithfield Market, which continues to run in the East Hampshire village of Farringdon.
Given how much else there is to do in Shepherds Bush, you could easily appreciate being able to occasionally just lie down for a rest on this pleasant green.
4. Bring your kids to KidZania
What is KidZania? It’s basically an attraction where numerous buildings are represented as scaled-down replicas, allowing children to enjoy exploring something of a city that has been specifically built to facilitate their fun.
Yes, wandering around KidZania itself is very much for children only — meaning that, if you are a parent, you will need to sit it all out. However, if you let little ones loose here, you could be so delighted to see the look of joy on their faces that you don’t too much mind missing out.
5. Tuck into Asian cuisine at Shikumen
If you are currently looking through the range of hotels in Shepherds Bush, one especially good reason for you to book a room of the Dorsett hotel here would be the onsite Shikumen restaurant.
This eatery is a specialty Chinese restaurant offering delicious Shanghainese steamed dumpling, but has also been hailed for serving seafood-strewn Singapore noodles. Shikumen is a place that can help to make your lunch breaks even easier to eagerly anticipate.
Article Submitted By Community Writer