Things will be hotting up in the Bake Off tent tonight, as the show’s semi-final hits our screens at 8pm. But did you know that this series' most laid back baker, Selasi is a Londoner too?
Originally from Ghana, Selasi moved to London as a teenager, where he lived in White City, Shepherd’s Bush. So we decided to go back to his London roots and find out more about this West London suburb.
History of Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush is an area of West London just north of Hammersmith, and to the west of desirable Holland Park.
"Shepherd’s Bush was the childhood home of Nigella Lawson, too!"
Home to the former BBC Television Centre, perhaps it was travelling past here every day on the tube that inspired Selasi to apply for the nation’s favourite baking show...
Shepherd's Bush is most famous for hosting the 1908 Summer Olympics and the Franco-British Exhibition in the same year, from which the name of Selasi’s former home, White City was coined – referring to the white colours of the stadium and exhibition buildings.
And Shepherd’s Bush was once the childhood home of Nigella Lawson, too. So it seems Shepherd’s Bush is the place to be for aspiring TV bakers!
Shepherd’s Bush transport links
There is no shortage of transport links in Shepherd’s Bush, with a whopping five underground stations and Shepherd’s Bush Station, which runs both Overground and Southern services.
And it's only 11 minutes from Shepherd’s Bush Underground Station to Oxford Circus, if Westfield doesn't meet all your retail therapy needs.
Things to do in Shepherd’s Bush
Since its opening in 2008, Westfield London has become one of London’s biggest shopping destinations and has really put Shepherd’s Bush on the map.
But for a more traditional shopping experience, Shepherd’s Bush Market – dating back to the early-20th century – is a bustling mix of stalls, from fabric, to clothing, to fresh produce.
If you’re looking for somewhere a bit different for food and drinks, Pergola on the Roof Winter – reopening on the 3rd of November – is a Nordic forest-themed bar and restaurant space on the top of the old BBC Television Centre.
Properties in Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush has a real mix of residential architecture, popular with both families and those in search of a property within quick commutable distance of central London.
Towards Brook Green, the properties comprise of mainly white stucco-fronted period conversions and town houses, while in White City there are a number of post-war properties and developments.
Discover more...
If you're thinking of selling or letting your property in Shepherd's Bush, then click here to arrange a valuation, or take a look at our Shepherd's Bush market trends section to find out what's happening in the local property market.
Or, if you're just curious about what else Shepherd's Bush has to offer, then take a look at the Shepherd's Bush Local Life section.
