Why has Northcote Road retained its popularity for the last 30 years? A view from Nick Goble – CEO & Founder of Noble Estates
Having sold and rented property in SW11 (Between the Commons) for the last three decades, I am not surprised that the Northcote Road area has maintained its status as one of the most popular areas to live South of the River.
It is over 30 years ago that I sold my first 4-bedroom house on Grandison Road SW11 for £174,500! Since this date, we have seen similar houses increase by over 900%. This is astonishing growth.
So why is Northcote still so popular? Here are a few reasons we feel are the key to this success.
Great transport links
Clapham Junction is one of the busiest hubs in Europe, offering amazing local links into Victoria, Waterloo, Westfield, Earls Court, Brompton, and Chelsea all within 10-15 mins. You also have direct links to Gatwick Airport (30 mins), Reading (90 mins), Guildford (33 mins), Brighton (56 mins), and the West Country.
In addition, you have easy access to the extensive bus services, Clapham South underground with direct links into the West End or City.
Schools
In ‘Between the Commons’ is a plethora of state and private schools, which have either good or outstanding Ofsted reports. Honeywell, Belleville, and St Thomas’s to name just a few. You also have the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle attracting French families. In addition, you have a wide choice of local nursery schools. Mouse House has a particular resonance as 3 of my 4 kids attended. Access to these great educational establishments is one of the main reasons families gravitate to this part of Clapham.
The Commons
Northcote Road is between Clapham and Wandsworth Commons and offers nearly 400 acres of open space and activities. To have this on your doorstep is special. I think these commons help to create the atmosphere of the area. It’s a place where families and friends can exercise, socialise, or simply go and read a book. It is a perfect blend of relaxation and energising activity.
We are Friends of both Clapham Common and Wandsworth Common
Friends of Clapham Common – https://claphamcommon.net/ Friends of Wandsworth Common – https://www.wandsworthcommon.org/become-a-friend-wwco
Shops, restaurants, and bars;
The area offers a great mix of independent shops, bars, and restaurants, mixed with the usual upmarket national brands.
Here is our guide to the best independent businesses in the area. In our modest opinion.
Best Pub:
This is a difficult one as we have such exceptional candidates. The Bolingbroke serves great food; The Northcote is popular for sporting events and The Eagle Ale House is a traditional pub, which the locals who frequent, will not want me to highlight.
Best Bar:
You are spoilt for choice with some top bars – The Old Bank and Archer Street SW11 is probably the most popular venue for late-night fun.
Best Restaurant:
This is probably the most difficult category, as the area has an outstanding offering. Osteria Antica Bologna and the well-known Numero Uno are the best Italians. Kibou Japanese Kitchen and Bar offers a taste of the East, some say as good as Nobu! A newcomer with a growing reputation is Ploussard. They serve sharing plates and have an interesting wine list.
Best Café:
The best 3 must be Bluebird Brothers who have a great outside area, Café Tamra for brunch and Al Gusto for a great coffee.
Best Retailer:
This is an extensive list and causes the most discussion from the Noble Team. Chalkboard is a great educational toy shop, Maison Curate is a stylish Home and Design retailer, and Pizzicheria Grappelli is a fabulous Italian grocer with a great butcher. You cannot mention the best retailer, without a doffing of your cap to Hamish Johnston. They have been selling cheese in this area for nearly as long as I have been selling properties. If you like cheese, HJ is the place to go!
The combination of great schools, outside spaces, and fantastic transport links with access to amazing restaurants, bars, and shops, we feel makes Between the Commons the No.1 location south of the river.