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Kilburn area guide

Discover Kilburn's buzzing neighbourhood restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs

Written by
Things To Do Editors
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Sandwiched between lofty and affluent Hampstead and Maida Vale, Kilburn is London at its most real. The area, which used to be known as ‘Music Mile’ because of the multitude of gig venues and pubs offering live music, has retained its character, becoming another hub of for London's incredibly diverse and multi-cultural communities. 

If it's the arts you're after, you'll find the Kiln Theatre (formerly the Tricycle community theatre). For restaurants, there's everything from haute cuisine to fish and chips, the latter of which is fried in matzo or matzo and egg instead of the usual batter. You won't be short on pubs and bars, too, and if you're after some greenery nearby Hampstead Heath or Queen's Park are just a short walk away. Then you've got the best vintage bargains to rival stock found at Portobello Road when you visit Kilburn’s famous car boot sales.

As Kilburn proves, there really is nothing wrong with keeping it real. Nothing wrong at all.

Recommended: Our London area guides

Things to do in Kilburn

Kiln Theatre

Kiln Theatre

A vibrant one-stop-shop for culture in north London with a bar, kitchen, cinema and a theatre (obvs). 

Kingsgate Workshops

Kingsgate Workshops

Sidle up to the pros in this creative set of studios, where regular workshops and exhibitions are held. 

Bars and pubs in Kilburn

Roebuck

Roebuck

  • 4 out of 5 stars

A nice boozer with a spacious paved garden, popular quiz nights and Sunday lunches. 

Salusbury

Salusbury

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

A long-running local gastro-pub with a special emphasis on seasonal British cuisine. 

Bobby Fitzpatrick

Bobby Fitzpatrick

  • 3 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

A ’70s-themed cocktail bar in West Hampstead that takes nostalgia to new levels. 

Restaurants in Kilburn

Nautilus

Nautilus

  • 5 out of 5 stars

  A no-frills fish and chip shop where matzo or matzo and egg is favoured instead of batter.   

Ariana II

Ariana II

  • 5 out of 5 stars

The London outpost of a New York favourite, offering up Afghan food with an Arab-Indian twist. 

Ham

Ham

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4

The arrival of this modern British restaurant has transformed West End Lane in NW6 into a culinary destination.

Mandalay Golden Myanmar

Mandalay Golden Myanmar

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • price 1 of 4

Mandalay features home-style and welcoming e service, and cooking that accurately reflects the staples of Bamar food. 

Hotels near Kilburn

The perfect weekend in Kilburn

Browse: West End Lane Books

Browse: West End Lane Books

Independent bookshop selling a wide range of new release titles. Also hosts after-hours readings from time to time

Eat: Ariana II

Eat: Ariana II

  • 5 out of 5 stars

A neighbourhood favourite, a Saturday night spent having supper here would not be a waste. 

Watch: Kiln Theatre

Watch: Kiln Theatre

Whether you pop in for a drink, grab a bite to eat, catch a play or watch a film, end your weekend here.