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The home of the beautiful game has some surprising secrets
Why go there?
Contrary to popular belief, Wembley is more than a football stadium plonked on a barren wasteland. It’s home to more curry houses than you can waggle a poppadom at, and everything’s handily located along or just off the High Road.
Okay, convince me there really is more there than a stadium and a massive Ikea…
Before sampling one of the High Road’s many, many curries, you’ll need to work up an appetite. Wander over to King Edward VII Park (Park Lane) for a scenic stroll. Or, if you really want to lose some calories before stuffing your face, go on a Wednesday, where you can have a free personal training session in the park’s outdoor gym.
All this active talk is making me hungry.
For a top-notch curry in a ’90s lounge-bar atmosphere (because who doesn’t want that?) head to Station 31 on Harrow Road. Or, if you prefer to eat your bhuna without the noise of the boozer in the background, nip across the road to newly opened The Arch hotel and restaurant, which also serves up some pretty rocking cocktails. If you’re at the other end of the High Road, try Urban Roti (Ealing Road), known locally for its wonderfully friendly staff, or Krishna (High Road) for some of the best vegetarian grub you can find in this city. You can even grab something to spice up your dinners at home at Dor De Casa deli on the High Road, which stocks more condiments than you probably knew existed.
What about booze?
If there’s one thing to be said about Wembley locals, it’s that they really like a Wetherspoon’s. JJ Moons on the High Road is... well, it’s a big Wetherspoon’s, so you know what to expect.
And if I suddenly feel the need for some new trainers?
The London Designer Outlet (Wembley Park Boulevard) is home to high-street names like H&M, Gap and Levi’s, as well as – listen up, sneakerheads – Nike, Adidas and New Balance outlets. With discounts ranging from 30 to 70 percent off, you’ll probably find a bargain or two. If rummaging through other people’s old toot is more your bag, there’s one of the biggest Oxfams known to man on the High Road. Coronet Parade, off Ealing Road, is home to an impressive selection of sari shops and Indian jewellers, including the giant, marble-clad Lakha – it’s worth wandering down here just to be dazzled by the window displays.
And if I only do one thing?
Visit the Sanatan Hindu Temple on Ealing Road and marvel at a bit of exotic architecture in north London.
By Thea de Gallier, who likes a good ’Spoons, but really loves a big ’Spoons.
Fancy a change of scene? Take a look at the best bits of Royal Docks.
Featured image: David Bank