Shepherd’s Bush sits in that interesting space between tourist destination and genuine London neighbourhood. I have been coming here for years – initially for gigs at the Empire, then for Westfield when it opened, and now because it has become one of my favourite areas to eat. The Green might not win any beauty contests, but the surrounding streets have a character that more polished parts of London lack. It is multicultural, slightly scruffy in places, and all the better for it.
Shepherd’s Bush UK is a district in West London, centred on Shepherd’s Bush Green. It is home to Westfield London (one of Europe’s largest shopping centres), the historic Shepherd’s Bush Empire music venue, Queens Park Rangers football club, and a diverse community that gives the area its distinctive character. For visitors, it combines world-class shopping with authentic London neighbourhood atmosphere.
Shepherd’s Bush at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | West London, Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham |
| Distance from Central London | 4 miles west of Charing Cross |
| Tube Stations | Shepherd’s Bush (Central), Shepherd’s Bush Market (Hammersmith & City), Wood Lane (Hammersmith & City) |
| Main Attractions | Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Market |
| Postcode | W12 |
| Character | Multicultural, vibrant, mix of modern and traditional |
| Best For | Shopping, live music, diverse food, local atmosphere |
Westfield London
Westfield London transformed Shepherd’s Bush when it opened in 2008. It remains one of Europe’s largest urban shopping centres, with over 300 shops, 80 restaurants, a cinema, and a 24-lane bowling alley.
What to Expect
The centre is vast – allow at least half a day if you want to explore properly. The architecture is impressive, with a dramatic arched roof and natural light throughout. It feels more like a covered town centre than a traditional shopping mall.
Anchor Stores:
- John Lewis
- Marks & Spencer
- Primark (massive)
- Next
Fashion:
- Full range from Primark to Louis Vuitton
- All major high street brands (Zara, H&M, Uniqlo)
- Designer boutiques in the “Village” section
Dining:
- Over 80 restaurants and cafes
- Food court with international options
- Sit-down restaurants on multiple levels
- Balcony dining overlooking the atrium
The Village
The luxury end of Westfield, with brands including Gucci, Prada, Tiffany, and Burberry. Even if you are not buying, it is worth walking through for the contrast with the main centre.
Practical Information
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am-9pm (some stores until 10pm)
- Sunday: 12pm-6pm
- Restaurants often open later
- Check Westfield’s website for current hours
Getting There:
- Shepherd’s Bush station (Central line) – 2-minute walk
- Wood Lane station (Hammersmith & City) – direct access
- Shepherd’s Bush Market station – 5-minute walk
Parking:
- 4,500 spaces
- First 2 hours free on weekdays before 12pm
- £5 for up to 4 hours, £7 for up to 5 hours
- Can get very busy on weekends
Tips:
- Weekday mornings are quietest
- The cinema (Vue) is good for avoiding West End prices
- Collect a map from the information desk – you will need it
Shepherd’s Bush Empire London
The Shepherd’s Bush Empire London is one of the city’s best mid-sized music venues. Built in 1903 as a music hall, it later served as the BBC Television Theatre from 1953 to 1991 before reopening as a live music venue in 1994. It has hosted everyone from The Rolling Stones to Adele. The intimate atmosphere makes it a favourite for artists and audiences alike.
The Venue
Capacity: 2,000 (standing) / 1,100 (seated)
Layout: The main floor is standing, with a balcony offering seated and standing options. The balcony gives better views but less atmosphere than the floor.
Sound Quality: Excellent – the venue was designed for live music and it shows.
Getting Tickets
Popular shows sell out quickly. Check:
- Shepherds Bush Empire official site
- Ticketmaster
- See Tickets
Arrive early for standing shows if you want a good spot. Doors typically open 7pm for an 8pm start.
Nearby
Pre-gig drinks:
- The Sindercombe Social (Goldhawk Road) – relaxed pub
- Defector’s Weld – good beer selection
- Bush Hall (if you want to check out another venue’s bar)
Food before the show:
- Plenty of options on Uxbridge Road
- Westfield is a 5-minute walk
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire vs Bush Hall
Do not confuse the Empire with Bush Hall – they are different venues in the same area.
Bush Hall (310 Uxbridge Road) is a smaller, more intimate venue in a restored Edwardian dance hall. Capacity around 400. Beautiful interior with chandeliers. Known for acoustic shows and intimate performances.
The Empire (Shepherd’s Bush Green) is the larger venue described above.
Both are excellent; check which one your tickets are for.
Shepherd’s Bush Market
A proper London market, not a tourist attraction. The market runs along the railway arches between Goldhawk Road and Uxbridge Road, selling everything from fabrics and household goods to meat, fish, and vegetables.
What You Will Find
Food:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables (some of the best prices in London)
- Halal butchers
- Fish stalls
- Spices and international ingredients
- Street food stalls
Goods:
- Fabrics (the market is famous for this)
- Cheap household items
- Clothing and accessories
- Electronics
Atmosphere:
- Busy, noisy, authentic
- Predominantly serving the local African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern communities
- Not gentrified – this is real London
Practical Information
Opening: Monday to Saturday, roughly 9am-5pm (quieter on Mondays)
Best Time: Saturday morning for the full experience
Location: Runs from Shepherd’s Bush Market station along the railway arches
This is not a farmers’ market or a craft market. It is a working market serving local people. Go with an open mind and you will find it fascinating.
Where to Eat
Shepherd’s Bush has excellent food, reflecting its diverse community.
Restaurants
Shikumen (Westfield, The Village) – High-end dim sum. Expensive but excellent.
Abu Zaad (29 Uxbridge Road) – Syrian restaurant. Outstanding shawarma and mezze. Very affordable.
Blah Blah Blah (78 Goldhawk Road) – Vegetarian restaurant that has been here for decades. Unpretentious, good value.
Pho (Westfield) – Reliable Vietnamese chain. Good for a quick, healthy meal.
Absurd Bird (Westfield) – Fried chicken done well.
Cafes
Notes Coffee (Westfield) – Quality coffee in the shopping centre.
The Cabin (Goldhawk Road) – Small local cafe, good breakfast.
Pubs
The Defector’s Weld (170 Uxbridge Road) – Craft beer pub with a good selection. Relaxed atmosphere.
The Sindercombe Social (2 Goldhawk Road) – Traditional pub near Goldhawk Road station. Decent food.
The Crown & Sceptre (57 Melina Road) – Proper local boozer away from the main roads.
Princess Victoria (217 Uxbridge Road) – Gastropub with excellent food. More upmarket than other options.
What Else to See
Shepherd’s Bush Green
The triangular green at the centre of the area. Not London’s most beautiful park – it is essentially a large traffic island – but it is the heart of the neighbourhood. The Empire sits on one side, and the surrounding streets hold most of the pubs and restaurants.
QPR Stadium (Loftus Road)
Queens Park Rangers’ home ground is a 5-minute walk from Shepherd’s Bush. The stadium holds around 18,000 and has a classic, old-school football atmosphere. Match days bring the area to life. Check QPR’s website for fixtures.
BBC Television Centre
The BBC’s famous headquarters on Wood Lane closed as a working television studio in 2013 and has been converted into flats, offices, and a hotel. The circular building is still visible, and Helios, the iconic statue, remains. Television Centre is now a mixed-use development with some public access, including:
- Soho House members’ club
- White City House hotel
- Various restaurants
Not a tourist attraction as such, but interesting if you remember watching shows recorded here.
Holland Park
A 10-minute walk west brings you to Holland Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. The park includes:
- Kyoto Garden (a Japanese garden with peacocks)
- The remains of Holland House (bombed in WWII)
- Woodland walks
- Opera Holland Park (summer season)
- A good cafe
If you want greenery, Holland Park is far nicer than Shepherd’s Bush Green.
Getting There
Shepherd’s Bush in London has excellent transport links, with multiple Tube stations serving the area.
Shepherd’s Bush Tube Stations
Shepherd’s Bush (Central line) – The main Shepherd’s Bush Tube station, right by Westfield and the Green. Central line runs east to Oxford Circus, Holborn, Bank, and Stratford.
Shepherd’s Bush Market (Hammersmith & City, Circle lines) – Near the market. Connects to Hammersmith and Liverpool Street.
Wood Lane (Hammersmith & City, Circle lines) – Direct access to Westfield. Useful if coming from Hammersmith or east London.
Goldhawk Road (Hammersmith & City, Circle lines) – Southern edge of the area. Good for Bush Hall.
Overground
Shepherd’s Bush station (Overground) connects to Clapham Junction, Willesden Junction, and other south and west London stations. Useful for reaching areas not well served by the Tube.
Bus
Multiple routes serve Shepherd’s Bush Green, including the 148, 207, 260, 283, and others. The bus station is next to the Green.
From Central London
- From Oxford Circus: Central line direct to Shepherd’s Bush (15 minutes)
- From Paddington: Hammersmith & City line to Wood Lane or Shepherd’s Bush Market (10 minutes)
- From Victoria: District line to Hammersmith, change to Hammersmith & City (25 minutes)
- From Liverpool Street: Central line direct to Shepherd’s Bush (30 minutes)
Nearby Areas
Hammersmith (10 minutes)
Riverside pubs, the Apollo theatre, and good transport connections. Walk along the Thames Path.
Notting Hill (15 minutes)
Portobello Road market (Saturdays), colourful houses, antique shops. Walk east along Westbourne Grove or take the bus.
Holland Park (10 minutes)
Upmarket residential area with the beautiful park. Walk west along Holland Park Avenue.
White City (5 minutes)
Home to the other Westfield (Westfield Square, focused on outlet shopping), the Design Museum’s research centre, and new developments around the old BBC site.
Practical Tips
1. Allow more time for Westfield than you think. It is genuinely huge.
2. Book Empire tickets early. Popular shows sell out fast.
3. Visit the market on Saturday. That is when it is busiest and most interesting.
4. Explore beyond the Green. The side streets have character the main roads lack.
5. Combine with Holland Park. The park is a pleasant contrast to the urban bustle.
6. Avoid driving. Parking is difficult except at Westfield, and the one-way system is confusing.
7. Eat on Uxbridge Road. Better value and more interesting than Westfield’s restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Shepherd’s Bush?
Shepherd’s Bush is in West London, approximately 4 miles west of central London (Charing Cross). It falls within the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The area is centred on Shepherd’s Bush Green and is well connected by the Central line, Hammersmith & City line, and London Overground.
How do I get to Shepherd’s Bush from central London?
The easiest route is the Central line from Oxford Circus, Bond Street, or Holborn direct to Shepherd’s Bush station (approximately 15 minutes). Alternatively, take the Hammersmith & City line to Wood Lane (direct access to Westfield) or Shepherd’s Bush Market. Multiple bus routes also serve the area.
What is Shepherd’s Bush known for?
Shepherd’s Bush is known for Westfield London (one of Europe’s largest shopping centres), the Shepherd’s Bush Empire music venue, Shepherd’s Bush Market, and QPR football club. The area has a diverse, multicultural character with excellent restaurants representing cuisines from around the world.
Is Shepherd’s Bush safe for tourists?
Shepherd’s Bush is generally safe for tourists, particularly around Westfield and the main commercial areas. Like any urban area, take normal precautions with valuables, especially on busy market days. The area is well-policed and busy throughout the day and evening.
What are the opening hours for Westfield London?
Westfield London is generally open Monday to Saturday 10am-9pm (some stores until 10pm), and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Individual store hours may vary, and restaurants often stay open later. Check the official Westfield website for current hours as these can change.
Is Shepherd’s Bush Market worth visiting?
Yes, if you want to see an authentic London market rather than a tourist attraction. Shepherd’s Bush Market sells fresh food, fabrics, and household goods to the local community. It is busy, noisy, and multicultural. Go on Saturday morning for the full experience.
How far is Shepherd’s Bush from Notting Hill?
Notting Hill is approximately 15 minutes from Shepherd’s Bush on foot, walking east along Westbourne Grove or Holland Park Avenue. You can also take a bus. Portobello Road Market (Saturdays) is a popular reason to combine both areas in one visit.
Where should I eat in Shepherd’s Bush?
For fish and chips, try Kerbisher & Malt. For Syrian food, Abu Zaad on Uxbridge Road is excellent and affordable. Westfield has over 80 dining options ranging from fast food to upscale restaurants like Shikumen. The Princess Victoria is the best gastropub in the area.
