Corporate Accommodation in Maida Vale
Maida Vale is just twenty minutes from the City of London by tube and twenty-six minutes from Canary Wharf, making it a popular area for business travellers who regularly commute into London’s financial centres. When it comes to finding corporate accommodation in Maida Vale, TheSquare presents a range of private apartments which are specifically tailored to the needs of a discerning business clientele. Each property offers all the facilities required for a working trip, including high-speed Wifi and a flat-screen TV. What’s more, having the option to self-cater in a fully-equipped kitchen can be hugely beneficial for those engaged on busy projects, who perhaps do not have the time to hunt around for a restaurant or cafe for every meal.
Holiday Accommodation in Maida Vale
Maida Vale’s charming aesthetic and desirable location has also made it an extremely popular destination for tourists and leisure travellers. Once again, private apartments are becoming increasingly popular as a way for travellers to get an authentic experience of the neighbourhood and the enhanced conveniences and added privacy they provide make serviced apartments, in particular, the ideal holiday accommodation in Maida Vale. Not only does each property offer a comfortable space in which guests can relax, with home entertainment and high-speed Wi-Fi as standard, but the addition of kitchen facilities means they are also perfect for those looking to self-cater.
Where to Stay in Maida Vale
Maida Vale encompasses a reasonably small area, generally defined as being approximately 1 sq km and bounded by the Regent's Canal to the south, Maida Vale Road to the northeast, Kilburn Park Road to the north-west, and Shirland Road and Blomfield Road to the south-west. Its diminutive size means Maida Vale itself is entirely walkable and staying anywhere in the vicinity will offer access to the same amenities and transport links. Generally, the area towards Kilburn, on the residential streets branching from the A5, has the most sought after residences, as they offer easy access to the main thoroughfare whilst providing a more tranquil ambience.
Facts About Maida Vale
Maida Vale is a well-known area, thanks to its having been referenced in numerous movies and TV shows as well as being the home of the BBC sound studios. Despite being a reasonable ‘new’ neighbourhood by London standards (largely developed in the 1820s), the neighbourhood has been the location for several intriguing milestones. Below are a few facts about Maida Vale:
- The New Revue show is the Guinness World Record holder for being the longest-running live comedy show in the world. The show is held at the Canal Café Theatre which is located in Little Venice.
- Thanks to the presence of the BBC sound studios in Delaware Road, Maida Vale has welcomed countless musicians and artists.
- Famous former residents include poet Andreas Kalvos, Ambrose Fleming, an electrical engineer and physicist, David Ben-Gurion, the first Israeli Prime Minister, Lupino Lane, a film star, Edward Aedizzone, an illustrator and artist, Alan Turing and Arthur Lowe, an actor best known for his role at Captain Mainwaring in the Dad’s Army TV Show and Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars Trilogy.
- Maida Vale Station was regarded as being a pioneer in London as it was the first Tube station to open with an all-female staff.
- Historically, Maida Vale was known as a Jewish district. The area was the home of the British Sephardi community and the 1896 Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue.
Cost of Living in Maida Vale
Given its prestigious reputation and almost continental ambience, despite being in the centre of London, it will be of little surprise that the cost of living in Maida Vale can be high. However, that isn’t to say that there aren’t ways and means of bringing costs down within a realistic budget. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom property is approximately £2,170, with the number rising to £3,400 for a two-bedroom property. However, it should be noted that there are many prime properties in the area, which of course inflates the average rental price.
Rent will, of course, be the biggest expenditure and other living costs will depend largely on individual factors. For example, those looking to eat out more often will pay an average of around £60 for a meal for two, which means their overall budget will need to be significantly higher than those looking to self-cater. Similarly, those looking to enjoy the local nightlife will also spend more, as the bars in the area are amongst the most expensive in London. Of course, there are plenty of ways to keep the costs down - even for those looking to get out and enjoy the sights. Many of London’s top attractions are free and travelcards can be purchased for a day, week or a month and offers savings on multiple journeys.
Tips for Visiting Maida Vale
Anyone visiting Maida Vale will find that the area has everything they need for an enjoyable stay. However, to really get the most out of a visit, it's good to have an idea of some of the local places to go, what the best transport options are and some ideas for staying in budget. With that in mind, what follows are just a few tips for visiting Maida Vale.
- Walk places - Maida Vale is one of the most picturesque parts of London and a leisurely stroll is the perfect way to discover the local landmarks.
- Don’t bother hunting for the areas namesake pub - it no longer exists!
- If possible, avoid Paddington during the rush hour.
- Explore the areas stunning parks and green spaces.
- If the weather is good, consider a leisurely boat ride on the canal.
- Those wishing to sample true English culture will find it at Lords cricket ground.
- Nearby Primrose Hill offers some of the most spectacular views of London.
Things to Do in Maida Vale
Maida Vale is located in the heart of one of the most exciting capital cities in the world, so visitors can rest assured they will never be found wanting when it comes to things to do. Many people will be more than happy to simply imbibe the laid-back atmosphere in Little Venice, people-watching in one of the many pubs and cafes. Alternatively, those looking to see some iconic landmarks will also have plenty of options without having to travel far.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Maida Vale?
As mentioned, one of the most popular things to do in Maida Vale is to simply enjoy the area itself. The area is known for its continental feel and is one of the most popular places in London to enjoy a light meal or a few drinks. When the sun goes down, visitors will find that Maida Vale boasts several prestigious nightspots, from chic cocktail bars to quirky dance clubs.
Q. Is there much to do outdoors in Maida Vale?
Maida Vale is the perfect destination to enjoy London summertime - with plenty of stunning scenery and ornate architecture.
Below are a few outdoor activities to consider:
- Go blue plaque hunting.
- Visit The Regent’s Park.
- Make a short walk to the iconic Abbey Road crossing.
- Take a stroll along the canal.
- Take a snap of nearby Kensington Palace.
Q. What are some free things to do in Maida Vale?
When most people think of Maida Vale, the last thing that comes to mind is free things to do. Whilst its reputation for being expensive may be somewhat deserved, there are nonetheless several options when it comes to free things to do in Maida Vale. Some of London’s top landmarks and museums are within walking distance, many of which are free to enter. There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors for free, as listed above.
Q. What are some romantic things to do in Maida Vale
Given its nickname of ‘Little Venice,’ it will be of little surprise that Maida Vale is the ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a romantic evening or two:
- Take a boat ride on the canal.
- Enjoy a romantic stroll around St Mary’s Gardens.
- Book a table at one of the numerous fine-dining restaurants.
- See a show at the Canal Cafe Theatre.
Places to Visit in Maida Vale
Maida Vale’s central location effectively means that any of London’s major attractions are within easy reach - even those that are a little further away are easily accessible via public transport. However, the following list includes some of the most popular places to visit in Maida Vale and its surrounding area.
- Hyde Park - 350-acre park in the centre of London, offering a stunning landscape of lakes, woodland and gardens.
- Lords Cricket Ground - the home of cricket and one of the world’s most iconic sports grounds, with guided tours and an onsite museum.
- The British Museum - famous for its incredible collection of ancient artefacts - including the notorious Rosetta Stone.
- Westminster and the Houses of Parliament - the seat of the UK government and one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Home to the infamous Big Ben.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum - the largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design in the world, founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- Madame Tussauds - the famous waxwork museum is now found in several cities worldwide, but the London branch is the original!
- Regents Park - a beautiful royal park with plenty of ornate gardens, nature trails and recreation areas.
- Buckingham Palace - the London residence of Queen Elizabeth and a stunning example of 18th-century architecture.
- The Saatchi Gallery - Modern art gallery founded by advertising mogul Charles Saatchi, also hosts temporary exhibits of international treasures.
Places to Eat in Maida Vale
Maida Vale is one of the more affluent areas in London and this is somewhat reflected in its superb dining establishments. However, whilst there are indeed several fine dining restaurants, there are also plenty of gastropubs and quirky international eateries.
Some highlights include:
- Les Petits Gourmets.
- The Summerhouse.
- The Waterway.
- Banana Tree Maida Vale.
- The Elgin - Maida Vale.
- Maguro.
- The Red Pepper.
- Kateh.
Street Food in Maida Vale
In addition to its excellent selection of restaurants, Maida Vale also boasts a thriving street food scene, with plenty of vendors dotted around the local area. The following is a list of local favourites:
- Panella London Sicilian Street Food.
- Baker Street Food Station.
- Maize Blaze Columbian Street Food.
- Kish Restaurant.
- MAM Vietnamese BBQ.
Shopping in Maida Vale
Maida Vale is not known as a major shopping destination - mainly because it lacks a traditional high street and shops are limited to a few specialist galleries and antique collectors. However, that isn’t to say that those staying in the area will be short of options when it comes to local shopping opportunities, as there are several major retail hotspots within easy reach.
Some of the most popular are:
- Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush (The capital’s largest shopping centre).
- Kings Mall Shopping Centre.
- Hadson Mall.
- W12 Shopping Centre.
- O2 Centre.
Transportation in Maida Vale
Maida Vale is only a small area and those looking to explore will find they can reach all the local sights on foot. However, for trips across London, there are plenty of options with regards to public transport. The London Underground usually presents the most convenient way of getting around the city centre, with Maida Vale tube station being served by the Bakerloo Line. This offers a direct line to several key locations across the city, including
There are also plenty of bus routes operating locally, offering services into the city centre as well as out to the suburbs. There are also two night buses - the N98 and the N16 - which provide alternate routes across the city centre. The most cost-effective way of paying for both bus and tube is the Oyster card. This is particularly true for those planning to make regular trips around the city - a single trip to zone 1-2 will cost £2.40 whilst the equivalent single ticket is £4.90. Similarly, a zone 1 - 4 Travelcard will cost £13.10, whilst the Oyster is capped at £10.10.
Weather in Maida Vale
London weather changes according to usual four broadly predictable seasons of Spring (March-May), Summer (June - September), Autumn (October - December) and Winter (December - March). Given its aesthetic appeal, Maida Vale is often seen as a summer destination. Temperatures usually hover pleasantly in the high twenties throughout August and the days are mostly dry. That being said, London weather is notoriously predictable and there is always the chance of an occasional shower, so it’s important to pack accordingly. During the winter months of December and January, the temperature drops significantly and can often dip below freezing, especially overnight. However, London also offers plenty of indoor attractions and has a unique festive atmosphere that sees many travellers flock to the city to enjoy its cosy pubs and bars, as well as the seasonal outdoor markets that pop-up around Christmas.
