WHY I LOVE ACTON
Rudolph Diesel is the founder director of London interior design company Rudolph Diesel Interiors. In this article, he describes areas of London that have earned a special place in his heart.
Love to look at
Is there such a thing as urban charm? If there is, you’ll find it in Acton’s Askew Road community. This city spot behaves like a village, with smart boutiques and pavement cafés, although the beautifully preserved Victorian mansion blocks serve as a reminder that you’re in an upscale London enclave. More design luxury can be found over at Hanger Hill Garden Village. Built between 1928 and 1936 as the pinnacle of London suburbia, with ornamental gardens and open spaces to give a gentrified air, the unmistakable mock Tudor houses and flats that felt so new when constructed now form a pretty conservation area.
Love to shop
If your London interior design needs a dose of Scandi chic, head to Max Inc on Askew Road, where original pieces of tasteful, pared-back Danish furniture could teach Ikea a thing or two. If, like me, you also love luxury show home interiors, you’ll know it’s the accessories that complete the look.
Luckily, Acton residents have The Village Trading Store in the ever-so-cute Poet’s Corner part of Churchfield Road – simply fill your basket with glassware, candles and cushions, then artfully arrange them when back at home. If a new red wine decanter or set of champagne flutes ‘accidently’ falls into your shopping basket, don’t leave Acton without visiting Askew Wine – an independent retailer who seeks out small, independent wine producers for something a little out of the ordinary.
Love to eat
Laveli Bakery has long been Acton’s go-to place on Churchfield Road for Fair Trade Organic hot drinks – its rocket fuel keeps many luxury interior designers going when they’re hard at work in W3. While you can be virtuous with an Americano, I defy you not to order a slice of something sweet - always temptingly displayed on glass cake stands when I’m having a moment of weakness.
If carbs are your craving, then a visit to Happy Sky Japanese Bakery & Café on Askew Road is a must - who knew a Fuji farmhouse white loaf was a thing! And while food is a bit of an aside at Acton’s Aeronaut Pub, there are not many places in the world where you can chow down on sausage and mash while watching a drag, cabaret, comedy, burlesque or circus show. Prefer to cook at home? I always swing by the Ginger Pig butchers and delicatessen on my way home but be prepared to join a queue!