Located in the north-west region of London, Brent is a fantastic place to visit with a variety of activities and commutes. Famed for being home to Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, Wembley, this buzzing borough also boasts some top shopping and cultural attractions with easily reachable transportation links from the West End via the Bakerloo and Jubilee lines.

1. What makes Brent unique?
2. Brent's popular attractions
3. Nightlife in Brent
4. Sports in Brent
5. Food and Coffee Shops in Brent
6. Shopping Centres and Markets in Brent
7. Festivals and events in Brent
8. Travel in and around Brent
9. Widening Footpaths
10. Explore nearby boroughs from Brent

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1. What makes Brent unique?

According to Financial Times, Brent has the highest proportion of housing benefit claims by private tenants in the country as a percentage of all households. Did you know recycling is compulsory in this borough ever since 2008? Through the green box collection scheme where the borough aims to improve on the 25 percent recycled waste it already achieves.

Brent is among the most diverse localities in the country, with large Asian and Indian, Black African, Black Caribbean, Irish, and Eastern European minority communities. This makes Brent a perfect destination for international tourists or students. Not to mention, Brent has the highest proportion of Irish residents in mainland Britain, making up 4% of the population.

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2. Brent's popular attractions

Brent is full of fun things to do and unique places to visit. Despite being just a district, however within this wonderful place, there are numerous places you can not miss, including:

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Also known as Neasden Temple, this is one of the largest Hindu temples outside India that was built with more than 5,000 tons of stones and marble from Bulgaria, Italy, and India.
• Kiln Theatre. Famed for showing plays that provoke debate and reflect diversity of the community.
• Welsh Harp Reservoir. A 170-hectare wildlife sanctuary comprising open water, marshes, trees, and grassland.
• Wembley Stadium. UK’s largest stadium that is home to English football and the FA Cup.
• The SSE Arena, Wembley. Enjoy a show stopping performance by some of your most favourite musicians.
• Lexi Cinema. A theatre that offers you an array of independent films, broadcasts, movies, and classics.
• Roundwood Park. One of the largest parks in the borough and has been around since 1895. It still maintains several iconic buildings of the area including the gazebo and the drinking fountains.
• Mapesbury Dell. For a smaller flora experience, you’ll want to seek out one of Brent’s finest secret gardens that is surrounded by townhomes, flowers, manicured lawns, and picnic tables.
• Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. From traditionally staged performances to immersive experiences, catch top shows from well-known artists and emerging production companies at this exciting London theatre.

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3. Nightlife in Brent

Brent is a fantastic place for you to not only experience breathtaking day views, but also enjoy the nocturnal life with an ever-growing selection of bars and pubs. Whether it is laid back drinks, or a full blown corporate party, this borough got you covered.

For anyone who is into a chill or relaxing atmosphere where you can easily have laid-back drinks with friends or colleagues, visiting The Gallery and Bar404 Lounge are some of the best places. Here, you can experience a fabulous dining scene, snazzy night clubs and an attractive choice of venue for celebrations like weddings, and birthdays.

If you like to experience the buzzling parties or night-raves, visiting some of the best pubs and dance clubs such as The Hendon, Club 113, Lucky Seven, White Swan, White Bear, and Ox & Gate, are some of the most highly ranked places. You will definitely have the most wonderful time with your friends and also get served by some of the most friendly staff.

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4. Sports in Brent

This borough has three non-league football clubs including Tokyngton Manor F.C which plays at Spratleys Meadow, and both Wembley F.C and South Kilburn F.C which plays at Vale Farm Stadium.

Other state-of-the-art facilities open to the public include:

• Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre
• Willesden Sports Centre
• Hendon Leisure Centre
• Wembley Leisure Centre

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5. Food and Coffee Shops in Brent

Brenth is home to a number of great restaurants and a fantastic food scene, ranging from delights, poshed-up gastropubs, and modern European brasseries, you will always find amazing eateries that will fit with every budget.

Instantly, petrolheads should stop by Wembley’s legendary Ace Cafe London, a popular hangout for bikers and rockers. Established in 1938, this roadside transport cafe on London’s North Circular Road offers a packed schedule of car and bike-related events and live music shows. With a relaxed vibe, it's the perfect spot to listen to the jukebox, enjoy a game of table football and have a bite to eat.

If you want to grab some lunch and spend time with your friends and family, definitely visit the top 5 best restaurants in Brent. First we got Galpao, a restaurant that will take you on an excellent Brazillian food journey with fantastic live music. Then we got some amazing Indian restaurants which include KoolCha and Palm Beach that will offer you some mouth watering Indian dishes. For some sandwiches or cakes, Longboys is the perfect place to taste some delicious filled finger doughnuts and its famously known soft serve ice-cream. Lastly, if you are an Asian-food lover, a visit to Michiko Sushino is a must. Here, you will experience a collaboration between Japanese fashion designer Michiko Koshino and Atari-Ya sushi bars which serves fresh and unique traditional Japanese dishes.

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6. Shopping Centres and Markets in Brent

Shopping in Brent is every shopper's dream and should definitely be on every fashion lover’s bucket list. Here, you will get everything from designer fashion, to antique fashion boutiques which also make it a wonderful location for you to take casual strolls.

Rummage for bargains at the London Designer Outlet in Wembley, where more than 50 designer outlets vie for your attention, including Superdry, Nike, Lee, Hamleys, Clarks and M&S. Here, you can also refuel at one of the shopping mall’s many restaurants and coffee shops, serving up delicious burgers, dim sum, pizza, bubble tea and more. This designer outlet can be found within Wembley Park, which is also home to Wembley Stadium and The SSE Arena, Wembley. As of today, this outlet is currently undergoing a cultural transformation which is set to welcome shopping and foodie hub Boxpark Wembley.

Another place for you to enjoy your exclusive shopping spree is at Brent Cross Shopping Centre. Here, you can go from swapping changing-room selfies to the excitement of finding that perfect dress which makes your shopping experience a lot more enjoyable. For a rest, you can even sit at the many cafés and restaurants at Brent Cross where you can enjoy the local Leon branch, or grab a table for two at Shake Shack. With something to suit every palate, a delicious lunch is the perfect mid-shopping treat. In addition, why not try Italian cuisine at Pizza Express, graze on feel-good Mediterranean salads at The Kanteen, or dip into indulgent classics at Nando’s Brent Cross?

Moving on to some grocery shopping, you can definitely stock up fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables every Sunday at Queens Park Farmers' Market which is home to more than 40 stalls selling garlic dumplings, free-range chicken, juice, eggs, farmed trout, coffee and many more.

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7. Festivals and events in Brent

Brent is full of culture and diversity when the community comes together to celebrate, share, and enjoy the many events and festivals every year. These include:

• Street parties and fetes. A tradition of this community where you can hold street parties, making it a great way for you to know your neighbours.
• No Bass Like Home Online Festival. A 7-hour online celebration of reggae culture curated by Seani B.
• The Spring Festival of Light. This is a themed attraction with an array of entertainment such as rides, and exciting activities for both children and adults.
• Brent Biennial. From sculptures to sound art, large-scale murals to intimate installations, Brent Biennial told the stories of Brent and the lives of the people.
• Brent Locked In. An event that showcases a new series of video interviews with legendary musicians, artists, athletes, and activists, who have shaped and been shaped by Brent.
• RISE. A celebration of Brent’s diverse community through dance, projection, film and sound.

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8. Travel in and around Brent

Traveling around Brent can be accessed through the numerous London Underground, London Overground, and National Rail stations. However, there are certainly other forms of transport that are also common in Brent.

Cycle

There is Carlton Valt which is Brent’s first segregated cycle route which can be found in the middle of the South Kilburn regeneration area. Over the years, the Carlton Vale route has improved safety for cyclists and crossing facilities for pedestrians.

There is also the Q3 which runs between Regents Park and Gladstone Park, the Brent section links Kilburn to Gladstone Park.

By car

Since driving is one of the most common forms of transport, there are numerous car parks in Brent. To name a few there are Barham Park, Brent Civic Centre car park, and Disraeli Road car park. Not to mention, Brent also adopted“pay and display machines” where you can easily locate from across the borough near shops and businesses, allowing residents and visitors to park for a limited stay.

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9. Widening Footpaths

COVID-19 has immensely impacted people’s everyday lives, from working, shopping, and moving around. Therefore, in order to comply with social distancing, many shops have introduced queuing systems outside their premises and many bus stops have become pinch points. There is also evidence that some pedestrians are stepping out into the road to get around people, resulting in a road safety risk.

As a result, widening the pavements means there would be more space for people to pass each other safely. This makes it particularly important in the current circumstances, where everybody is being asked to keep their distance in order to alleviate the spread of COVID-19. Already, there have been more than 760 metres of barriers to address ‘pinch points’ – busy stretches of pavement – to help protect the community. There are also other measures that will be taken into consideration in order to help support social distancing including suspending parking restrictions, removing clutter on narrow pavements, suspending licences to display goods, and targeted enforcement.

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10. Explore nearby boroughs from Brent

Brent is an ideal base for you to start exploring the rest of London’s unique boroughs. Even though it is all a part of the same ceremonial county, Greater London, each district withhold different traditions and cultural heritage that is just worth exploring. From an array of iconic attractions, historic landmarks to stunning countryside, you are just a short ride away.

Dollis Hill

Dollis Hill was farmland until the 18th century and today remains a quiet and peaceful London suburb. The well-known Dollis Hill House, a lovely mansion built for the Finch Family in 1825 and occupied by former British Prime Minister Gladstone, overlooks Gladstone Park. St Andrews Hospital in Dollis Hill was built in 1912 by the Diocese of Westminster and became a military hospital in 1914.

Barnet

Barnet is a suburban borough located in North London. Formed in 1965, this is known to be the most populated London borough and the 13th largest district in England. This is a fantastic place for you to visit with a rich history and a diverse culture. From its iconic and famous restaurant-dense areas, you will surely have an amazing time roaming around some of Barnet’s breathtaking landmarks and exciting leisure activities.

Camden

With just a 23-minute car drive, Camden is famous for its markets and alternative style of its residents, making it a perfect destination for a family trip or a weekend getaway. Not to mention, Camden also includes the highest proportion of museums in London. Here, you will experience its unique historical heritage, breathtaking architectures, and also partake in its many leisure activities, from shopping, eating and entertainment. This is definitely a worthwhile trip for every visitor.