Welcome to Hayes, where the past and future collide! Nestled in the bustling outskirts of West London, Hayes is more than just a stop along the way to Heathrow. This area boasts a quirky blend of industrial heritage and modern innovation, thanks to its revitalised buildings and burgeoning tech hubs.
When we say it’s near Heathrow you may be wondering if the planes graze your chimneys but in fact they don’t normally go over Hayes because Hayes is to the north and the flights tend to come in and out of the airport in a westerly direction!
First off, Hayes is historical, but not in the cobblestones-and-castles kind of way. It’s got its roots in the music industry with the old EMI Records headquarters. The very place where vinyl records were pressed for legends like The Beatles and Pink Floyd! Now, this slice of musical history is transforming into a trendy spot for cafes and startups, yet it keeps its soul with the Old Vinyl Factory, which is like a hipster’s paradise with coffee that’s as rich in flavour as the area’s history.
Now, if you fancy a bit of shopping or a decent curry, you’ll find Hayes Town to be an unpolished gem. It’s bustling, a little rough around the edges, but charming with its array of local shops and ethnic eateries that promise a globe-trotting adventure for your tastebuds. It’s authentic, it’s lively, and it’s everything that sanitised high streets aren’t.
Speaking of liveliness, let’s talk about canals. Not quite Venice, but Hayes has its own slice of waterside tranquillity with the Grand Union Canal. Perfect for a weekend cycle or a lazy afternoon walk, it’s a watery escape from the urban grind where you might just forget you’re in London.