Wembley Central HA9 LONDON ENGLAND

EATING AND DRINKING

Brent WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 1 Contents

4 WEMBLEY CENTRAL 18 HILACC ROAD MAP Somali cuisine A map of all of the restaurants 20 JJ MOON’S 6 THE HIGH STREETS Wetherspoon’s pub About Wembley and Ealing Road 22 STATION21 8 AMERICAN CHARCOAL GRILL Indian restaurant and bar Turkish fast food 24 TASTE OF LAHORE 10 ARENA Pakistani takeaway Greek 26 THE ARCH 12 FLANNERY’S BAR Sports bar and South Indian Sports bar restaurant

14 FRUIT JUNCTION 28 URBAN CHOCOLATIER Juice bar Chocolatier

16 GURKHA VALLEY 30 YOUNG’S PEKING Nepalese street food Peking restaurant

Wembley Central HA9 LONDON ENGLAND

2 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 3 A N

N R A A

T RN E A N B

R E

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

1...... American Charcoal Grill

B R

2 �� Arena C 3 �� Flannery’s Bar A WEMBLEY 4 ��Fruit Junction E AR

. 5 �� Gurkha Valley

L E A E A T 6 ��Hilaac N AL L A A N L E T �� N 7 JJ Moon’s

8 ��Station31 E NRT E N E Y 9 �� R R Taste of Lahore A WEMBLEY A 10 �� The Arch W A E 11 ��Urban Chocolatier R �� 12 Young’s Peking

T L E T N M

C A CAR PARKS T N EWAR E A ��Lonsdale Avenue AR F B �� Wembley Central N D C...... Wembley Park Station R H D ��Wembley Park Red A E...... Wembley Park Yellow WEMBLEY

G TAM F ��Wembley Park Gold 1

7 6 G �� St John Road A BARAM 11 12 10 H �� R Elm Road AR 9

3 A 2 A 5 8 A 4 R A WEMBLEY R R B W CENTRAL R R A W SUDBURY A E R A RR L N R C A L N A

R R A A 4 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL TNEBRE WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 5 AR O N Wembley

A 15 minute journey into central London is all it takes for a cultural In the same census, the figures recorded experience unlike anywhere else in the capital. the area to have a 86.% black, Asian and Wembley and Ealing Road is a feast for the senses, specialising in Indian minority ethnic (BAME) population, with restaurants, fashion, groceries and amenities. an Asian population of 66.1% and a black But whether it is for a new cultural experience, a football match at Wembley population of 13.8%. Stadium or a concert at the SSE Arena, Wembley has something for everyone. This diversity is the reason for many of The area itself has gone through many stages of transition, from when it was the unique retail and culinary offerings, first recorded in the ninth century as “wemba lea.” unique to Wembley, with first-timers to the It was only in 1965 that the area merged with the Municipal Borough of area often stunned by the sheer variety of Willesden to create the London Borough of Brent, and has since formed part of offerings in this still largely undiscovered part of north west London. Greater London. Shops along Ealing Road, as an example, are akin to Aladdin’s cave of wonders, Up until the 20th century Wembley remained relatively untouched, and it particularly the textile and jewellery offerings. It is next to impossible to visit Ealing was only when the Birmingham-London railway line came into fruition that the Road without returning home with either a sari, or a few metres of ornate fabric. landscape began to change, introducing a hotel, shops and another station - Then there’s the jewellery shops; locals say what Carnaby Street seeks to be Wembley Hill - into the area. for British design, so does Ealing Road for Asian artisan jewellery. But Wembley really started to take shape when it was chosen as the site for the Specialists in South Asian jewellery, the array of jewellery shops has been British Empire exhibition in 1924 and 1925, attracting over 27 million visitors. known to attract visitors from as far afield as Leicester for decades. This event really put Wembley on the map, as infrastructure began to improve It is also not possible to walk past any of the Indian street food stalls and not and Londoners began to settle in the former piece of countryside, and was the be tempted by the aromas, while the restaurants offer everything from Indian site of a thriving manufacturing industry including companies such as Griffin & to Somalian specialties, American burgers joints, and fish and chips. George laboratory equipment and GEC whose research labs from 1923 were the Much has been done to regenerate the area, but a concerted effort has been first of their kind in the UK. made to keep the essence of Wembley intact. Perhaps one of the most memorable stories from Wembley is what is now For example, the Grade II-listed Wembley Arena, now the SSE Arena, was known as “Watkin’s Folly”. sensitively refurbished, carefully not to lose its iconic Art Deco style. Former chairman of the Metropolitan Railway Sir Edward Watkin, wanted to Wembley Stadium, demolished in 2003, was rebuilt for £798m in 2007 and create an imitation of the Eiffel Tower in Wembley, but it never rose beyond the is now one of the most iconic sites in the whole of London, hosting world-class first storey and then removed completely in 1907, and in 1923 Wembley Stadium events all year round. was erected on this site. Whatever your reason for visiting Wembley and Ealing Road, Thankfully, the fate of Wembley didn’t follow this failed visitors’ attraction. even if it’s just to visit Brent’s blue plaques – comedian Arthur The population of Wembley continues to grow, with the borough of Brent Lucan is on Forty Lane or boxer Henry Cooper at 4 Ealing being one of the most diverse in the UK, with the population count of Wembley Road – now is the time. Central, according to the latest 2011 census, being 14,727.

6 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 7 CHEAP AS CHIPS American Charcoal Grill QUICK BITES TURKISH FAST FOOD 3 Wembley Hill Road Wembley, London, HA9 8AF Call 020 8903 2429 TRANSPORT American Charcoal Grill It’s a nine minute walk from both NOT LICENSED Alcohol cannot be purchased. Wembley Central and the stadium. Two minutes from Wembley Stadium. Ratings from trip advisor 5 CAR PARKS Wafts of meaty aromas dance kebabs and succulent mixed grills. For all car parking see the map on page 4. throughout American Charcoal Whether for eating in or taking Grill and heat encircles the open away, the food is well-presented, kitchen. Grilling meat can be heard generously portioned and gently hissing, singing along with a continuously high quality. playlist of American classics. Having started 35 years ago, The rich smells and smoky American Charcoal Grill continues flavours spark memories of lazy to remain a reliable, welcoming summer barbeques. Chefs work and bustling family-run restaurant. with speed and confidence to produce sizeable wraps, sizzling

8 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 9 FAMILY

Arena FAMILY VENUE GREEK RESTAURANT

307 Harrow Road Wembley, London, HA9 0AA

Call 020 8902 1849 Visit www.arenarestaurant.co.uk

LICENSED Alcohol can be purchased. TRANSPORT Ratings from trip advisor 4.5 Wembley Central and the stadium are both an 11 minute walk away. An olive tree blows gently in the (meat or vegetarian) to tsipoura - wind by Arena’s open door. Inside, fresh sea bream, served with olive CAR PARKS fresh aromas of Greek cuisine oil, lemon juice and coriander. For all car parking see the map on page 4. make mouths water and stomachs They strongly believe in the rumble, while traditional music importance of customer service. sets a romantic scene. “We care about the individuals,” Arena - Wembley’s only Greek says the owner Demetrios Lagos. restaurant - transports you to “We cater for two or 52; for us, it’s Greece. They take pride in the the same thing.” quality of food and offer a huge selection from souvlaki skewers

10 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 11 AFTER WORK Flannery’s Bar FRIENDS SPORTS BAR

610-612 High Road Wembley, London, HA0 2AF

Call 020 8900 2947

TRANSPORT LICENSED Alcohol can be purchased. Wembley Central Station is a four minute walk from Flannery’s Bar. Ratings from trip advisor 4 The stadium is ten minutes away by the 92 bus. As soon as you step into Flannery’s if someone hasn’t popped in as Bar, you feel like you are entering often as usual, the owners check CAR PARKS a village community of customers. in to make they are alright. For all car parking see the map on page 4. The owners raise the bar Whether for a cup of tea or exceptionally high for customer something stronger, the bar is service, going above and beyond to an inclusive space where all are make you feel welcome. welcome. The honest, caring natures They supply light bites to of the staff bring energy, charm and customers in the evenings to endless generosity to this bar. have alongside their drinks and,

12 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 13 JUICE BAR

JUICE BAR/ Fruit QUICK BITES Junction JUICE BAR 511 High Road Wembley, London, HA0 2DH

Email [email protected]

TRANSPORT

NOT LICENSED Wembley Central is a two minute Alcohol cannot be purchased. walk away.

CAR PARKS For all car parking see the map on page 4. Bursts of tangy flavours swim refreshing on their own, but with inside the juices at Wembley a splash of lemon and a touch of Fruit Junction. From sweet apple ginger, the juices are injected with to tangy pineapple to vitamin- a powerful taste sensation. Or, as packed spinach, the wide range is popular in India, a sprinkle of of ingredients combine to create black salt (displayed unmissably fresh cups of joy - with not a on the counter) can lift and sprinkle of added sugar in sight. transform the flavour of this honest, healthy sugar cane drink. Particularly tasty are the sugar cane juices; they’re deliciously

14 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 15 FAMILY Gurkha Valley FAMILY VENUE NEPALESE STREET FOOD 305 Harrow Road Wembley, London, HA9 6BD

Call 020 8902 4039 Gurkha Valley TRANSPORT LICENSED Alcohol can be purchased. Wembley Central is an 11 minute walk away and the stadium is a 12 minute walk away. Ratings from trip advisor 4.5 CAR PARKS “It’s like a little firework,” says yoghurt and paneer cheese is Mohammad from Ghurka Valley, made in-house. For all car parking see the map on page 4. describing their best-selling Combined with their Nepalese momo dumplings. “Or a party on specialities, the menu also takes your tongue.” influence from India, with some This business is family-run and sweet, creamy dishes inspired family-friendly, welcoming by Kashmiri cuisine and, for the people of all ages in their relaxed spice-loving customers, some restaurant. Specialising in fiery hot curries based on South Nepalese street food, their food is Indian recipes. as fresh as it comes - even their

16 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 17 SOMALI TREATS Hilaac SOMALI

TRADITIONAL SOMALI CUISINE

369A High Rd, Wembley HA9 7DT

Call 020 8902 0095

TRANSPORT

NOT LICENSED Hilaac is a five minute walk from Alcohol cannot be purchased. Wembley Central Station and a 14 minute walk from the stadium.

CAR PARKS When an unostentatious shiilan, or omlette, is also just restaurant is full to the brim of £4. The restaurant even provide For all car parking see the map on page 4. people of the same culture, eating catering for weddings and private the food all hours of the day, you functions. know it has to be good. That is the case for Hilaac, which offers a traditional, authentic menu of exceptionally modest pricing. The beef suqaar is just £4, the ukun

18 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 19 GREAT BREAKFAST JJ Moon’s WETHERSPOON’S PUB FRIENDS

397 High Road Wembley, London, HA9 6AA

Call 020 8903 4923

LICENSED TRANSPORT Alcohol can be purchased. JJ Moon’s is a four minute walk from

Ratings from trip advisor 3.5 Wembley Central and a 12 minute walk from the stadium.

As you watch the butter melt on As a branch of Wetherspoons, JJ CAR PARKS the toast and the steam gently Moon’s is reliable and affordable. The For all car parking see the map on page 4. rise from the meat, eggs, tomato restaurant is huge, fitting in around and beans, the full-English 550-600 people on event days. breakfast at JJ Moon’s will be While here, you’re guaranteed everything you’re looking for in large portions, tasty food and a fry-up; it will wake you up, fill good service – what more could you up and keep you going for the you want from a breakfast? majority of the day.

20 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 21 AFTER WORK Station31 INDIAN RESTAURANT AND BAR FRIENDS 229-303 Harrow Road Wembley, London, HA9 6LL

Call 020 8900 0173 Visit www.station31.co.uk Email [email protected] station31wembley Station31 TRANSPORT LICENSED Alcohol can be purchased. It’s an 11 minute walk from Wembley Central and 18 minutes to walk from Ratings from trip advisor 4 Wembley Park station. With a playlist of classics including functions; the restaurant has 83, 182, 223, 92 and 18 buses operate in Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’, muted tones, while the bar area Wembley . Station 31 hums with life and colour. includes seats with colourful, glowing lights. CAR PARKS Among the menu’s best-sellers are the Chicken Lollypops which For a place with such bustling For all car parking see the map on page 4. are juicy with an outer crunch. nightlife, it’s surprisingly Or, if you’re looking for a bit more comfortable for day-time visitors. spice, the Vegetable Manchurian is During the day, some customers as hot as it is flavoursome. huddle in chatter, while others flick over channels on the TVs. They have weekend club nights, and its décor reflects its varied

22 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 23 BUSINESS LUNCH Taste of Lahore PAKISTANI TAKEAWAY 417 High Road Wembley, London, HA9 7AB

Call 020 8902 2744 Visit tasteoflahorewembleyltd.co.uk

TRANSPORT NOT LICENSED Alcohol cannot be purchased. Taste of Lahore is a three minute walk NORTH INDIAN FOOD from Wembley Park Station and a nine minute walk from the stadium.

Hot grills and animated chat are The chicken donna is a stand-out; CAR PARKS central to the Taste of Lahore crispy flakes of chicken mingle experience. Wembley locals and with sprinklings of coriander, For all car parking see the map on page 4. visitors alike have been enjoying bursting with flavour with every the North Indian AND Pakistani - crunch. When mixed with the cuisine here for over a decade. creamy chicken curry and tried with a side of naan bread, this It’s rare to find a restaurant as taste of Lahore will leave you sociable as it is here. Customers wanting a taste of more. mix and mingle, bonding over the huge (and cheap!) plates of food before them.

24 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 25 AFTER WORK The Arch SPORTS BAR/ SOUTH INDIAN RESTAURANT FRIENDS 324 Harrow Road Wembley, London, HA9 6LL

Call 020 8127 1141 Visit www.thearchwembley.co.uk thearchwembley The Arch

LICENSED TRANSPORT Alcohol can be purchased. Wembley Central station is a

Ratings from trip advisor 3.5 ten minute walk away. From Wembley Stadium, The Arch is a With the sun shining and a cold of three chillies. The spicy prawns ten minute walk. pint in your hand, the iconic with fried chilli gets a hefty rating curvature of Wembley Stadium of 3/3 chillies. Their veggie dum CAR PARKS peeks into view. It may sound too aloo on the other hand – a dish For all car parking see the map on page 4. good to be true, but that’s exactly with baby potatoes served in a what’s on offer with The Arch’s creamy sauce – gets a modest 1/3 beer garden.* chillies, ideal if you like your spice more understated. Their spicy menu focuses on South Indian cuisine and the *sunshine not guaranteed menu is rated in levels of heat out

26 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 27 SWEET TOOTH Urban DATE VENUE Chocolatier CHOCOLATIER 393 High Road, Wembley, London, HA9 6AA Call 020 8902 1493 Visit urbanchocolatier.co.uk Email [email protected] theurbanchocolatier TRANSPORT theurbanchocolatier NOT LICENSED Urban Chocolatier is a five minute walk Alcohol cannot be purchased. from Wembley Central Station and a 14 minute walk from the stadium. Ratings from trip advisor 4 CAR PARKS Walking into Urban Chocolatier is onto crepes or baked inside like walking into a high-end bar – indulgent cakes, this menu is For all car parking see the map on page 4. only better. every sweet tooth’s dream. For date night, forget choosing Even if chocolate’s not your thing, somewhere that over-charges for the rainbow display of gelato at the drinks and over-amplifies music. front of the chocolatier is a feast Urban Chocolatier has cosy booths, for the eyes. From blue bubble- vibrant neon lights… and a lot of gum to red velvet to creamy Red chocolate. Need we say any more? Bull, the flavours taste as bold and brilliant as they look. Whether you want chocolate melted over waffles*, dripped *egg free

28 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 29 SPLASHING OUT Young’s

Peking FAMILY PEKING RESTAURANT

329 Harrow Road Wembley, London, HA9 6BA

Call 020 8902 2836 Email [email protected] TRANSPORT

LICENSED Wembley Central and the stadium are Alcohol can be purchased. ten minute walks away.

Ratings from trip advisor 5 CAR PARKS For all car parking see the map on page 4. For over 30 years, Young’s Peking qualities that the dish is known has remained an immovable fixture for, with a soft pancake, deliciously in Wembley – and it doesn’t look like crunchy meat, refreshing bites of this will change anytime soon. cucumber and the fragrant hoisin sauce to bring the ingredients The ever-popular Peking together. restaurant has been attracting customers for this long because, Once you have tried the food quite simply, the food is that here, expect to find yourself back good. The crispy duck is by far a again for seconds (and thirds, and best seller, having all of the lovely fourths…)

30 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL WEMBLEY CENTRAL EATING & DRINKING 31 Brent

32 EATING & DRINKING WEMBLEY CENTRAL