Exploring the Differences Between East Sheen, Mortlake, and Barnes

East Sheen, Mortlake, and Barnes are three charming areas in southwest London, each offering a distinct vibe while sharing a close proximity to the River Thames. While they’re neighbouring, they each have their unique appeal, lifestyle, and character. Here’s a brief rundown of how they differ:

East Sheen

East Sheen is a bustling residential area that offers a mix of suburban living with urban conveniences. Located north of Richmond Park, it is split by the South Circular Road. It is often favoured by families due to its excellent schools and green spaces. Sheen Lane and the Upper Richmond Road feature a variety of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants, giving it a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s a practical area with good transport links to central London, making it a popular choice for commuters. Historically it was a site for many country houses and famous residents.

Mortlake

Mortlake lies just to the north of East Sheen and is perhaps the quietest and most peaceful of the three areas. Historically known for its riverside location, John Dee, adviser to Queen Elizabeth I, the Mortlake Tapestries and the famous Mortlake Brewery (which has closed in the last ten years), Mortlake has a more tranquil, village-like feel. The area has local shops and restaurants, but it lacks the hustle and bustle of East Sheen. The presence of the Thames and several green spaces, including the nearby Richmond Park, adds to the area’s appeal. Mortlake is also home to the prestigious London Rowing Club, reflecting its historical association with river activities.

Barnes

Barnes, located further to the east of Mortlake, is an affluent and picturesque area known for its charming village-like atmosphere. It has a slightly more artistic and bohemian vibe, with boutique shops, art galleries, and gourmet food markets. Barnes Common and the nearby Barnes Pond provide scenic outdoor spaces for residents, and the area is well-regarded for its excellent schools and strong community involvement. Barnes is also home to the renowned Barnes Wetland Centre, which attracts bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Although it feels like a more serene, leafy retreat, Barnes is still only a short distance from central London, offering a perfect blend of rural charm with urban access.

Boundaries

The precise location of the boundaries between the three are a matter for speculation, depending on the reasons for your enquiry. If you are buying or selling a house, you may want to consider which description suits you best.

For religious purposes the Anglican Parish of Mortlake with East Sheen comprises Christ Church, west of Sheen Lane, All Saints Church in Parkside and St. Mary the Virgin in Mortlake.

The community demarcation is best illustrated by the concerns of the Mortlake with East Sheen Society ( http://www.mess.org.uk ) as described by the ancient boundaries of the Parish of Mortlake with East Sheen. It is located on the south bank of the Thames and stretches up the slope of the hill and into Richmond Park. It runs from the centre of White Hart Lane on the east, follows Beverley Brook into Richmond Park and turns west to pass on the south side of Lower Pen Pond. It extends as far west as Kidney Wood where it turns north, skirting Sheen Common and continuing to Tangier Road over to Clifford Avenue and along Mortlake Road to Townmead and the River.

For the purposes of the blog EastSheenMatters, the boundaries are fluid. For ease of reference the title has been limited to East Sheen but it has always been intended to relate to the MESS description, while extending to neighbouring areas where matters of interest arise.