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From St John’s Wood it’s a brisk, beautiful walk into town, or just two Tube stops into Bond Street. Although just moments from the West End, at weekends there is little reason to leave this delightful enclave, with bars and restaurants aplenty. Picturesque Little Venice along the canal to the west, the stunning rose gardens and outdoor sports areas of Regent’s Park on its doorstep, and gorgeous views from Primrose Hill for those undaunted by the climb.

Young professionals who start London life here can rarely be persuaded to leave: once drawn by its bars and busy high street, later in life they stay for the good schools and strong community, the area’s village like feel is protected by the St John’s Wood Society. The neighbourhood also has a strong multicultural presence, as evidenced by the golden domed Regent’s Park Mosque, St John’s Wood Church with its columned façade, the area’s synagogues, American School and French Lycée.

Pubs and restaurants: Whether locals are looking for a cosy fireplace, or a glass of wine and some tasty treats, St John’s Wood has an array of pubs and gastropubs to suit every taste. The Duke of York is warm and welcoming with a bar and casual dining area usually full of well-heeled locals. Just a stone’s throw from the West End and Soho, residents don’t need to leave St John’s Wood for an excellent night out. Delisserie on Allitsen Road, Oslo Court on Charlbert Street and Richoux on Circus Road, are reliable and always busy.

Wine tasting: The Winery on nearby Clifton Road in Little Venice is one of west London’s best independent wine shops and hosts regular tastings for locals.

• Home to over 12,000 animals, London Zoo opened in 1828, and is the world’s oldest scientific zoo.

• St John’s Wood is also home to the world renowned, Lord’s Cricket Ground. This historic English landmark hosts matches from county sides to international tests. Tours of the grounds are held daily.

• St John’s High Street has pay and display parking along the street, and an excellent range of unique and more familiar shops, with a special emphasis on family.

• The St John’s Wood library has two monthly books clubs, one specifically for crime fiction fans.

• There are Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores about a mile away on Finchley Road, but great local delis abound. Harry Morgan’s is a must visit: what was once a tiny takeaway deli is now the largest and most famous New York style deli restaurant in London. Panzer’s Deli perfectly serves the needs of international residents, stocking foods from all over the world.

• For those St John’s Wood families too busy to pop to the shops, the butcher Kent and Sons will deliver any order placed before 11am by 1pm on the same day.

Stroll to the top of Primrose Hill and take in the dramatic views of London. It’s a favourite celebrity haunt in summer, so keep your eyes peeled for Jamie and Jools Oliver, Daniel Craig and Harry Styles. Nearby Regent’s Park boasts 410 acres of beautiful green space, with the largest outdoor sports centre in Central London, boating lakes and stunning rose gardens. A disused graveyard, St John’s Wood Church Grounds is the only Local Nature Reserve in the City of Westminster. The attractive park regularly wins prizes, and has received the Green Flag Award for excellent green spaces since 2004. Facilities include a playground, formal gardens and a wildlife area.

Tube: St John’s Wood underground station in Zone 2 is on the Jubilee Line and links with Bond Street in just 5 minutes. Nearby South Hampstead station is on the well-connected Overground line.

Rail: Overland services from nearby Paddington and Marylebone stations provide links with Heathrow, Birmingham, Bristol, the West Country and Wales.

Bus: There are several local bus routes connecting in all directions, including the 13 (to Aldwych), the 46 (to Farringdon), the 82 (to Victoria), the 139 (to Waterloo) and the 274 (to Islington). There are also two night buses – the N13 and the N113.

As a destination for families and students alike, St Johns Wood has strong ties in education with a number of universities close by. There are many good primary schools to choose from, as well as two well regarded state secondaries. Arnold House, Abercorn Place, St Christina’s, St John’s Wood Pre Prep and Francis Holland are further options for those interested in private education. The American School and the French Lycée both offer alternatives to the traditional British education system.