Forum Topic

Syon Park,  West London, TW8 8JF  (Don't mention that word!)

"Whatever you do ...don't include the word Brentford!Well that what it seems when one looks at the website for a major exhibition starting at Syon Park during the next few days.Decorex International 2014 is going to be a mighty Show with a host of talented Exhibitors and the huge tented complex being erected in the fields of Syon Park is a sure sign. Check it out on Google.But Syon Park falls within Brentford (not Isleworth). It's located in the Syon Ward. It has a TW8 postcode... but like many other examplesthe businesses avoid using the name Brentford.  "West London, TW8" is not funny.How long will it take for that "B" word to be held in high regard?

Jim Lawes ● 3977d60 Comments

The new Premier Inn is called London Brentford!  Though curiously the address is given as Hounslow?

Reg Ghosh ● 3796d

The front page story to do with the new Bfc Stadium development with it's  "massive" housing project.

Jim Lawes ● 3875d

Just a slight counter-point...Reflecting on the funding reductions proposed for Kew Gardens which are likely to lead to a lot of redundancies and potentially a loss of its world-leading status (actually the cuts have now I think been deferred until just after the election - I wonder why?): given that Kew Gardens is definitely a tourist destination (and sadly Brentford isn't - yet!) I can see the point of things like hotels being branded Kew. The branding will attract some additional business to the benefit of the local economy.

Guy Lambert ● 3907d

The latest one is new apartments near to Kew Bridge on the Brentford side of the river called Kew Side ! No that's the other side.

Pat Kingham ● 3907d

Quite surprised at the Johnsons Islands creative.  Would have thought they would be a little bit counter-culture and embrace being in Brentford.

Matthew Taylor ● 3907d

Just noticed the new Bugler homes development just past Watermans park....and it is called "KewSide".  There really are some creative brains coming up with ways of avoiding anything to do with Brentford.

Matthew Taylor ● 3907d

Anne - "don't they all (barring perhaps Waitrose) come out the same?"Well, not according to this article:http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/nov/22/which-supermarket-cheapest-morrisons-aldi-asda"The figures were for own-brand goods only, but covered a total of 19,659 items across seven supermarkets, and show that, on an unweighted basis, prices for own-brand goods in Morrisons and Aldi are around 10% lower than at Asda, and 20% cheaper than Sainsbury’s and Tesco. However, these supermarkets strongly dispute the findings, with each arguing that on commonly bought items, it is the same or cheaper than rivals.It will come as little surprise that Waitrose own-brand goods are the most expensive, but the scale of difference is remarkable, with its prices more than double those charged by cheaper rivals."

Guy Lambert ● 3908d

Out of interest, is there anybody out there who generally knows what something would cost in another supermarket when they shop? I generally just go for a 'feel' (if you'll excuse the expression) and in fact could be out by quite a margin. On the other hand, I think if you shop carefully and go for a few bargains, then don't they all (barring perhaps Waitrose) come out the same?

Anne England ● 3908d

No, not picky, just symptomatic of the snobbery about calling places by their proper and accepted names. Isleworth gets the Twickers treatment - Brentford gets Kew, pathetic.

Vanessa Smith ● 3910d

Actually I think the staff in Morrisons are all pretty good and friendly, and I agree about the security man.It's everything else about the shop that puts me off, though I see from the weekend press that it's coming out very cheap - much cheaper than the other main supermarkets and cheaper even than Aldi (or Lidl - only one of them was assessed)

Guy Lambert ● 3910d

'Come and discover the creative community on Johnsons Island in its unique setting on the Grand Union Canal, between Kew Gardens and Syon Park in West London.'First line of the invitation to visit Johnsons Island artists - would you, from this description, understand that the community is in Brentford? Or maybe I'm just being picky.

Anne England ● 3910d

I've lived in Brentford all my life, and no matter what supermarket chain lands on our doorstep, it never matches up to the adverts.I don't expect Ant n Dec to serve at the checkouts, but I do expect the offers advertised to be available, the pricing to be correct, and above all, helpful staff ( not just the ones you look out for , because you know they are helpful). It is at the moment (because of my fractured shoulder) handy for a pint of milk or loaf of bread, but not a branch I would do my weekly shop in.The best thing about Morrisons in Brentford is the very charming security man at the door. Whenever I pop in, he is always very respectful to our senior citizens and always chatting to them like old friends.I'm sure he makes their day. We all have different opinions, thats what makes this forum so interesting to read and participate in, and this is mine.

Sharon Trevor ● 3913d

The commercial space was intended to be restaurant(s)

Iain Muir ● 3913d

What do you mean by 'a better supermarket than we have now'? Morrison's is okay, surely? I've been here so long that I've seen that same shop go from a Gateway to an International (or an International to a Gateway), then to a ?Safeway? (memory failing) and some years ago to a Morrison's.

Anne England ● 3914d

I would love to manage that shop..just my thing! Anyone planning to open a similar kind of gift shop, think of me! Would save me a lot of time driving to Kingston every day.Brentford needs these kind of niche shops to attract the locals as well as visitors to our town. Bijou Box was a fabulous find behind Lexia Art, but sadly they went.We also need a better supermarket than we have now..but that's a rant for another day!Does anyone know what is going to happen with the other shops next to the new choc choc shop?

Sharon Trevor ● 3915d

And very nice those chocolates are too. Expensive but nice. Oliver's Wholefoods by Kew Gardens Station is selling her chocolate I believe.

Anne England ● 3915d

Now open in...  Brentfordhttp://www.biancamarton.com/

Reg Ghosh ● 3915d

http://www.fiftyshadeswine.com/

Jim Lawes ● 3916d

I had a leaflet through the door today for the Chiswick Furniture Store which looks suspiciously like it is in Brentford, particularly given the TW8 postcode.

Anne England ● 3928d

Yes, but it was described as being in Kew in the initial literature, not at Kew Bridge or near Kew Station. Otherwise I agree with you and hope that the new pub does well.

Anne England ● 3928d

Are we all happy now following the front page article ?.To stick my head above the parapet I do get a little tired of these threads, yes some of the examples are ridiculous, like the Skylon Tower being rebranded as Kew Eye, but all these murmurings about the new pub are rather OTT, the pub is nowhere near Brentford town centre or Brentford station, but is right next to Kew Bridge and Kew Bridge station, so I don't have an issue with them omitting any reference to Brentford in their literature.Of course to an limited extent it's also about marketing, and at the end of the day we should also appreciate, acknowledge and understand that identifying the pub as being at Kew Bridge (think attractive riverside, next to Strand on the Green etc.) is likely to make it a more attractive proposition to potential customers than if it was identified as being in Brentford (think boarded up offices, tatty high street etc.).

Adam Beamish ● 3929d

This is what it says on its website. I think we should all email to point out that it can't possibly be one of the best places to eat in Kew!!'A place to partyOne of the best places to eat in Kew, One Over The Ait serves a fresh, seasonal menu featuring ‘best of British’ dishes with a modern, stylish twist'.

Joanna Russell ● 3930d

The website http://oneovertheait.co.uk/ does have Brentford in the address.  But then says the pub gets one over other pubs in Kew ....  presumably by not being in Kew!

Reg Ghosh ● 3930d

Judging from the menu it's yet another boring gastropub. What on earth is suddenly wrong with chicken, hen's eggs, beef and pork?

Guy Lambert ● 3930d

Well, we can show our disgust by not drinking there..

Sharon Trevor ● 3931d

Just received a flyer/menu for the new pub being built on the river which is going to be called ' One Over The Ait' & you've guessed it the address is 8,  Kew Bridge Rd LONDON TW8 0FJ, no mention of the 'B' word again!

Kevin Farnan ● 3931d

Yep, I posted about this on 21 September but it is hard to keep up with the thread of these threads sometimes. Thanks for all the lovely pics. Please, if possible, post one from the other side of the building i.e. towards the M4/Ealing - they aren't getting even a distant glimpse of Kew!

Anne England ● 3950d

So it's no longer The Skylon...it's the Kew Eye.No, not the Brentford Eye..it's Kew!The views look stunning...

Jim Lawes ● 3950d

Glad to hear it Reg.The Ballymore website is still spookily silent on the B word or any pseudonyms for same!

Guy Lambert ● 3960d

In a Ballymore statement about the B town centre redevelopment“It won’t be Kew Adjacent or anything like that - this is Brentford.”

Reg Ghosh ● 3960d

They beat Reading today and are now in the top 10.

Jim Lawes ● 3960d

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-29492356Apologies: It's to do with the exceedingly sad story about Alice.Although BMPark is in "B" there is no mention of that word...seemingly.

Jim Lawes ● 3960d

http://m.travelodge.co.uk/mt/www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/48/London-Kew-Bridge-hotel?gclid=CNz4lNDyksECFY_ItAod9AoAjA

Jim Lawes ● 3961d

Why is London put before Brentford???

Trudie Fuller ● 3961d

There's a Novotel  London Brentford!

Reg Ghosh ● 3962d

Ok Ok ;0) I'll concede this Uni one and will endeavour to find a substitute!

Jim Lawes ● 3966d

Paragon, Brentford site, West London campus Our Brentford site address is:University of West London Boston Manor Road Brentford Middlesex TW8 9GAThis new development, called Paragon, is located 1.5 miles south of the St Mary's Road, Ealing site, West London campus.The School of Psychology, Social Care and Human Sciences and College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare is based at our Brentford site.Our Brentford site is also home to our halls of residence, Paragon.From UWL website. Rather a lot of Brentford, Brilliant or otherwise here, I feel.

Anne England ● 3966d

Our location . Cut and paste from the UWL site:The University is situated between two vibrant cities: London and Reading.Our West London campus is located in what is widely regarded as being one of the most desirable places in London to live. There is a free bus available to all students which connect the two sites, Ealing and Brentford, just 10 minutes apart.

Anne England ● 3966d

http://www.rapleys.co.uk/assets/case-study/pdf/78b12847b08a3f638245.pdf

Jim Lawes ● 3967d

Anne you think - sort of - wrong!"Students' who will be commencing their studies at the University of West London can apply for a place at our Paragon or Student Village Housing - Ealing."If you dig down a level Paragon is described as being in Brentford, Hounslow so the B word surfaces, albeit not allowed to stand alone.It was originally Thames Valley University because it incorporated Slough College as well as Ealing, but also I believe because the University of London objected to it having London in the name. London is a powerful word when you're trying to attract overseas students, the less enlightened of whom may be unfamiliar with the delights of Brilliant Brentford.

Guy Lambert ● 3967d

That's because the main university building (or at least the building first in existence and still there) is more or less opposite South Ealing station. It used to be called Thames Valley University. I think in this case the name University of West London is fair enough! The University bumph itself does acknowledge that Paragon building is in Brentford - I think.

Anne England ● 3967d

It's the most densely populated area in our Town (eight to a flat in much of the accommodation)and yet......

Jim Lawes ● 3968d

Bits of Chiswick are but the heart of Chiswick is the High Road. The heart of Brentford on the other hand is right on.... not just one river but two. And a canal. Perhaps we should change the town's name to West Venice.

Guy Lambert ● 3968d

Isn't Chiswick "right on the river " also?

Kevin Farnan ● 3968d

It will all change if the south side of the high street ever gets developed, B has big advantages over Chiswick being right on the river and canal - the Local developments will soon become next to the delightful Brentford!

Reg Ghosh ● 3968d

A CULTIVATEDNEIGHBOURHOODKew Bridge stands in one of London'smost cultivated neighbourhoods.The picturesque, eclectic Strand-on-theGreen is just a short distance awaywhile across the river, Kew Villageis a sophisticated mix of boutiqueshops, bars and restaurants. DelightfulChiswick and perennially elegantRichmond-upon-Thames are bothlocated nearby, offering a wide range ofchoices for shopping, dining and culture.Cut and pasted from the Kew Bridge development website. No mention of Brentford. Apart from that, I take exception to the description 'delightful Chiswick' - it really isn't 'all that'.

Anne England ● 3968d

No mention of "B" in the video that started with this image,

Jim Lawes ● 3969d

I've just been watching the short video on the BBC news website which shows the sad reconstruction of "Alice" walking along the structures of our local Canal.... close to the Lock and the Holiday Inn and opposite The Island development.  The plummy voiced Police commentator made no mean of the "B" word at all!Furthermore on the "interactive map" shown on the same page the red line of Alice ' s movements stops at the Great West Road...and doesn't continue southwards into deep "B" !  Have I got it all wrong? Is there a reason for "B" not being mentioned?

Jim Lawes ● 3970d

'Cheap classes New Chiswick Pool or Leisure Centre near Chiswick roundabout.'The above is cut from the W4 site and is in reply to somebody enquiring after local Pilates classes. Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, sited as it is between Chiswick Roundabout and Kew Bridge is crying out for a name change. Any suggestions?

Anne England ● 3973d

It was only yesterday that I discovered that the building some referred to as The Pringle at Brentford North Quarter is called The Kew Eye. Apart from the view of Kew being pretty distant, at best only half of the building's occupants would 'benefit' from such a view. So why not simply The Brentford Eye?

Anne England ● 3973d

....according to the Hounslow Chronicle.

Jim Lawes ● 3974d

"Police ..................have today been searching a house in the Hanwell area. The property in Boston Manor Road (not Boston Road as earlier reported) is believed to be connected to the partner of Arnis Zalkalns"Boston Manor Road is in "B" and goes as far north as Boston Manor Station..does it not. The road then continues as Boston Road I believe.. Does that mean the house in question is located in "B".

Jim Lawes ● 3974d

I forgot mention, as you all know, that the Premier Inn is located in B High Street.

Jim Lawes ● 3975d

"There's something special about lovely, leafy Kew with its world-famous gardens, historic houses and relaxed, village green feel. Premier Inn Kew puts it all at your fingers.Wander to the grand Hogarth House, Chiswick House and Syon Park. Catch the big match at Twickenham Stadium. Indulge in retail therapy at the Westfield Centre. Then escape the hustle, bustle, ruck or scrum in our secluded garden terrace, dine in our own tasty restaurant and then drift off in our extra-comfy bed.Not a word about beautiful ....."B"!

Jim Lawes ● 3975d

A mate of mine works for Cemex Concrete ( formerly Readymix ) which the company terms as their " Chiswick " depot , funny I always thought that Transport Avenue was in Brentford.

Dave Burke ● 3976d

Will the marina be Kew Reach Marina? I would almost put money on it not being called what it should be.

Joanna Russell ● 3976d

"Big Yellow self storage in Chiswick is conveniently located for the following areas for domestic, business and student self storage: Chiswick, South Acton,Strand on the Green, Ravenscourt Park, Kew Green,Gunnersbury Park, Kew Bridge, Kew, Gunnersbury, Great West Road, Chiswick Roundabout, Chiswick Park, Chiswick, Brentford,Boston Manor, Bedford Park, Acton Green & Turnham Green" says their website.Isn't it strictly located in "B" ?

Jim Lawes ● 3976d

I noticed that on the ITV 10pm News Programme this evening... there was no mention of the "B" word during the report on the missing young lady and the Latvian suspect. .The cameras panned for some time on the area around Brentford Lock, the footbridge behind the Holiday Inn and surrounds and the only places mentioned were Isleworth (where the Latvia worked) and Ealing.Some days ago they were talking of Alice walking down the Grand Union Canal "towards Kew" !  No mention of "B".again. What's the matter with the name of our Town?

Jim Lawes ● 3976d

The Garden Centre Group Trading Limited. Registered Office: Syon Park, Middlesex, TW8 8JF.Yes, I recall the Tesco one Vanessa

Jim Lawes ● 3977d

Similarly Isleworth is dropped by our old friends Tesco for Twickenham, makes you sick.

Vanessa Smith ● 3977d