Tucked away in the London Borough of Barnet, The Hyde isn’t just another street corner. It’s a place whispering tales of centuries past, a hide of land where history has unfolded in surprising ways. The Hyde, whose name first appears in records back in 1281, originally signified enough land to support a family – about 120 acres. Imagine the families who lived and toiled here, their lives intertwined with this plot of land. Today, The Hyde is a vibrant mix of old and new, from the imposing BT Colindale telephone exchange to the bustling Sainsbury’s supermarket. But look closer, and you’ll see glimpses of its rich past. Did you know that the Hendon Brewery once stood on The Hyde, established in 1855? Or that the area housed the offices of Airco, a prominent aircraft manufacturer, until its closure in 1920? Even the furniture retailer MFI had its head office here between 1989 and 2006. The Hyde has even seen its share of dramatic transformations. Remember the Red Lion pub that stood at the corner of the A5 and Kingsbury Road? Sadly, it closed its doors in 2005 and was demolished in 2009, making way for new developments. More recently, in 2020, plans were approved to replace the existing Sainsbury’s with a new one, alongside over a thousand new homes, despite facing considerable local opposition. The Hyde, it seems, is always evolving. So, as you stand here, on this seemingly ordinary stretch of road, remember the layers of history beneath your feet, the echoes of breweries and businesses, the families who called The Hyde home. This unassuming locality holds more stories than meet the eye, a testament to London’s ever-changing landscape.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to