Fitaly founder Charlene Ashong
(Picture: Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd)I grew up in Isleworth, so moving back after a decade in Italy felt right. I love my quaint and quiet hometown, where I now live in a three-bed semi.
Isleworth isn’t trendy or buzzy, but it’s green, safe and easy on the eye. Nobody seems to know where it is, which means I can disappear off-grid while still feeling closely connected to the city.
It’s easy to pop into central London for a culture fix before returning to the comforting hug of a place that’s so familiar to me.
Best places for eating and drinking
I’m really into healthy, whole foods, so my go-to is Corto Italian Deli on Church Street in neighbouring Twickenham. It’s tiny but cute, and you can enjoy coffee, charcuterie and tasty tomato and anchovy bruschetta as you browse authentic Italian products.
The London Apprentice, on a different Church Street in Isleworth itself, is a Grade II-listed Georgian pub. I go there for the romantic riverside vibe. Ballucci on London Road is a popular coffee shop with modern, minimalist decor.
Syon Lounge in the Hilton in Syon Park is the place to take friends. It overlooks the park and serves Asian-inspired food. I tend to go for plant-based dishes in restaurants, so I like that it offers good vegan and veggie options. My go-tos are the asparagus tempura and the dynamite cauliflower with fresh spring onion sauce. For fish and chips, Mario’s on Twickenham Road is unbeatable.
Where I work out
I go to Virgin Active in Twickenham Stadium. The facilities are modern and clean — including a gorgeous spa and Zumba class — and the views from the gym help you relax as you work out.
To commune with nature
For picnics I go to Osterley Park as it’s easy to get lost in its vastness. Then there’s Syon Park, home to Syon House where period dramas are often filmed. Both are only a 15-minute walk away. Richmond Park is a bit further out, but I adore going to the Isabella Plantation. It has a rainforest feel with super cool vegetation and lots of colourful azaleas.
For a culture fix
This is where Isleworth falls short. But nearby Kew Gardens hosts wonderful exhibitions. I went to one recently about food sustainability by the Ghanaian artist Serge Attukwei Clottey, and another featuring botanical art of edible plants.
Grocery shopping
There’s a huge Tesco but the fruit and veg vendors in Hounslow High Street sell the freshest produce at very reasonable prices. There’s a strong sense of community there and a real mish-mash of cultures. I also pop into Waitrose on Twickenham High Street, Whole Foods in Richmond and Aldi in Hounslow.
Getting around
I drive so the beauty for me is the Great West Road. The H91 bus takes you to Hammersmith, and Osterley Tube is on the Piccadilly line. Isleworth and Syon Lane stations offer access to Waterloo.
Dream street
There’s a street in Osterley which has a beautiful view of the park. It’s quiet but by the Tube. I think the butler from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air lives there.
Something you only see in Isleworth
On London Road we have a golden postbox to celebrate Sir Mo Farah winning gold at the 2012 Olympics.
What’s the catch?
The planes on their way in and out of Heathrow. The noise is non-stop.
In three words
Green, cosy suburbia.
Dream street
There’s a street in Osterley which has a beautiful view of the park. It’s quiet but by the Tube. I think the butler from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air lives there.
Something you only see in Isleworth
On London Road we have a golden postbox to celebrate Sir Mo Farah winning gold at the 2012 Olympics.
What’s the catch?
The planes on their way in and out of Heathrow. The noise is non-stop.
In three words
Green, cosy suburbia.
Charlene Ashong is founder of healthy Mediterranean food brand, Fitaly ( fitalyfood.com; @charleneashong)
What it costs
Buying in Isleworth
Average house price: £676,100
Average flat price: £324,460
Renting in Isleworth
Average one-bed home, pcm: £2,040
Average three-bed home, pcm: £1,560
Source: Hamptons
Schools in Isleworth
The Blue School primary is rated outstanding by Ofsted, while good local secondaries include Isleworth & Syon School for Boys, The Green School, and Brentford School for Girls.
