Change is inevitable, and nowhere is that clearer than in the heart of our own borough of Harrow.
Harrow Weald’s High Street, once a familiar, predictable stretch of shops and services, has seen its fair share of transformations over the past 17 years.
From the closure of local businesses to the arrival of new faces, the area has undergone quiet but significant changes. What was once a snapshot of mid-2000s suburban life has shifted into the 2020s, keeping pace with broader trends while holding onto its local charm – to a degree.
Thanks to tools like Google Maps’ historical views, we can even journey back and see those changes unfold in front of us. Let’s take a stroll through the notable shifts on Harrow Weald High Street, reflecting on the past and where we are now in 2024.
Back in 2008, Homebase had stood (since 1994) as the local go-to for all things DIY and gardening. But in the ever-competitive world of retail, not all businesses survive and Homebase had to close many of its stores. Fast forward to July 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Homebase building was repurposed into a giant Lidl.
This change wasn’t just a simple switch of retailers — it marked a shift in the local shopping dynamic in Harrow Weald. With Waitrose and Iceland already on the same road, Lidl brought an additional layer of competition, offering a budget-friendly alternative in a time when people were rethinking their spending habits due to Covid.
Though the building remains mostly the same on the outside, what’s happening inside is very different. No longer aisles of paint and power tools, now it’s with shoppers stocking up on affordable groceries, bakery goods, and household essentials – not forgetting that unmistakeable Lidl ‘Middle Aisle’.
The opening of Lidl during the pandemic brought a bit of excitement to the otherwise dreary year — thankfully, by 2024, we can shop mask-free!
One of the few constants over the years has been the sturdy presence of what was once Discount Direct. This local gem, known for offering everything from homeware to power drills, has now become HomeFix Plus, but the essence of the original store remains largely the same. It’s still the go-to place when you need to fix something around the house or spruce up your interiors without breaking the bank.
One of the most notable changes on the High Street has to be the transformation of The Wealdstone Inn into Bombay Central. The pub was once a local watering hole, known as The Red Lion and The Archery at one point, it’s a place where locals would gather for a pint and a chat. But as times change, so too do the tastes of the locals. In stepped Bombay Central, an Indian restaurant that has quickly risen to become one of the best in the whole of Harrow – and a favourite of Harrow Online.
The transformation reflects a broader trend toward more diverse dining options in suburban areas, and Bombay Central is leading the way in Harrow Weald.
Remember the NatWest bank that used to sit on the corner of Long Elmes and the High Street? It’s now Este Hair Medical, a specialist clinic offering a range of hair restoration and cosmetic treatments. The change might seem surprising at first, but it fits neatly into the trend of former bank branches being repurposed into wellness or medical spaces.
Onto another favourite from back in the day – Kemps, once a beloved Turkish restaurant on Weald Lane, has moved further down the road, closer to Waitrose (just opposite). Its old location, however, hasn’t stayed empty for long. Now it’s home to Chicken Cottage, offering
So, there you have it — a snapshot of how Harrow Weald’s High Street has transformed over the past 17 years. From the practical (Homebase to Lidl) to food (Wealdstone Inn to Bombay Central), the changes reflect the evolving needs and desires of the local community.
Seamus Donaghy is a freelance writer with a strong interest in Harrow’s local history. Originally from Sligo in the Republic of Ireland, Seamus moved to Harrow with his family when he was seven years old and grew up in Wealdstone. He has lived in the borough for more than 30 years and writes about the people, places and stories that have shaped Harrow over the years.
