This centre constitutes Upper Hale, but is better known locally as the 'Green Man' after the pub of the same name that stood at the site from at least the early 18th century.

[2] The traditional area known as The Hale extends northwards from the Green Man to the A41 and Apex Corner and the southern end is traditionally marked by the disused Edgware and Highgate railway line just south of West Way and Hale Drive; beyond lies Burnt Oak.

At the turn of the 20th century, The Hale was a popular place for day-trippers from Central London who frequented the two public houses.

Thus, since the early 1930s The Hale has been a suburban area generally characterised by private detached and semi-detached houses.

In 1932, the John Groom's Crippleage was opened just south of the A41 Edgware Way near Stoneyfields Lane; this was closed in the 1980s and replaced by modern private housing.