Bond Street, London is known worldwide for its exquisite shops, art and antiques. It is located in the heart of the prestigious Mayfair, Bond Street is one of the most sought-after locations in the Monopoly board.
Bond Street is home to some of the most expensive shops including Burberry, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. The elegant Georgian townhouses are being renovated into modern stores like Louis Vuitton at 17 New Bond Street.
There are numerous renowned art galleries on the street, as well as auction houses. The area is home to a broad variety of restaurants that are upscale and luxury hotels.
The history of Bond Street
The streets were originally fields that were surrounded by Clarendon House on Piccadilly, which were then redeveloped in the late 1800s by Sir Thomas Bond. The area quickly transformed into one of London’s most sought-after London neighborhoods. Famous residents of the past include Admiral Horatio Nelson as well as Lady Emma Hamilton.
There’s no real Bond Street but two. Old Bond Street and New Bond Street are distinct roads that are collectively with the name Bond Street.
It was initially a Bond Street, which led from Burlington Gardens to Piccadilly. The street was officially named Old Bond Street when the most recent stretch of road New Bond Street was completed in 1720.
In the latter half of the century Bond Street was a popular spot for the aristocrats as well as wealthy people living in Mayfair to meet. This led to the establishment of several upscale and costly stores were built in this area.
The street was slashed in popularity as a place for social life during the late 19th century. Yet, Bond Street has maintained its status as a fashionable London retail hub.
Bond Street is now the most expensive shopping street in Europe. On the upper end the prices can be as high as $1,714/sq Ft (PS1,335/sq feet).
Bond Street Art
Many of the top auction houses in the world can be found in Bond Street, including Bonhams and Sotheby’s. There’s a stunning bronze sculpture created by Elisabeth Frink in front of the Ralph Lauren Flagship Store. The Grade II listed sculpture is named Horse and Rider.
There are many art galleries, such as that of the Halcyon Gallery at 29 New Bond Street that specializes with contemporary art. Eden Fine Art Gallery also concentrates on contemporary art and artists like Romero Britto and David Kracov. Richard Green Gallery at 147 New Bond St showcases Old Master and Impressionist art.
Gray’s Antiques Market is a just a short stroll away on the number 58 Davies Street. There are more than 100 vendors spread across two floors.
The Royal Academy of Arts is near by on Piccadilly. The art school is situated in Burlington House, a masterpiece of Palladian style.
Attractions on Bond Street
Don’t overlook not to see the “Allies” sculpture of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt who are seated on a bench and having conversations. Created by Lawrence Holofcener the statue was officially unveiled by Princess Margaret in May 1995.
It has been a hit with people who pass by since, and you can take an image with two great world leaders.
The Allies sculpture
According to certain people, the unique interlocking letter Cs that are found on lamps in Westminster are a tribute to Coco Chanel, her time as the Duke of Westminster who was deeply in love with Coco Chanel. The council says that the CCs represent City Council, but it’s an interesting urban myth!
At the corner of 103 New Bond Street, you will find an official blue marker that commemorates Admiral Lord Nelson, who lived there in 1798. In the next street, at the number 147 New Bond Street, there’s another Nelson blue plaque, since the city was also his home however, in 1797.
Bond Street in the Media
This well-known London street has been featured in music videos, films and even books, such as:
Bond Street 1948 film directed by Gordon Parry about a bride’s gown.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell – a novel written by Susanna Clarke.
Maid of Bond Street – an album by David Bowie.
Mrs Dalloway The novel of Virginia Woolf.
The novel is based on Sense and Sensibility The novel written by Jane Austen.
Bond Street Restaurants
There are very few eateries on Old Bond Street or New Bond Street. However, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes close by. Here are some suggestions might be helpful:
Bond Street Kitchen – inside Fenwicks department store, where you can enjoy healthy light meals.
Goodman Mayfair for Steaks and other dishes on Maddox Street.
Hush – in Lancashire Court for outdoor dining.
Laduree is a place to get macaroons and tea at The Burlington Arcade.
Sketch – located on Conduit Street for afternoon tea or dinner.
Umu is a fashionable Japanese restaurant located on Bruton Place.
Bond Street Shops
The most exclusive shopping avenue located in London, Bond Street is well-known among royalty.
Bond Street Royal Warrant owners comprise:
Asprey Jewellers, Goldsmiths and silversmiths.
Cartier Watches and Jewelry. When Christmas is in the air the elegant Cartier structure is decorated with a massive bow.
Daks – womenswear and menswear.
Smythson – stationery.
There are many flagship stores that represent fashion houses from around the world, such as Dior as well as Bvlgari. The most famous are:
Hermes is located in Hermes – in the Grade II listed Time and Life Building located at the 155 New Bond Street, with the Henry Moore frieze on the façade.
Ralph Lauren Flagship Store – located at 1 New Bond Street, this Art Deco building was formerly the home of National Westminster Bank. National Westminster Bank.
Salvatore Ferragmo is located at Salvatore Ferragmo – at Old Bond Street, a Grade II listed building with decorated with gold along with bells from the Atkinson Carillon bell.
A bit confusingly, the famed Taylor of Old Bond Street store isn’t at all on Bond Street, but on nearby Jermyn Street in St James’s.
The capital’s top art galleries and top-end antique stores are located around Sotheby’s auction houses and The Fine Art Society towards the south .
Fenwicks is a trendy department store that provides the latest fashions as well as numerous beauty treatments. This includes Blink Brow Bar and Treatment Room, Chantecaille Healing Spa, Frey-ja Barker, Nails Inc Luxe and La Prairie Beauty Room. Additionally, there’s Bond Street Kitchen and Brook Street Cafe and Wine Room to enjoy refreshments.
Burlington Arcade lies parallel to Bond Street. There are 46 shops, including the men’s shoe shop owned by Manolo Blahnik which is the only one in the world.
This historical shopping gallery is among the largest of its kind in Great Britain, at over the 196-yard mark. It is supervised by the Beadles the oldest and most small police force in the world.
The Royal Arcade runs from 28 Old Bond Street to 12 Albemarle Street.
This Victorian arcade has a breathtaking skyline of glass. There are some wonderful shops, such as Charbonnel et Walker for chocolate truffles, and Ormonde Jayne for perfume.
For more information about buying in this area The Bond Street Association website provides a comprehensive list of shops located in Old Bond Street and New Bond Street.
What are the best places to stay close to Bond Street
There are some gorgeous luxurious apartments available for let in Mayfair. Browns Hotel located on Albemarle Street and The Westbury Mayfair on Conduit Street are both lux five-star hotels. They’re just a few feet distance from Bond Street.
Additionally, in Mayfair, The Beaumont, Claridge’s and The Biltmore Mayfair are excellent choices. The latter also has a renowned restaurant run by the chef Jason Atherton, The Betterment.
When should you go to Bond Street
It is possible to visit the area anytime of the night or day. However, Bond Street stores have specific timings for opening hours.
They usually are open from 10am until 7pm from Monday to Saturday and 12pm until 6pm on Sundays. Burlington Arcade stays open every day, from 8 pm to 10pm.
The journey to Bond Street
Bond Street is located between Green Park and Oxford Street. If you’re using public transport, the closest subway stations is Green Park and Bond Street tube. Both stations are only a few minutes’ walk from each other.
There aren’t any public parking spaces for cars on Bond Street, however Q-Park located on Old Burlington Street is within walking distance.
