Bond Street, London is known worldwide for its exquisite boutiques, antiques and art. The street is situated in the middle of the prestigious Mayfair, Bond Street is one of the most sought-after locations that are on the Monopoly board.
Bond Street is home to some of the most expensive stores like Burberry, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Beautiful Georgian townhouses have been renovated into modern stores like Louis Vuitton at 17 New Bond Street.
There are numerous famous art galleries that line the street, along with auction houses. The neighborhood is home to a vast selection of fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels.
The history of Bond Street
The area was originally farmland around Clarendon House on Piccadilly, which were then redeveloped through Sir Thomas Bond. The area quickly was able to become one of the 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 two distinct roads that are collectively with the name Bond Street.
It was initially a Bond Street, which led from Burlington Gardens to Piccadilly. It was officially renamed Old Bond Street when the most recent segment of this road New Bond Street was completed in 1720.
At the close of the century Bond Street was a popular location for the aristocrats and wealthy people living in Mayfair to meet. In the end, numerous upscale and expensive shops were opened there.
The street was slashed as a center of social life during the early 19th century. But, Bond Street has maintained its status as a fashionable London retail hub.
Bond Street is now the most expensive retail avenue in Europe. The highest end of the spectrum the cost can go up to $1,714/square Ft (PS1,335/sq Ft).
Bond Street Art
A number of the most prestigious auction houses for art 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 which 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 Gray’s Antiques Market is just a short walk away at 58 Davies Street. There are over 100 dealers on two floors.
The Royal Academy of Arts is located close to Piccadilly. The art school is situated in Burlington House, a masterpiece of Palladian style.
Attractions on Bond Street
Don’t overlook The “Allies” sculpture of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt in a seated position on a bench, having conversations. Created by Lawrence Holofcener the statue was officially unveiled by Princess Margaret in May 1995.
It has become a favorite for passers-by ever since, and it is possible to pose for photos with the two world leaders of the past.
The Allies sculpture
According to certain people, the unique interlocking letter Cs that are found on posts of the lampposts at Westminster are a homage to Coco Chanel by The Duke of Westminster who was deeply in love with Coco Chanel. The council says that the CCs are a reference to the City Council, but it’s an urban legend!
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 47 New Bond Street, there’s another Nelson blue plaque, since the city was also his home but in 1797.
Bond Street in the Media
The famous London street has been featured in music videos, films and even books, such as:
Bond Street 1948 film made 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 written of Virginia Woolf.
Sensibility and Sensibility The novel written by Jane Austen.
Bond Street Restaurants
There are hardly any eateries on Old Bond Street or New Bond Street. There are however many restaurants and cafes close by. Here are some suggestions might be helpful:
Bond Street Kitchen – inside Fenwicks department store, to enjoy healthy light meals.
Goodman Mayfair to get 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
It is considered to be the most exclusive shopping district within London, Bond Street is famous among the royals.
Bond Street Royal Warrant owners comprise:
Asprey is a jeweller, goldsmith and silversmiths.
Cartier jewelry and watches. When Christmas is in the air the elegant Cartier structure is decorated with a huge bow.
Daks – womenswear and menswear.
Smythson – stationery.
There are many flagship stores of international fashion houses like Dior as well as Bvlgari. The most famous are:
Hermes 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 gold-plated decoration as well as bells from the Atkinson Carillon bell.
A bit confusingly, the famed Taylor of Old Bond Street store isn’t located in Bond Street, but on nearby Jermyn Street in St James’s.
The capital’s top art galleries as well as high-end antique stores are located around Sotheby’s auction house as well as The Fine Art Society towards the south-facing end.
Fenwicks is a trendy department store that offers the latest fashions as well as numerous beauty treatments. They include Blink Brow Bar and Treatment Room, Chantecaille Healing Spa, Frey-ja Barker, Nails Inc Luxe and La Prairie Beauty Room. Also, 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 boutiques including the men’s shoe shop owned by Manolo Blahnik The only one of its kind in the world.
This historical shopping gallery is among the largest within Great Britain, at over 196 yards. It is overseen by the Beadles the oldest and the smallest 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 as well as Ormonde Jayne for perfume.
For more information about shops in Bond Street, The Bond Street Association website contains a wide selection of stores 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 lease 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 off of Bond Street.
Additionally, in Mayfair, The Beaumont, Claridge’s and The Biltmore Mayfair are excellent choices. The latter is a popular restaurant from Chef Jason Atherton, The Betterment.
When should you go to Bond Street
The area is accessible anytime of the evening or during the day. However, Bond Street stores have specific hours of operation.
They are usually 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 taking public transport, the nearest 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.
