Bond Street, London is the world’s most renowned for its chic 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 in the Monopoly board.
Bond Street is home to some of the most expensive stores like Burberry, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Beautiful Georgian townhouses are being renovated into modern stores like Louis Vuitton at 17 New Bond Street.
There are numerous famous art galleries on the street, along with auction houses. The neighborhood is home to a vast variety of restaurants that are upscale and luxury hotels.
The story of Bond Street
The streets were originally fields that were surrounded by Clarendon House on Piccadilly, which were later 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 Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton.
There’s not a single Bond Street but two. Old Bond Street and New Bond Street are distinct roads that are collectively with the name Bond Street.
There was a first Bond Street, which led from Burlington Gardens to Piccadilly. It was officially renamed Old Bond Street when the new stretch of road New Bond Street was completed in 1720.
At the close of the century Bond Street was a popular spot for the aristocrats as well as the upper classes of Mayfair to meet. This led to the establishment of numerous upscale and expensive shops were opened there.
The street was slashed as a center of social activities during the late 19th century. But, 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 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 have their offices by their offices on 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 a variety of art galleries, such as The Halcyon Gallery at 29 New Bond Street which specializes with contemporary art. Eden Fine Art Gallery also concentrates on contemporary art featuring 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 only a few steps away at the number 58 Davies Street. There are over 100 vendors spread across 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 be averse to The “Allies” sculpture of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt in a seated position on a bench, having conversations. The sculpture was created by Lawrence Holofcener. the statue was officially unveiled by Princess Margaret in the month of May 1995.
It has been a hit with people who pass by since, since it is possible to pose for an image with 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, her time as the Duke of Westminster who was obsessed 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 can view this blue monument, which is dedicated to Admiral Lord Nelson, who lived there in 1798. In the next street, at 47 New Bond Street, there’s another Nelson blue plaque. This is because it was his residence but in 1797.
Bond Street in the Media
This well-known London street has been extensively 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 of Virginia Woolf.
Sensibility and Sensibility The novel written by Jane Austen.
Bond Street Restaurants
There are hardly any restaurants located on Old Bond Street or New Bond Street. There are however many restaurants and cafes close by. Here are some suggestions could be useful to you:
Bond Street Kitchen – inside Fenwicks department store, to enjoy an easy and healthy lunch.
Goodman Mayfair for meats in 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 chic Japanese restaurant located on Bruton Place.
Bond Street Shops
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 this beautiful building is decorated with a huge bow.
Daks – ladieswear and menswear.
Smythson – stationery.
There are numerous flagship stores of fashion houses from around the world, such as Dior or 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 gold-plated decoration as well as an Atkinson Carillon bell.
A bit confusingly, the famed Taylor of Old Bond Street store isn’t located 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 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 for drinks.
Burlington Arcade lies parallel to Bond Street. There are 46 shops, including the men’s store from Manolo Blahnik which is the only one in the world.
The historic shopping gallery is among the largest of its kind in Great Britain, at over 196 yards. It is overseen 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 tall glass ceiling. There are some wonderful stores , like Charbonnel et Walker for chocolate truffles as well as Ormonde Jayne for perfume.
For additional information on shops in Bond Street, The Bond Street Association website provides a comprehensive list of shops located in Old Bond Street and New Bond Street.
Where can I stay close to Bond Street
There are some gorgeous luxury apartments 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 located just a few steps off of Bond Street.
Additionally, in Mayfair, The Beaumont, Claridge’s and The Biltmore Mayfair are good options. The latter also has a renowned restaurant from 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 hours of operation.
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.
How to get 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 are just a few minutes ‘ walk from each other.
There aren’t any public car parks along Bond Street, however Q-Park located on Old Burlington Street is within walking distance.
