Bond Street is home to some of the most expensive retailers including Burberry, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Elegant Georgian townhouses have been converted into contemporary shops, such as Louis Vuitton at 17 New Bond Street.
There are also many renowned art galleries along the street, along with auction houses. The area has a wide range of upscale restaurants and luxury hotels.
If you’re looking for a day (or night) of luxury and glamour, Bond Street is the place to be. Here are some of our favorite spots on this iconic street.
History of Bond Street
The street was originally fields surrounding Clarendon House in Piccadilly, which were redeveloped by Sir Thomas Bond. The area quickly became one of the most fashionable in London. Famous former residents include Admiral Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton. Actually, there is not one Bond Street but two. Old Bond Street and New Bond Street are separate roads, collectively given the title of Bond Street.
Best Things to Do in London, UK
Originally there was one Bond Street, which led from Burlington Gardens to Piccadilly. This was officially renamed Old Bond Street when the last section of the road, New Bond Street, was completed in 1720.
At the turn of the century, Bond Street was a popular place to socialize among Mayfair’s aristocrats and upper class. As a result, many expensive and prestigious shops were established here. The street declined as a center of social activity in the 19th century. However, Bond Street has maintained its reputation as a fashionable shopping center in London.
Bond Street is now the most expensive shopping street in Europe. At the high end, prices can go as high as $1,714/sqft (£1,335/sqft).
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Bond Street Art
Several of the major art auction houses are represented on Bond Street, including Bonhams and Sotheby’s. There is a fine bronze sculpture of Elisabeth Frink in front of the Ralph Lauren flagship store. This Grade II listed sculpture is titled Horse and Rider.
Elisabeth Frink sculpture
There are numerous art galleries such as Halcyon Gallery at 29 New Bond Street, specializing in contemporary art. Eden Fine Art Gallery also focuses on modern art, with renowned artists such as Romero Britto and David Kracov. Richard Green Gallery at 147 New Bond St displays Old Master and Impressionist paintings.
Gray’s Antique Market is a short walk away at 58 Davies Street. There are almost 100 distributors spread over 2 floors.
The Royal Academy of Arts is close to Piccadilly. This art institution is located inside Burlington House, a masterpiece of the Palladian style.
Bond Street Attractions
Don’t miss the statue of the “Allies” of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, sitting on a bench talking. Sculpted by Lawrence Holofcener, the statue was unveiled by Princess Margaret in May 1995.
It has been popular with passers-by ever since, as you can pose for a photo sitting between the two historical world leaders. According to some, the distinctive interlocking letters C on the Westminster lampposts are a tribute to Coco Chanel from the Duke of Westminster who was in love with her. The council says CC stands for City Hall, but that’s a nice urban myth!
At 103 New Bond Street you can see the main blue plaque commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson who lived there in 1798. Further down at 147 New Bond Street is another blue plaque for Nelson as he also lived there but in 1797
Bond Street in the Media
This famous London street has been featured extensively in movies, songs and books, including:
Bond Street: A 1948 Gordon Parry film about a bride’s dress.
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell – a novel by Susanna Clarke.
Maid of Bond Street: a David Bowie song.
Mrs. Dalloway – Virginia Woolf’s novel.
Sense and sensibility: Jane Austen’s novel.
Bond Street Restaurants
There are actually very few restaurants on Old Bond Street or New Bond Street. However, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Here are some of the best restaurants in Mayfair:
Bond Street Kitchen: Inside Fenwicks department store, for a light and healthy lunch.
Goodman Mayfair: For steaks on Maddox Street.
Hush: At Lancashire Court for alfresco dining.
Ladurée: For macaroni and tea at Burlington Arcade.
Sketch: on Conduit Street for afternoon tea or dinner.
Umu – A fancy Japanese restaurant on Bruton Place.
Bond Street Restaurants
There are actually very few restaurants on Old Bond Street or New Bond Street. However, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. Here are some of the best restaurants in Mayfair:
Bond Street Kitchen: Inside Fenwicks department store, for a light and healthy lunch.
Goodman Mayfair: For steaks on Maddox Street.
Hush: At Lancashire Court for alfresco dining.
Ladurée: For macaroni and tea at Burlington Arcade.
Sketch: on Conduit Street for afternoon tea or dinner.
Umu – A fancy Japanese restaurant on Bruton Place.
Bond Street Shops
Considered the most exclusive shopping street in London, Bond Street is popular with royalty.
Bond Street collateral holders include:
Asprey – jewelers, goldsmiths and silversmiths.
Cartier: watches and jewelry. At Christmas, this elegant building is dressed in a giant bow.
Daks: men’s and women’s clothing.
Smythson: luxury stationery.
There are also many flagship stores from international fashion houses such as Dior and Bvlgari. Some of the most notable include:
Chanel at 159 New Bond Street is the world’s largest Chanel store and a great place to shop for authentic Chanel handbags and clothing.
Hermes – in the Grade II listed Time and Life building at 155 New Bond Street, with a frieze by Henry Moore on the façade.
Ralph Lauren Flagship Store at 1 New Bond Street, this Art Deco building was formerly the headquarters of the National Westminster Bank.
Salvatore Ferragmo at 24 Old Bond Street, a Grade II listed building with gilt decoration and the Atkinson Carillon bell.
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Confusingly enough, the famous Taylor of Old Bond Street store is not located on Bond Street, but on nearby Jermyn Street in St James’s.
The capital’s most exclusive art galleries and high-end antique shops cluster around Sotheby’s auction house and the Society of Fine Arts towards the southern end.
