Local Insight & Information
A place fit for the Royal Family and one which has been their home for many years throughout history, it is no wonder that St. James’ is a very prestigious location with plenty of charm and an air of elegance about it. The architecture within this area, as you would expect is mostly very grand and handsome having once housed the rich and wealthy of the West End; today they provide some exquisite office accommodation too. Fashion, food and theatre are all of the highest quality throughout this area and luxury laces the streets and business all over St. James’.
Some of the finest foods and restaurants can be sampled within St. James’ and there is everything from exceptional produce stores as well as elegant cafes and lavish restaurants. Cicchetti, one of the newer establishments in the area is an exquisite Italian restaurant offering their own interpretation of the Venetian custom of cicchetti which refers to small plate dishes to share or eat alone, traditionally enjoyed with a beer or glass of wine. The interiors deliver a high quality yet relaxing atmosphere and the streams of light grey Italian marble help transport you to the warmth and charm of Italy. The menu offers a new taste season to season ensuring that only the freshest and best seasonal ingredients are used whilst maintaining staple favourites. This restaurant is the first and only in London, trending a new strength in all-day dining within St James’.
Shopping in this locality is just as lavish as the dining and St. James’ has long been a staple destination to acquire traditionally British fashions. James’ Street holds a strong sophistication and fine craftsmanship within the many retailers which line the road, mainly those of shirt makers and luxury grooming. The street has a strong reputation for quality and retailers here pride themselves on out-performing quality standards. Turnbull & Asser are 125 year old tailors who hold the artistry to cut a fine suit to any shape whilst offering a bespoke service to the customer. John Lobb is the number one destination for high class shoes and boots holding the motto ‘the bear maximum for man’ and offering made to measure services.
Key Transport Links
Being within the vibrant and attractive West End which sees floods of tourists as well as business men and women pass through its streets day to day, there are plentiful transport links throughout the area. Piccadilly Circus tube is only a five minute walk from the centre of St. James’ offering links to the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines and for the Victoria line, Green Park tube is only two minutes further. The area is also only a 20 minute walk from the extremely well connected Victoria Station which provides links to the Circle and District lines as well as Southeastern and Southern Trains, the Gatwick Express along with Thames link and bus services.
More on Location
A very iconic building within St. James’ is that of Clarence House and attending one of the tours of the site is a great way to spend a free afternoon or an ideal way to entertain clients visiting London. Guest will be guided around the five main rooms as well as their adjoining rooms on the ground floor whilst gaining a wonderful insight in to the life of the Royal Family. The building, originally constructed between 1825 and 1827, was home to the Queen Mother from 1953 to 2002 and is still the official residence of The Prince of Wales who first lived there as a young boy.
The first ever resident of the house was Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence and heir of George IV who lived in it as King until 1837. The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, and The Duke of Edinburgh also lived in the property after their marriage in 1947. Tours of the house are only conducted during the months of August and September so not to interrupt the lives of the Royals who still use the residence as a large part of their lives throughout most of the year.
Sitting within close proximity to Clarence House is another Royal building, St. James’ Palace. Although not being used as an official residence since the Victorian era it is thought to be one of the oldest palaces in London and was once inhabited by the sovereign of its time. The only remaining parts of the original Tudor version of St. James’ Palace however are the Chapel Royal and a fine 16th century gatehouse.
