The ultimate area guide to Pimlico
Sometimes overshadowed by its elegant neighbour Belgravia, the small neighbourhood of Pimlico is one of London’s secret treasures. Its pavements, whilst not paved with gold, are lined with elegant Regency terraces, punctuated by pretty garden squares and bordered by the River Thames to the south, providing some properties with a riverside aspect. Part of the City of Westminster, Pimlico sits east of Chelsea and a little south of Victoria, occupying a convenient central location with good access in all directions to other parts of London.
The ultimate area guide to Pimlico
History of Pimlico
It’s hard to imagine that before being developed in the 1800’s, Pimlico was a marshland populated only by a handful of humble cottages that came under the Manor of Ebury dating back to the 16th century, owned by the Grosvenor dynasty. The rather unusual name ‘Pimlico’ emanated during the 17th century from a successful local brewer, whose ale became extremely popular in the area. The 19th century arrived and with it, came the need for more housing, that yet again saw Thomas Cubitt – the Victorian planner and master builder take on responsibility for creating much of this area from 1825. Even back then, resourceful thinking led to Thomas Cubitt using soil and hardcore from his development of St Katherine Docks to reclaim the land and lay the base for the site on which Pimlico is constructed. To this day, his work is commemorated, and his presence is felt by a statue depicting the builder at his drawing board situated at the junction of Pimlico’s Denbigh Street and Lupus Street.
Architecture of Pimlico
Pimlico’s streets are laid out in a compact grid-like formation that features many fine stucco-fronted houses, some overlooking leafy private garden squares such as Eccleston Square, Warwick Square and St George’s Square. These were designed in the 19th century by Thomas Cubitt, laying the foundations for the refined style and atmosphere of this attractive enclave of prime central London.
Dolphin Square
Damage to Pimlico during World War II was not that extensive and fortunately much of the area’s original architecture and buildings remained intact. The neighbourhood is well known for its new development called Dolphin Square between 1935 and 1937. The construction of this large residential complex, once Greater London’s largest garden square met with a mix of reactions because of its scale and architectural style. The complex, which includes 1,234 units, is located on the River Thames and features a 1.4-hectare public garden, retail space, tennis courts, a gym, and a fitness centre. Dolphin Square has also been associated with notable residents – including MPs, MI5 agents, spies and sex-workers and historical events, both positive and negative.
Pimlico Mews Property & Prices
Pimlico’s riverside, village-like community attracts both domestic and international buyers. It has great appeal for families and city workers searching for a home close to offices in Westminster and Victoria, but who don’t want to pay Belgravia/Chelsea prices. Pimlico is generally considered a more affordable area of central London, but it is still relatively expensive compared to other parts of the city. Property prices in Pimlico are above the London average and those within the Pimlico Grid, a Conservation Area, are highly sought-after.
Currently, we’re seeing an average of circa £1,150 per square foot for a mews house in the heart of Pimlico and £1,100 per square foot for houses that aren’t in a mews.
Things to do in Pimlico
We’ve come up with some of our favourite places to discover in Pimlico that we know you’ll enjoy too and offer the ‘ultimate’ Pimlico experience.
Shopping in Pimlico
Pimlico’s main shopping area lies within Pimlico Grid, located south of Victoria Station along Wilton Road, Warwick Way, and Tachbrook Street, and is a bustling retail hub. Here, you’ll find everything you need at shops like Rippon Cheese and Mr Cad Photographic. The brilliant Tachbrook Street Market, is also open from Monday to Saturday, selling fresh produce and an array of delicious street food.
The rejuvenation of the now super-chic Pimlico Road – though technically in Belgravia, but claimed by Pimlico as its own – definitely gives the local area a younger, more modern edge and buzzy focus. It is regarded as the creative district, known for its high-end interior studios, antiques and arts showrooms and shops, people come from all over London and overseas to pick up designer pieces, artwork and rare objects. Here you will find Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, the longest established interior decorating firm in Great Britain, synonymous with the English country house aesthetic for nearly a century. They moved their Mayfair showroom to Pimlico Road and entered a new era of creativity and interior design. Other fantastic stores in the neighbourhood include:
Gertrude Fashions – this independent fashion boutique has been trading since 1975 and is popular for ladies who love stylish designer classics by the likes of Frank Lyman and Joseph Rybkoff.
Naomi Neoh – brides-to-be can book an appointment at this bridal boutique in the heart of Pimlico for a personal and intimate wedding gown experience.
Cave – comprises a vintage shop, workshop and gallery space and prides itself on being a local niche and quirky place. They seek to continually maintain interest around their space with an everchanging range of things for sale with planned art classes and spontaneous creative happenings that draw people in to see what’s on offer every day.
Food and Drinks in Pimlico
Cacio & Pepe – set up by Enrica Della Matira – a former Masterchef Italia finalist and her famous footballer father. This is an a la carte Italian restaurant that prides itself in producing authentic dishes from Italy which showcase flavours and culinary tradition with clever modern touches, all inspired by the Mediterranean.
Grumbles – is something of an institution in Pimlico having started back in 1964. It’s a traditional British French bistro with a nostalgic welcoming ambiance going strong after over 60 years. The Standard described its interior as ‘feeling like wearing a favourite old waxed jacket’, far from shabby, but an independent restaurant that has been very well-loved and frequented over decades. Prices are very reasonable and the classic dishes from snails to mussels, steak to fish pie and substantial scrummy puds are what makes it such a popular place.
Pimlico Fresh – very well frequented by locals, Pimlico Fresh is a neighbourhood café serving great coffee and healthy brunch & lunches with fresh produce, flavoursome ingredients, and made with care. There are tables inside and a few pavement tables under an awning. You will not regret ordering their French toast and their coffee is definitely one of the best blends in London.
Hatch 77 – it describes itself as ‘not just a café but a community hub’; this is definitely the epitome of a local neighbourhood haunt located in Wilton Street. The owners are carrying on a three-generation legacy where every dish served is made with love and care, just as their grandparents taught them. Come the evening it transforms into a bar and bistro offering cocktails and a tempting menu at reasonable prices.
The Orange Gastropub – built as a brewery in the 1800’s on the site of a former old coffee house, this pub is reportedly named after William of Orange. Today, this gastropub laid out over four floors has undergone an impressive revamp to create a stylish pub with a boutique hotel.
Andrew Wong’s – this restaurant’s two Michelin stars are well deserved. The exquisite detail that goes into every dish is only buoyed by the accessibility that the vast and reasonably priced menu offers. It affords lunchtime diners the excuse to pop in for dim sum, while the evening Taste of China menu is an unforgettable journey through Chinese cuisine.
Cyprus Mangal – is a rather rare treat serving authentic and excellent Turkish cuisine. But after over a decade in Pimlico, and a sleek renovation of its Warwick Road dining room, this restaurant has firmly established itself as a local favourite.
Lorne Restaurant – a must-visit British restaurant with an emphasis on sourcing the best seasonal produce and ingredients served with a visionary wine list in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
Pimlico Farmer’s Market – under the gaze of Mozart’s statue on Orange Square, this lovely market happens from 9am to 2pm every Saturday. You can enjoy buying fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit, fresh juice, pasta, eggs, meat and poultry, game in season, fish and shellfish, speciality cheeses, charcuterie and artisan bread. There are plenty of places to sit and appreciate the atmosphere and sample delicious street food.
Capital Car Boot Sale – held every Sunday at the Pimlico Academy car park, this is a lively car indoor and outdoor boot sale – a treasure trove for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts.
Culture, Art & Antiques in Pimlico
Howe – For over 30 years, Christopher Howe has sourced antiques from around the world for their unique provenance, quality and character. Using his understanding of their design and craftsmanship has led to amassing a huge inventory of fine antique pieces and inspired an acclaimed collection of new Made by Howe furniture and lighting. Each new design is handcrafted by experts and made in Britain.
Gallery 25 – started in 1979, it takes its name from the art deco exhibition in 1925. It continues to offer unusual items of furniture, lighting and art nouveau glass – a truly special place where you can find something to enhance your mews home decor.
Haynes – further along Pimlico Road is this family-run fine art dealership that came from humble beginnings and grew to become one of the largest dealers of fine art.
Green Spaces in Pimlico
St George’s Square, known for its flower beds, pond, and peaceful atmosphere.
Pimlico Gardens, a Thames-side park, features lawns, benches, and a statue of William Huskisson, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
The historic Grosvenor Canal provides the chance for visitors to see a range of wildlife and enjoy a peaceful walk.
Mews of Pimlico
Ecclestone Square Mews – a cobbled cul-de-sac, it is approached through its own arch off Belgrave Place and runs from Warwick Way. There are 35 residential homes in the Mews, used for residential purposes. In World War II, a high explosive bomb fell directly onto Eccleston Square Mews and the properties had to be rebuilt as a result.
Warwick Square Mews – an attractive and discreet part cobbled cul-de-sac mews street off Clarendon Street behind one of the most revered garden squares in the area. It includes 19 residential properties.
St George’s Square Mews – located next door to prime St. George’s Square, moments from the river and Pimlico Station. Within easy reach of Warwick Way’s restaurants bars and boutiques. This is a cobbled through road approached off, and leading back to Aylesford Street, Westminster.
Are you looking to live in Pimlico? Contact our team at enquiries@lurotbrand.co.uk to see how we can assist you with your search.
