We’re going to shop!
We’re headed for Bond Street. It is one of the largest and most sought-after areas of real estate in Europe This oasis of class has been the forefront of London’s high fashion scene since in the late 18th century. It is known for its luxurious boutiques, fashion-forward brands and art galleries, as well as antique jewellery stores and fine jewellery shops, Bond Street is the place to go for shopping with luxury. Without further delay this is all you should be aware of concerning Bond Street!
There is evidence that suggests Bond Street has been a historically significant London landmark since the beginning of time–at at the very least, a Roman stone culvert that was discovered in 1894 suggests this. However, the street we know as was constructed in the 17th century. In 1683, a group of Georgian investors led by Sir Thomas Bond, the namesake of the street, purchased Clarendon House from the 2nd Duke of Albemarle and demolished it in order to expand the area. In the place of the house, they constructed three avenues: Albemarle, Dover and Bond Streets.
If you walk through the street, you’ll observe that the street is split into twoparts: Old New Bond and New Bond Streets. It’s due to the fact that Sir Thomas Bond built only half of his street at first. It was the New Bond bit was developed fourteen years later. Fun fact: In early 1920s the city council attempted to merge the two streets into one Bond street, but locals would not be averse to it. Bond Street is still divided in two today and you can spot the division near Tiffany’s &Co’s flagship store.
In the 1800s and the time when gorgeous Georgians paraded around the streets in London with their powdered wigs, everyone that claimed to represent a person must be photographed in Bond Street. Shop owners deliberately let their customers out on the upper levels to draw celebrities like Jonathan Swift, William Pitt the Elder Admiral Horatio-Nelson as well as George Selwyn. The scandalously famous Georgiana Cavendish who was the Duchess Devonshire who favored its shops over those of Covent Garden.
The 19th century saw its status as the preferred spot of the bourgeoisie for a night out began to fade however it was able to retain its standing as the premier luxury shopping place that we all recognize and love in the present. It’s clear that, as you observe, there’s nothing that’s changed about Bond Street, which has been as trendy like it was ago.
Things to see and do on Bond Street
So, get your shoes that are comfortable because you’ll be doing a lot of walking and window shopping. Why wouldn’t you? The home of world-renowned retailers such as Asprey, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co. Bond Street has boasts some stunning windows and shops.
Based on the order of prioritization, let’s start by examining Burlington Arcade. It was built at the time of 1819 by the Earl Burlington the arcade was filled with the finest antique jewellery stores and shoe shops as well as boutiques. The arcade connects Bond Street to Piccadilly, you’ll find shops such as Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite, Manolo Blanik, and Laduree, a French bakery that is famous for its double-decker macarons. Also, here’s a interesting fact to share with you: Burlington Arcade is protected by the Beadles the oldest and most compact Victorian uniformed guard force around the globe!
Established in 1781, Asprey is regarded as a leading supplier of high-end products. The flagship store, located in the address 167 New Bond Street, was established in the 1830s and is among the oldest stores on the street. In Asprey, you can find anything from exquisite jewellery, including rare colored diamonds, to highest quality silver and china.
Beware of its contemporary design, department stores Fenwick (63 New Bond Street) has been serving Bond Street’s exceptionally stylish customers since 1890. From home decor to incredibly priced makeup This “brilliantly British” store has everything. The department store is also king to wacky window displays and seasonally-appropriate entrance decor.
Louis Vuitton, found at 20 New Bond Street, doesn’t shun the flamboyant decor also. An essential item on any buyer’s list We can’t leave out the French designer of luxury handbags. In addition, its vibrant facade creates a stunning Instagram opportunity. Honorable mentions include The Ralph Lauren mansion at 1 New Bond Street; the Victoria’s Secret London flagship store located at the 111 New Bond Street with its amazing crystal staircase that is Instagram-worthy as well as Cartier in 175 New Bond Street, whose Christmas decorations are perhaps the most stunning one of the entire Bond Street.
Bond Street and its surroundings are also home to an impressive collection of Royal Warranties, including the official queen’s underpants supplier Rigby & Peller, found close to Bond Street at 22A Conduit Street.
It’s not all about the shopping scene at Bond Street! For the art lovers who are out there, international auction house Sotheby’s has its London headquarters situated at 35 New Bond Street. There are free art exhibitions, or, if seeking a regular dose of drama, you could take part in auctions at no cost. Right across the street from Sotheby’s is the Royal Academy of Arts, where you can attend the most recent art exhibitions and other events.
If you’re looking for an escape from all the walking, you could make a stop to talk or a chat with Roosevelt or Churchill their respective counterparts on the Allies statue which is situated right outside Asprey. The two old men have always been having the time of their lives and are engrossed in a continuous conversation that is quite entertaining. In addition, they always make sure to smile in your photos!
Then, last and not the least, take the time to stop at the Claridge’s Hotel on Brook Street. If you’re looking to enjoy a cup of tea (more about this in a minute!) or to see the latest stars who visit the city the hotel is an absolute must-see landmark of The Mayfair as well as Bond Street areas. The Claridge’s Hotel is especially stunning during the Christmas season, so make sure you go to the hotel and marvel at the festive façade with all its glory.
When is the best time to visit Bond Street
If you’re planning to go shopping there, the most important thing to be aware of while visiting Bond Street is the stores opening hours. In general, all of the shops are open from 10am-7pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to six o’clock on Sundays. Burlington Arcade, on the contrary is open all day until 8pm. The Royal Academy of Arts is accessible between 10am and 6:30 pm (except on Fridays, when it’s open until 10 pm). In addition anytime is an ideal time to go to Bond Street — just be aware that it’s among the most crowded roads in London and is likely to be crowded every day of the week.
Christmas is also known to be the perfect time to go to Bond Street, as the amazing Christmas decorations as well as window decorations are a total pleasure for the eyes. We suggest visiting Bond Street after sundown to take in the Christmas lighting in all its glory!
Pubs, restaurants and bars close to Bond Street
The shopping spree must have caused you to be hungry however, you’re in Mayfair and there’s many options to pick from. There’s nothing better than drinking an afternoon tea to replenish your energy after a long day of shopping. And Mayfair is the home of some of the most delicious after-dinner teas available in London. Go to the luxurious Claridge’s restaurant or The Ritz to enjoy an evening tea that is full of glitter and glamour and then head over towards Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly Street for the traditional of teas for afternoons.
If quality dining in a chic location is what you’re looking for the best choice is to go there to sketch. The restaurant, which is stunningly pink, is the top of the crop in Mayfair dining! From Michelin-starred dinners to nighttime drinks, there are many options to fit your needs at sketch.
Berkeley Square’s latest expansion, Amazonico, serves excellent exotic food that promises to bring you across the Amazon river as well as South America. Another excellent option if looking for the most exquisite of Mayfair’s fine dining.
However, if you’re looking to explore the past of Bond Street, you should visit The Guinea for a pint. The Guinea has been a fixture on 30 Bruton Place since 1423, it’s one of London’s most storied pubs. If you’re looking for a night out Why not have some of the popular (and slightly costly) steaks?
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