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Home > Areas We Cover > St. James’s

Area Guide
St. James’s

St. James's is a historic neighbourhood located in Central London, within the Borough of the City of Westminster. It has been a popular residential area for wealthy aristocrats for many years. The neighbourhood is bordered by Piccadilly to the north, Haymarket to the east, Green Park to the west, and St. James's Park to the south. It is easily accessible by both the Underground and Overground services, and Buckingham Palace is just a short distance away. St. James's is known for its elegant and peaceful atmosphere, and it boasts some of the most impressive houses in the city. Today, this bustling neighbourhood is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, with plenty of old English shops, trendy restaurants, and members clubs to explore. It is quintessentially English and has a lot to offer.

Shopping in St. James's

St. James's is a marvellous shopping destination situated just a brief stroll away from the upscale Bond Street and South Mayfair enclaves. Known for its traditional fine craftsmanship and sophisticated refinement, St. James's is renowned for its high-quality tailoring, luxury grooming, and stylish accessories. Noteworthy local favourites include Fortnum and Mason, Turnbull & Asser, New & Lingwood, Dunhill, and John Lobb. With its focus on heritage, tradition, elegance, and luxury, St. James's continues to attract the finest retailers to cater to the needs of the discerning shopper.

Jermyn Street is an iconic street adorned with traditional gentlemen's outfitters such as Hawes & Curtis, and Charles Tyrwhitt. You can also find several high-end men's fashion brands such as Kiton and Brioni.
Piccadilly Arcade is a beautiful Victorian arcade that houses various luxury shops such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Asprey. You can also find several traditional English shops, such as James Smith & Sons umbrellas, and Truefitt & Hill Barbers.

St. James's Market is a lively market that is home to a mix of independent shops and restaurants. Here, you can find everything from vintage clothing and antiques to fresh produce and gourmet food.
Princes Arcade is a charming arcade that houses a variety of unique shops, including The Travelling Man (a travel shop) and The Pen Shop (a pen shop).

In addition to these specific areas, there are numerous other great places to shop in St. James's. For instance, you can find high-end women's fashion on Sloane Street and homeware and furniture shops on Piccadilly. St. James's is a place where you can find the finest of everything, from bespoke tailoring to luxury grooming products. It is a place where tradition and modernity meet, and where the discerning shopper can find everything they need.

Eating & drinking in St James’s

The ultimate premier destination in St James’s is the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant offering a culinary experience like no other, set against a backdrop of extraordinary opulence. Distinguished by its dazzling chandeliers, majestic marble columns, and vast floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the serene Green Park, the Ritz Restaurant is renowned as one of the world's most magnificent dining venues. Leading the charge in crafting Michelin-starred breakfast, lunch, and dinner masterpieces is our Executive Chef, John Williams MBE, an ardent advocate for utilising the finest seasonal British ingredients. Emphasising sustainability, the restaurant procures organic beef from the Cornish moors, lamb from the idyllic Lake District, and delectable lobsters from South West Scotland. Savour an ambience of unparalleled grandeur as the dining room bathes in the soft sunlight streaming through its expansive windows. For those seeking added entertainment, live performances await on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Wolseley, a Michelin-starred restaurant adjacent to the Ritz, was founded by renowned restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King. Housed in a 1920s car showroom, it exudes timeless glamour with marble floors, Japanese panels, and plush leather banquettes. The clientele is a mix of agents, authors, media professionals, and Mayfair's elite, often graced by famous faces. Indulge in Champagne or classic cocktails, or explore the predominantly French wine list. For breakfast, relish pancakes, omelette Arnold Bennett, and delectable pastries. The staff, formal yet charming, add to the experience, occasionally surprising guests. Whether for a refined breakfast or a spontaneous visit for various cravings, The Wolseley is a place to savour elegance without stiffness. Try the Lucian ice cream coupe as a late-night treat, honouring artist Lucian Freud.

45 Jermyn Street is in the heart of St. James’s, located in Fortnum & Mason and offers wondrous cocktails and a truly exceptional menu. The exquisite dining room and bar bring back the golden age of glamour and service for a contemporary London. Open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they serve an innovative combination of familiar favourites and delicious surprises, across a menu inspired by the season and designed for a global palate. Their menu is a mix of European and British classics; the beef Wellington and lobster spaghetti are finished off at the table. Sodas, coupes, and floats pay tribute to its past as Fortnums Fountain restaurant.

Maison Francois is a dynamic, modern interpretation of a Parisian and Lyonnais-inspired brasserie and wine bar. This establishment offers a traditional ambience with a contemporary twist. Operating from early morning until midnight, the brasserie serves a diverse range of meals including breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, and dinner.

For wine lovers, Davy’s at St James’s wine bar is a testament to their unwavering passion for superb cuisine, impeccable service, and, above all, the enchanting world of wine. Founded in 1870, this establishment has remained a fully independent, family-owned business, committed to delivering extraordinary wine experiences to connoisseurs like them.

Wild Honey, a Michelin-starred restaurant, serves modern British cuisine in a relaxed setting, with dishes that change seasonally, like roasted cod with spring vegetables and grilled pigeon with morels. 

For those seeking a drink, St. James's also has a variety of options. The American Bar at The Savoy is an iconic bar known for its elegant atmosphere and classic cocktails, while

Green spaces in St. James's

In the district of St. James's, one can find a multitude of serene green spaces that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Among these spaces is St. James's Park, a 23-hectare park that is one of the largest and most frequented parks in Central London. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including pelicans, ducks, and swans, and boasts several historical features like the Buckingham Palace Gate and the Clarence House Gate.

Adjacent to St. James's Park lies Green Park, another popular destination spanning 20 hectares. It is a common locale for walking, jogging, and picnicking, and has many historical landmarks such as the Duke of Wellington Arch and the Canada Gate.

In the heart of St. James's, one can find St. James's Square, a Georgian garden that is a favourite haunt of visitors for lunch breaks and afternoon strolls. The garden is home to a host of historical features, including the William III statue and the Churchill statue.

The Mall, a tree-lined avenue that connects Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square, is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling. It is also a favoured venue for public events, such as the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Properties in St. James's

St James's is a most charming district in London, renowned for its exceptional collection of sophisticated homes. Its historic streets have retained their original character for centuries, and it is home to a number of notable gentlemen's clubs and shops that have a rich trading history. Properties in St James's are highly sought-after across the globe, making it an ideal location for those seeking a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. This delightful district offers a variety of stunning properties with Georgian architecture and contemporary spaces, all surrounded by world-renowned shops and an abundance of green spaces, making it the perfect choice for buyers seeking a historic London property. Furthermore, residents of St James's have the privilege of being neighbours with Buckingham Palace, home to the most famous royal family in the world.

Schools & education in St. James's

St. James's boasts a range of exceptional schools, encompassing both private and public institutions. For those seeking the finest education for their children, the following schools are noteworthy:

St. James's Preparatory & Nursery School: This co-educational establishment accommodates children aged 2-11, renowned for its academic excellence and unwavering focus on pastoral care.

St. James & St. John CofE Primary School: This Church of England primary school caters to children aged 4-11, celebrated for its all-inclusive ethos and commitment to providing a comprehensive education.

Westminster School: This independent all-boys school serves pupils aged 7-18, recognized as one of the most prestigious schools in the United Kingdom, having educated many notable alumni, including Winston Churchill and A.A. Milne.

Queen's College London: This independent all-girls school admits pupils aged 7-18, acclaimed for its rigorous academic tradition and dedication to offering a challenging and supportive learning environment.

Central Saint Martins: This world-renowned art and design college serves students aged 18+, providing a vast array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in art, design, and fashion.
These are merely a handful of the numerous exceptional schools available in St. James's. For those seeking a top-quality education, St. James's is an ideal location to explore.

Additionally, St. James's is home to several other educational institutions, including the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a globally renowned university specializing in the social sciences; King's College London, a world-class institution offering a diverse range of academic programs; the Royal Academy of Arts, a leading UK art school; and the Royal College of Music, a premier UK music school. St. James's offers an outstanding environment for living and learning, providing diverse educational opportunities for all age groups.

History of St. James's

St. James's is a prestigious neighborhood in Central London, named after a 12th-century medieval hospital that stood on the site of what is now St. James's Palace.

In 1531, King Henry VIII acquired the hospital and its surrounding land to create a park for his newly acquired Whitehall Palace. The resulting St. James's Park became London's oldest royal park.
St. James's Palace itself was completed in 1536 and became the residence of English kings and queens for over 300 years. It remains the official residence of the Sovereign today.

The proximity to the royal residences influenced the character of the St. James's neighborhood. Elegant homes were constructed, along with influential trade stores such as Boodles, Christie's, and Fortnum and Mason.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, many coffee houses were opened in St. James's, particularly in St. James's Street and Pall Mall. These coffee houses were meeting places for men who helped develop political discussion. Eventually, these coffee house meetings evolved into the famous gentlemen's clubs of the 18th century.

Today, St. James's is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, home to a mix of businesses, residents, and visitors. It is a place where history and modernity meet, and where people from all over the world come to enjoy the neighborhood's unique atmosphere.

What else can I do in St. James's

If you're looking for a taste of the thriving arts scene in London, we recommend St. James's. It is home to some of the city's most iconic theatres, including His Majesty's Theatre, the Theatre Royal Haymarket, and the Jermyn Street Theatre. Whether you're a fan of musicals, plays, or comedy, there's sure to be something that catches your eye.

But the arts scene in St. James's doesn't stop there - the area is also home to several world-renowned art galleries and auction houses, such as White Cube Mason's Yard and Christie's London. And if you're interested in learning more about art, you can check out the Royal Academy of Arts, which is also located in St. James's.

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