Belgravia

A Brief History of Mayfair, Belgravia & Knightsbridge

Belgravia – A district of Elegance and Splendour

Belgravia is an affluent district in Central London. This chic district with a diverse atmosphere lies in West London. To the north is Hyde Park, to the northeast is Mayfair and Green Park and to the east is Westminster.

Classical architecture, stone structures, and elegant residences are what one would find surrounding the fashionable streets of Belgravia London.

Belgravia, known as the ‘Five Fields’ during the Tudor Period, was a series of fields used for grazing and vegetation. The name Belgravia came from Richard Grosvenor’s (the 2nd Marquess of Westminster) property which was a village called Belgrave located in Cheshire, not far from the Grosvenor family’s main country seat of Eaton Hall. Eaton Square is one of three garden squares built by the Grosvenor family, and is named after Eaton Hall, Cheshire, the family’s principal seat. One of the Duke of Westminster‘s subsidiary titles is Viscount Belgrave.

Belgravia was developed in the early 19th century by Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster under the direction of master builder Thomas Cubitt, who designed Belgrave Square and many of the other boulevards the district is known for. The area turned out to be the height of fashion and style when titled aristocrats of the time started to move in with Belgrave Square in the centre, Eaton Square to the south, and Buckingham Palace Gardens to the east.

It was one of London’s most fashionable residential districts from its beginnings. After World War II, some of the largest houses ceased to be used as residences, or townhouses for the country gentry and aristocracy, and were increasingly occupied by embassies, charity headquarters, professional institutions and other businesses. Belgravia has become a relatively quiet district in the heart of London, contrasting with neighbouring districts, which have far more busy shops, large modern office buildings, hotels and entertainment venues. Many embassies are located in the area, especially in Belgrave Square.

The nearest London Underground stations are Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, and Sloane Square. Victoria station, a major National Rail, tube and coach interchange, is to the east of the district.

Today, Belgravia is known as one of the wealthiest districts in the world with the most expensive and luxurious houses in London, consisting of multibillion-dollar homes and celebrity residences.

Things To Do in Belgravia

Belgravia’s Sloane Street and Elizabeth Street are renowned for offering a luxurious shopping experience with the world’s most sought-after brands of top designers, artisans and boutiques lined up side by side. Although the district is commonly known for its glitz and glamor and its high-end streets, it’s not short of green spaces.

If you want to enjoy some quiet time surrounded by beautiful landscapes of evergreen trees and emerald grass then you can head to Chester Square, Ebury Square or the Belgrave Square Gardens which is a historic park with a tennis court

Cafes and Restaurants in Belgravia

From pubs that radiate historical inspiration to gourmet restaurants and high-class cafes, Belgravia is filled with various eateries that satisfies taste buds of any kind.

Described as the best cupcakes in the world by Vanity Fair magazine, Peggy Porschen Cakes offers just that with pretty looking cakes that are the perfect balance of sweet, soft and crunchy. If you’re more in the mood for drinks, pop into Baker & Spice located on Elizabeth Street.

It’s also the best place to hop in after a day of shopping to munch on some delicious croissants and pastries, baked fresh daily.

Stylish restaurants like Kouzu, Pont Street, Lowndes Bar & Kitchen, and The Thomas Cubitt offer mouth-watering, exquisite dishes that reflect different cultures. Belgravia is undoubtedly an exclusive district with unmissable attractions and regal structures.

Although its aristocratic ambiance places Belgravia in a class of its own, the neighbourhood is in close proximity to other well-known areas like Chelsea, Kensington and Mayfair. For anyone staying in this lavish district, Belgravia London will prove to be truly unforgettable