The Most Iconic London Addresses

The OWO

What is it? A new development of an ultra-luxurious hotel and residences, looking out over the Horse Guards and moments from St James’s Park. Think ornate mosaic floors and high white columns, featuring a banquet of restaurants and bars, and a Raffles hotel tucked among very fashionable apartments. 

Why is it iconic? This striking piece of architecture was the original Palace of Whitehall, and the home of the royals between 1530 and 1698. More interesting, though, is that The OWO was formerly known as The Old War Office, which means exactly what it says on the tin. Walk the same halls as Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Lord Kitchener – and imagine what inspired the then-spy Ian Fleming to write James Bond.

What’s the address? Whitehall, SW1A 2EU, theowo.london

Harrods

What is it? Harrods is arguably the world’s best known department store (and it’s got the footfall to prove it: 15 million people visit each year). First established in 1849 by the tea trader, Charles Henry Harrod, it grew quickly from a tiny single-room store to the vast brand it represents today. Its shopping offerings are by no means small either: from selling household items to clothes, to even hosting its own bank, optician and pharmacy.

Why is it iconic? Harrods is eponymous with luxury. There, you can embroider personal towels with your family crest or create a bespoke chess set in the Arcade – it’s a long-lived British institution. Enjoy a champagne afternoon tea in its elegant tea rooms after a roam around the shop’s seven-and-a-half storeys.

What’s the address? Knightsbridge, SW1X 7XL, harrods.com

Image credit: Biel Morro

The Shard

What is it? A vertical climb of spacious offices, award-winning restaurants and the five-star Shangri-La Hotel. It offers the best viewing gallery in the capital and potential to see as far as the Thames Estuary, where the river meets the sea.  

Why is it iconic? Alight in central London – and just look up. It’s been marking the capital’s skyline since 2012 and The Shard is a hard one to miss. At over 72-storeys, this is the tallest building in both London and the country. Catch it at a significant moment for the country – whether success in the football, the turn of the year or the late Her Majesty’s jubilee – and admire its sublime light shows. 

What’s the address? London Bridge, SE1 9SG, the-shard.com

Image credit: Rowan Freeman

Savile Row

What is it? A sparkling street of the finest bespoke tailors in the world, and one of the most prestigious shopping destinations in London. Walk amid the historical buildings and admire mannequins through windows. Or perhaps pop in to make an appointment for your first fitting – or if your budget doesn’t stretch to that, pick up a personalised pocket square. However, it’s not just sumptuous suits on offer here – Beatles fans might get a kick out of spotting the office of their record label, Apple Corps.

Why is it iconic? It’s not just any tailor that can set up shop on this illustrious street. Such is the exclusivity of this road that most of the premises are only let out to those continuing traditions of hand-tailoring garments on the premises. This is the international home of suit-making and the street is brimming with artisans and craftsmen. 

What’s the address? Westminster, W1S 2ER, onsavilerow.com

The London Coliseum (for the English National Opera)

What is it? A Grade II*-listed building and home to the English National Opera. The theatre and building was built in 1903, designed by Frank Matcham, and with ambitions to be the finest ‘People’s Palace’ of its time. Its free baroque detailing across the lavish three-tier auditorium makes for an astonishing space in which to enjoy the best of British and international ballet and opera. 

Why is it iconic? This building has played host to the finest opera in the country (and some of the best ballet, too), and visitors from all across the world flock to the big ticket ENO performances. While there’s no set dress code, you’ll very often see guests dressed to the nines. However, one of the most impressive things about this institution is its commitment to inclusivity: it was the first opera company in the world to introduce free tickets to under 21s, and under 35s enjoy significant discounts. Luxury, but one committed to breaking down barriers to live opera access. 

What’s the address? St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4ES, eno.org

St Paul’s Cathedral

What is it? A cathedral in the heart of the city with roots dating back to AD 604. Still a practising Anglican place of worship, it is the seat of the Bishop of London. Its dome, world renown, is among the highest in the world. Its interiors are equally recognisable, with the Whispering Gallery, named for its exceptional acoustics, and a set of stairs some eagle-eyed Harry Potter fans might find familiar.

Why is it iconic? Spot it from across the city (you can even spy it from a vantage point in the splash of green interrupting the capital that is Richmond Park), and you may wonder what history has been made beneath its illustrious blue dome. The answer is too long to list, but from royal weddings – King Charles and Princess Diana tied the knot here – to its place in the story of the suffragettes, it’s been a significant part of the fabric of British history. 

What’s the address? St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD. stpauls.co.uk

Michelin House (for The Conran Shop)

What is it? The Conran Shop, founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1973, is an off-piste site to check out in the capital. Occupying the early-20th century Michelin House, it houses the best of furniture and homeware design. Enter and prepare to marvel at work by emerging and established talents – and take in the wider setting of the stunning decorative Michelin House. 

Why is it iconic? Michelin House is an impressive early Art Deco building designed in the early 20th century by Francois Epinasse, and the original home to the Michelin Man. Featuring three large, stained glass windows, adorned with the image of the OG tyre icon, this building presents a love letter to exciting design. It now houses a publishing company, a restaurant and bar and The Conran Shop. 

What’s the address? Fulham Road, SW3 6RD, conranshop.co.uk

Brixton Village Market

What is it? A market in South London hosting a range of shops and eateries. From the brilliant Sea Garden & Grill to a superb offering of pottery and textiles for sale, it marks a great day out exploring a less stuffy part of the city.

Why is it iconic? The original market sprung up in the 1870s – but the real iconic element of its history is as a multicultural hub in London. The housing around the market was generally occupied by the Windrush generation from the 1940s onwards, and it now represents one of the most culturally rich and diverse areas of the capital as a consequence. The Reliance Arcade is a grade-II listed building, with striking art-deco features, and offers brilliant market stalls, from speciality ingredients and street food to tapestries, baskets and bric-a-brac.

What’s the address? SW9 8PS, brixtonvillage.com

St Bride’s Church

What is it? One of the city’s oldest churches, with parts of it dating back to Roman times. It’s dubbed the ‘journalist’s church’ due to its long connection with the printing press (also one of the early hosts of one) and because it sits in Fleet Street, historically London’s publishing centre. Its steeple allegedly inspired the first design of a tiered wedding cake at the hands of a love-struck baker.  

Why is it iconic? It holds some pretty impressive historical credentials, and it’s survived a lot. The Great Fire of London ate away at the original church, and it was completely levelled. The current building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren – and its renowned steeple also withstood the blitz in World War Two. 

What’s the address? Fleet Street, EC4Y 8AU

Hertford House (for the Wallace Collection)

What is it? Formerly the family home of the Marquesses of Seymour (specifically the descendants of the ill-fated Queen of England Jane Seymour), Hertford House is now a brilliant museum a stone’s throw from Oxford Street. Expect a regal collection of French fine and decorative arts, and pop-up exhibitions that will encourage you to think amid its Old Master paintings.  
Why is it iconic? The museum is dubbed the Wallace Collection, and it has one of the best collections of arts purchased after the French Revolution. Think decadence in its decor, with 5,500 works of art, and suits of armour lining plush tile-and-velvet clad hallways. 

What’s the address? W1U 3BN, hertfordhouse.co.uk

The Charterhouse

What is it? An ex-Tudor monastery, built on top of a Bubonic Plague pit. It features cloisters and quarters which will transport you back to the 16th century, and makes an idyllic escape from all of the noise in the centre of London. It has a working museum open most days to the public. 

Why is it iconic? Today, the building is occupied by the ‘Brothers’. However these are not monks, simply a nod to this history. Rather, the Charterhouse is an almshouse for forty individuals aged 60 or over who have worked for the public good throughout their lives and need financial or social support. The tenants maintain the garden and help show the public around – and are not all male! This is an often-overlooked gem for learning about London’s history.

What’s the address? Islington, EC1M 6BQ. thecharterhouse.org