Last Updated on 18 January, 2023
Berkeley Square is an aristocratic and largest garden square located in central Mayfair, which is famous for the pleasant song, “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.” It is one of the biggest rivals of Grosvenor Square, as it was declared the most fashionable destination on the west side.
Berkeley Square is one of the most pleasant locations in London, which was recognized in the 18th century and is known to have the oldest plane trees in London. Berkeley House was constructed on the northern end of Piccadilly in 1660.
This is the first Square stretched far into Mayfair from the first Lord Berkeley of Stratton. Finally, the house was sold in 1696 in return for a limited stipulation for the foundation to be preserved in the future. This separated the setting, and the garden space was declared the Square. This is also among London’s most famous squares.
The exceptional property got its base after the demolition of Berkeley’s house in 1733. This grand property began with the construction from three sides of the Square, and the former garden of the house was divided into two halves.
The southern half became the front garden popularly known as Lansdowne House, which Robert Adam completed in the advent of 1762. The former Northern part of the garden form today’s public space. In 1789, the unique style plane years were planted, considered in the present scenario; they are the oldest in Central London.
A Little History of Berkeley Square
In 1858, the statue of Alexander Munro was constructed in the Square. The garden and front rooms of the Lansdowne House were demolished with the plans for the roads in 1930. The Philadelphia Museum of Art installed the drawing, and New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art maintained and renovated the dining space.
Finally, the house was modified and provided a new identity exclusive to Lansdowne Club. This is the only club throughout London that admit women to be equal to men. In the latter half of the 1930s, 20 luxurious houses on the side of Berkeley Square was hammered down to give the shape of economic offices and building. And the last house existing close to Berkeley square got demolished in 1953 in exchange for a revenue of £27,000.
This space is occupied by higher-valued offices, clubs, and other businesses that have proved their excellence. Later, in 1967, BP Pension Fund secured 100 properties across the Square valued at £12 million and soon sold them, to private investors of the Middle Eastern, in 2001 in return for over £300 million.
Jack Barclay’s, the reputed seller of Rolls Royces, is known to have their most prestigious outlet in this Square. The Square was the home of several writers like George Canning, Horace Walpole, Winston Churchill, and General Lord Clive.
Things To Do Near Berkeley Square
There is so much to do around the square, there are plenty of cafes in Mayfair, trendy restaurants, to cool pubs worth stopping by for London. You will not be short of things to do in Mafair, from amazing brunch places to fancy co*cktail bars.
Not to mention you can find on of London famous shopping streets right in the heart of Mayfair and around the corner from Berkeley Square.
Below are just a few places to add to your list of things to do near Berkeley Square.
- Connaught Patisserie: Grab some delicious cakes and lattes from Connaught Hotel’s patisserie and grab a bench in Berkley Square for some people watching.
- Shepherds Market: The rarest locality of London keeps the old-fashioned village-like charms of the 18th century intact in this shopping and dining location of Mayfair. This market is located between Piccadilly and Curzon Street with a large number of eating outlets and high-end retailers.
- Savile Row: Also located in Mayfair, this street is known to have traditional custom-tailored fashion designs for men. It has decades of history and is related to the headquarters of the Royal Geographical Society at first Savile Row and the Apple office of Beatles at 3rd Savile Row.
- Royal Academy of Arts: This art institution based in Burlington House is located at Piccadilly, just a short walk from the square. It was founded in the year 1768 and is privately funded by prominent artists and architects.
- Fortnum and Mason Department Store: It is a well-to-do upmarket departmental store in Piccadilly. Its other branches are located at The Royal Exchange. The department store provides quality food and has shown incredible growth in the Victorian era. Be sure to also check out their famous afternoon tea.
