Belgravia area guide
Set in an enviable location between Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Buckingham Palace, Belgravia is famed for its elegant Regency architecture, leafy streets and historic garden squares. Once the playground of the British aristocracy, today Belgravia is home to an affluent international community who enjoy its numerous fine dining establishments and cosmopolitan café culture, its luxury boutiques, extravagant floral displays and bijou village atmosphere. Residents benefit from the area’s close proximity to West End, yet can retreat into this discreet and quintessentially English abode for some peace and tranquillity. Join us to discover why this distinguished neighbourhood is one of the most prized addresses in London.

Property types
Belgravia is known for its elegant white stucco-fronted town houses and mansion blocks, forming the grand crescents and stylish garden squares synonymous with its residents’ luxury lifestyles. Some of the area’s most desirable addresses include Eaton, Chester and Belgrave Squares, all set around attractive private gardens, as well as Chesham Place, Grosvenor Crescent and Lyall Street. Modern penthouse apartments and quaint mews houses can also be found in the area, including some with private parking.
Knight Frank’s Focus on Belgravia 2021, reported a 15% increase in sales in Belgravia’s £5m+ market in 2020 compared with 2019, highlighting the area’s resilience as a prime market, and a 30% increase in new applicants registering to buy with their Belgravia office during 2020–2021, demonstrating the region’s growing popularity. Because Belgravia is both internationally renowned and relatively small, finding a property can be challenging and many residences are sold off-market. Our extensive industry networks grant us access to properties marketed both publicly and privately, and our bespoke buying service means that our clients are among the first to know when suitable properties become available.
Belgravia is home to many embassies and business headquarters, meaning it’s also highly sought-after by international tenants. Although rentals range from stunning conversion flats in period properties to more contemporary apartment buildings, Belgravia is a fast-moving market of tight supply and high demand, so having a specialist team in place to assist with rental searches can prove to be indispensable.

Who lives here?
Upscale Belgravia attracts a wealthy demographic from the UK and it’s a firm favourite with foreign investors and affluent buyers relocating from overseas. Busy execs and CEOs love its excellent location and luxury amenities, while its stunning architecture and garden squares attract families seeking stylish and spacious central London homes. Belgravia has a strong pied-à-terre market with many properties only in use mid-week – partly due its Zone 1 location and easy access Victoria railway station, which has a fast rail service to Gatwick Airport and the south coast. Belgravia’s prominent past and present residents include art-dealing millionaire Charles Saatchi, TV Chef Nigella Lawson, Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and former Chelsea FC manager Jose Mourinho.

History
The area’s handsome architectural style was developed in the 19th century by master builder Thomas Cubbitt, as appointed by the Grosvenor family estate. Much of Belgravia’s property is still owned and managed by the Grosvenor Estate to this day, with residences maintained to impeccable standards and exterior façades regulated to retain the historic feel.
Belgravia’s sophisticated streets have long attracted the international glitterati and intelligentsia – Mozart is said to have composed his first symphony on Ebury Street, and British prime minister Margaret Thatcher lived on Chester Square. James Bond actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore both lived in Belgravia, as did Ian Fleming, creator of the fictional spy.
Belgravia’s historic atmosphere is best enjoyed on foot – stroll through Green Park to pay respect to the Queen at Buckingham Palace, take in the changing of the Guards at Birdcage Walk, marvel at 19th century landmark Wellington Arch or count the flags of the area’s numerous embassies, consulates and international government buildings. Don’t forget to look out for London’s famous blue plaques, commemorating the link between important historical figures and the buildings they lived in.

Drinking and dining
With five Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, Belgravia is truly an epicurean’s dream – try Michelin-starred Pétrus by Gordon Ramsey for modern French cuisine, Michelin-starred Muse by Tom Aitken for contemporary fine dining in an intimate converted mews house, or celebrate British heritage with a European twist in Michelin-starred Céleste’s opulent dining room.
Zafferano is a Belgravia family favourite, serving seasonal Italian cuisine as well as year-round signatures dishes such as lobster linguine, veal Milanese and saffron risotto.
The vibrant Eccleston Yards is an urban oasis where the four pillars of independent thinking, well-being, creativity and community spirit make this stunning courtyard a very special place to be. Filled with original stores and restaurants such as Wild by Tart, this is the place to visit for a fresh perspective.
A younger crowd will enjoy discovering Pantechnicon on Motcomb Street, a playful celebration of Nordic and Japanese creativity and craftsmanship. This trendy destination has multiple eateries and a shop for sake, whisky and luxury homeware – plus a stunning, photo-worthy exterior.
Speaking of extravagant exteriors, Peggy Porschen Cakes must be one of the most photographed spots in London, attracting visitors from all over the world with its fairy-tale pink façade, captivating floral installations and edible works of art. Expect delectable cupcakes, layer cakes and exquisitely coloured confections alongside artisan tea and coffee.
Why not watch the world go by on one of the prettiest streets in London – the Thomas Cubitt pub on Elizabeth Street is a Belgravia institution, serving up a seasonal and sustainably sourced gastropub menu with fine wines by the glass from small and boutique producers.
Or for late-night drinks, head over to The Berkeley on Wilton Place. From vintage champagnes to secret single malts, this world-renowned luxury 5-star hotel serves some of the best cocktails in London.

Arts and culture
Belgravia is home to some of London’s finest cultural institutions, including The Royal Court Theatre and major concert venue Cadogan Hall, residence of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. There are also plenty of charming smaller venues waiting to be discovered, including leading equestrian gallery OSG on Motcomb Street, contemporary design hub 88 Gallery on Pimlico Road, and fine art specialists Ramsay on Ebury Street.
Every year, the area bursts into flower with the stunning Belgravia in Bloom festival. Expect rare and exotic plants, unique and extravagant displays and floral-themed products and experiences at leading boutiques, hotels and restaurants along Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, Pimlico Road and Eccleston Yards.
Shopping
Elizabeth, Motcomb and Ebury are Belgravia’s main shopping streets, where a selection of luxury boutiques, pâtisseries, cafés and restaurants can be found – including hat-maker to the Royals, Philip Treacy. Many of London’s most upscale shopping destinations – such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Street – are only a stone’s throw away.
Each weekend, The Pimlico Road Farmers’ Market sets up shop at Belgravia’s Orange Square, with stalls selling everything from French cheeses to smoked fish. It’s surrounded by a number of high-end delis, florists and homeware stores – be sure to stop by Nicholas Haslam’s Ebury Street showroom when you’re in need of some interiors inspiration for your new Belgravia home.

Business and development
Although Belgravia has traditionally been a residential area, a greater mix of uses is expected to revitalise and open-up the district in the coming years. According to Knight Frank’s 2021 Focus on Belgravia report, 120,000 sq. ft. of new retail and 195,000 sq. ft. of new office space is due to be delivered in the area within the next five years, as a series of long-running developments come to fruition. These include a major regeneration scheme at Cundy Street Quarter, a new sustainable office development at 7 Holbein Place, and a transformation of Newson’s Yard which is set to put Pimlico Road firmly at the centre of London’s interior design world. And with 190 hotel rooms, 25 private residences, eight retail units, four restaurants and a café, The Peninsula London will be the largest building ever completed in the district, reflecting the greater mix of property uses being brought to market in Belgravia.
Transport and airports
With a prestigious SW1 postcode and desirable Zone 1 location, Belgravia is just a fifteen-minute cab ride from all culture, nightlife and entertainment of central London. The three nearest London Underground stations – Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge and Sloane Square – are connected to the District, Circle, Piccadilly and Victoria lines, making for a smooth and easy commute to the office, while London Victoria station, a major National Rail, tube and coach interchange to the east of the area, connects Belgravia with a large part of London and beyond. The area will benefit from the arrival of a Crossrail 2 station on Lower Belgrave Street, due for completion in the 2030s, which will provide a new north–south rail link across Greater London. Belgravia is also conveniently located for international residents and business travellers: the district is less than an hour’s cab ride away from London’s Heathrow and City airports, while frequent trains run directly from Victoria railway station to Gatwick Airport in as little as half an hour.
Schools and hospitals
Belgravia has ample choice for parents wanting the best education for their children. The area’s excellent schools include nurseries, independent schools and language schools. Notable institutions include Eaton Square Nursery, St Peter’s Primary School, Eaton House, Francis Holland School, Hill House and Garden House School.
Due to open in early 2022 on Grosvenor Place, the Cleveland Clinic is set to be London’s most state-of-the-art international hospital, with expert GPs, consultants and specialists offering world-class medical care. It will be possible to book same-day and next-day appointments online, while a dedicated team will be on hand to coordinate care for international patients, including on-site interpreting services.
Green spaces
Belgravia is blessed with abundant green spaces, with nearby Hyde Park and Green Park providing a picturesque setting for workouts, running and cycling. In the summer months, the parks host a wide range of outdoor events for families and young people including concerts and festivals. Many residents are also able to enjoy use of Belgravia’s famous garden squares – these green sanctuaries feature mature trees, exotic planting and some even have tennis courts and play areas for pets and children.

The future of Belgravia
Belgravia is poised to undergo significant change in the coming years, with several new landmark developments due to transform the area from a somewhat private residential village to a more vibrant and inclusive multi-purpose destination. With ambitions to make sure even more people can discover and connect with Belgravia, the district’s principle landlord, the Grosvenor Estate, is working to deliver more diversity and open up the region in an authentic way that both preserves its historic past and ensures it will continue to flourish in future. By offering new opportunities to residents, visitors and professionals alike, whilst retaining its traditional charm and appeal, there truly will be something for everybody to discover in Belgravia.

Looking to move to Belgravia?
Whether you are planning on buying a family home, pied-à-terre or investment property, looking for an attractive rental property or relocating, our in-depth knowledge of Belgravia’s fast-moving and complex property scene takes the strain out of property search and helps put your mind at ease. Contact us today to find out how we can help.