Pimlico SW1

For the first of our occasional posts focusing on some of the many different areas that contribute to the rich tapestry of London, we've chosen Pimlico. Although being a central zone 1 location that shares the same SW1 part of it's postcode with Buckingham Palace, Pimlico is a surprisingly quiet area.

Tucked in behind Victoria station and bordered by Vauxhall Bridge Road to the East and the river to the south it enjoys relatively low through traffic, which at the weekend makes you feel almost like you are in a leafy suburb, rather than a ten minute walk from Parliament Square.

The large stucco town houses that line the residential streets of ' Pimlico Grid' are impressive, particularly as they would have originally been owned by one family with accommodation included for their domestic staff.

Maybe some still are, but nowadays of course most are split up into shared flats, studios and well appointed bedsits of various sizes, and Pimlico is a fairly regular destination for any London Mover.

Close To The West End

Some areas of London just have a nice atmosphere to them which you notice as soon as you arrive. Pimlico is one of those places. Less exclusive than Chelsea and with an entirely different character, it feels almost quaint.

The row of shops, cafés and bars that are located around Warwick Way provide local convenience and entertainment, and for big nights out you really are only a short bus or cab ride from the heart of the West End. If you're fit you could walk it in 15 minutes.

For green spaces, Battersea Park is just over the other side of Chelsea Bridge, with Green Park and St James's Park a short walk north of Victoria Station. Add to that the close proximity of the Thames and you really have an excellent choice of routes for a stroll or jog.

Unassuming

Although parts of Pimlico certainly feel 'posh', The thing that really seems to help it from becoming overly gentrified is the way the area contains a varied mixture of housing.

Churchill Gardens is a large estate that was built after the second world war to replace Victorian buildings damaged during the Blitz. It was designated as a conservation area in the 90's and is home to a varied social mix.

It helps to balance the area out, and along with the Peabody Estate at the end of Lupus Street (which is often used as a location for old London period dramas), provides important and affordable accommodation right in the heart of London.

Local Attractions

Other locations of particular note in the surrounding neighbourhood include Tate Britain, which is about a 5 minute walk from Pimlico tube station, and Westminster Cathedral off Victoria Street.

Battersea Power station (that once supplied the heating to Churchill Gardens) is an ever present and impressive visual landmark, and if the breeze is blowing in the right direction you can hear the late night chimes of Big Ben as you drift off to sleep.

It's fair to say if you are looking for a hood with an edge to sharpen your 'street' persona, Pimlico will probably not be for you. It's not Camden or Notting Hill or Hackney, each of which have their own unique and interesting identities.

No, it's a part of London that is well below most people's radar, and because of that it manages to retain a quiet charm that would be difficult to find in any other central London location.

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