Insider’s Guide to St James’s, London

What makes the area so special?
I think it’s lovely how the history and that traditional British heritage have been retained around St James’s and the parks. When you live there, you really feel as if you own a piece of that history. You’ll find some of the grandest buildings there, so you get a real impression of what society was like back in the day. On St James’s Square, for example, we just sold a property in which the Queen Mother took ballet classes as a child. There are so many of these fascinating stories. And, of course, the grandeur and the scale of the buildings is unbelievable. There are few places in London where you can find buildings of such architectural merit.

Who lives there?
A lot of Brits, and often they’ve owned the properties for generations. Many of these properties are incredibly rare, so if one comes up, people tend to buy and hang on to them.

What kind of properties can you find there?
There’s a real mixture, from one-bedroom flats to mega, mega apartments – there’s one that has its own ballroom. The properties on St James’s Park are some of the only ones in London that look directly over the park, without a road in sight. They’re newer builds, so they’re really practical and the views are stunning. Elsewhere you’ve got some amazing, almost ambassadorial residences that are 20,000 sq ft and upwards. We’ve just sold a new-build where they’d dug three storeys down, and you’d never get planning permission for that now. So there really is something for everyone.

What are the best places to eat?
The Wolseley and The Ritz are two of the most famous, and for good reason – they’ve been there for decades, and you’re likely to spot a famous face or two. I really love Cafe Murano, Angela Hartnett’s beautiful Italian restaurant, and Chutney Mary, which does amazing Indian food.

Where would you grab a drink?
Admittedly, Bardo St James’s is another Italian restaurant, but it serves incredible cocktails and the place looks amazing. It’s a welcome addition to the area. The American Bar at The Stafford London hotel is wonderfully traditional and cosy. Otherwise, there’s a wealth of private members’ clubs – the RAC, Boodle’s, White’s, 67 Pall Mall, the Army & Navy Club – many of which dominate Pall Mall.

What can you find in the way of culture?
The area is full of museums and art galleries. There’s the Royal Academy, the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, the Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Mall Galleries and lots of smaller independent spaces. You’re close to Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace – and you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to theatre. Jermyn Street Theatre is fantastic, there’s the Theatre Royal Haymarket, and let’s not forget His Majesty’s Theatre. Elsewhere, a stroll through Piccadilly Arcade and Burlington Arcade is lovely. Both are beautiful buildings full of high-end retailers, with a particular focus on jewellery. You can find every style there, from precious antiques to contemporary. Nearby is Fortnum & Mason, famous around the world for its afternoon tea and hampers. St James’s is also home to independent stores that specialise in shooting and fishing (Farlows), cigars (James J Fox), fine wine (Berry Bros & Rudd) and caviar (Caviar House & Prunier).

How does one exercise in St James’s?
Weather permitting, I’d jog around St James’s Park or Green Park – but, failing that, Equinox really is the most exquisite gym in London. The whole place is basically made from marble.

What’s your favourite thing about the area?
What I find so special is that you have all these lovely traditional elements, but you’ve still got that luxury modern-day living. And those two aspects blend seamlessly.

Portfolio recommends…
After strolling from Trafalgar Square up The Mall, take a tour of Spencer House, one of London’s most magnificent 18th-century aristocratic palaces. Designed by Henry Holland, the son-in-law of Lancelot “Capability” Brown, the property’s half-acre garden is among the grandest pleasure grounds to survive in the West End. Jermyn Street, the traditional home of shirt- and shoemaking, now caters for every sartorial need. While you’re there, stop for lunch at Wilton’s, a historic seafood restaurant described as a “bastion of Britishness” – it has been serving the best oysters in the capital for more than 275 years. Or for contemporary French cuisine, Maison François is the buzzy new arrival.

CHARLES CUTTING,
DIRECTOR – CO-HEAD OF MAYFAIR & ST JAMES’S OFFICE
charles.cutting@savills.com +44 (0)20 7578 5107

Pictures from top: Charles Cutting; a view of the London Eye from St James’s Park; strolling in the park (Alamy); the cocktail bar at Bardo St James’s; The Wolseley