Bennet Street, London
Bennet Street is a short and discreet thoroughfare in the heart of St James's, an area renowned for its historical prestige and aristocratic heritage. Though modest in scale, Bennet Street plays a subtle but important role in the layout of central Westminster, forming a quiet link between two prominent streets: St James’s Street to the west and Arlington Street to the east.
Street Layout and Traffic Direction
Bennet Street runs for approximately 160 feet (49 metres) in length. It is a one-way street, allowing vehicular traffic to flow only from St James’s Street eastwards to Arlington Street. The road is paved with traditional setts, and its relatively narrow width and low traffic volume contribute to its calm, almost private character. It’s largely used by local traffic and delivery vehicles servicing nearby residences and clubs.
History of Bennet Street
Bennet Street dates back to the early 18th century, a time when the St James’s district was undergoing rapid development following the construction of St James’s Palace in the 1530s. The area attracted aristocratic residents and gentlemen’s clubs, which shaped its identity. The street does not appear on maps before the 1720s, suggesting its emergence during the early Georgian period as part of the westward expansion of elite residential developments.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
The name Bennet Street is believed to honour a person of influence, possibly Sir Levinus Bennet, a Restoration-era politician, although the precise origin is unclear. The spelling has remained stable since the street’s earliest mentions. The name is pronounced as BEN-it, with the stress on the first syllable. In the International Phonetic Alphabet, this is rendered as /ˈbɛnɪt/. 
Character and Atmosphere
Bennet Street is best described as refined, quiet, and exclusive. Though not a destination street for most visitors, it serves a select range of occupants, including the rear access to the Stafford London hotel and a few historic mews-style properties. The street is well-maintained and lined with elegant façades. Its short length and the prestige of the surrounding area give it a sense of privacy and distinction.
Notable Sights and Attractions Nearby
While Bennet Street itself is modest in appearance, it sits within walking distance of several major sights in Westminster, including:
- Green Park – just a minute’s walk north, ideal for peaceful strolls and connecting to Buckingham Palace.
- St James's Palace – a short walk south along St James’s Street.
- The Ritz London – located at the corner of Arlington Street and Piccadilly.
- Spencer House – a neoclassical mansion on the south side of Green Park.
The street is also near the famed gentlemen’s clubs of St James's, such as White’s, Boodle’s, and The Reform Club.
Real Estate Profile
Properties on Bennet Street are few, exclusive, and rarely come on the market. The street features a mixture of boutique hotel access and upscale mews properties, many of which have been converted into luxury flats or offices. As of 2025, nearby residential properties in St James’s command prices of around £2,500–£3,200 per square foot (approx. £26,900–£34,400 per sq metre), depending on exact location, condition, and amenities.
For example, a typical 1,200 sq ft (111 sq metre) apartment in the vicinity might sell for approximately £3 million, placing Bennet Street firmly in the upper echelon of London real estate.
Public Transport Access
Nearest Underground Stations
- Green Park Station – 3 minutes’ walk. Serves the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines.
- Piccadilly Circus Station – about 8 minutes’ walk. Serves the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines.
Nearby Bus Routes
There are several bus stops on Piccadilly, which lies just to the north of Bennet Street. Routes serving this corridor include:
- Bus 9 – Hammersmith to Aldwych
- Bus 14 – Putney Heath to Russell Square
- Bus 19 – Battersea Bridge to Finsbury Park
- Bus 38 – Clapton Pond to Victoria
Fun Fact
One of the lesser-known features of Bennet Street is its connection to the rear of The Stafford London, a five-star hotel famous for its American Bar and World War II-era wine cellars. During the war, the cellars were used as bomb shelters and today house an impressive wine collection and a small museum curated by the hotel. Guests often use Bennet Street for discreet arrival or departure.
Quick Facts
- Location: St James's, City of Westminster, London
- Connects: St James’s Street (west) to Arlington Street (east)
- Length: Approx. 160 ft (49 m)
- Traffic Flow: One-way, west to east
- Pronunciation: BEN-it /ˈbɛnɪt/
- Nearby Attractions: Green Park, St James’s Palace, The Ritz, Spencer House
- Nearest Tube: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines)
- Nearby Buses: Routes 9, 14, 19, 38 on Piccadilly
- Real Estate Prices: ~£2,500–£3,200 per sq ft (£26,900–£34,400 per sq m) as of 2025
- Fun Fact: Stafford Hotel’s cellars on Bennet Street were used as WWII bomb shelters
Map of Bennet Street, London
Painting of Bennet Street, London (View image in full size)
