Brook Street, London
Brook Street is a distinguished street in Mayfair, City of Westminster, connecting two prominent squares—Grosvenor Square in the west and Hanover Square in the east. Nestled in central London, it is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, historical significance, and high-end commercial presence.
Geographical Layout and Surrounding Streets
Brook Street runs approximately 0.3 miles (around 480 metres) from west to east. It begins at the north-east corner of Grosvenor Square and proceeds eastwards, eventually merging into Hanover Square via New Bond Street. Streets branching off Brook Street include Davies Street, South Molton Street, and Avery Row, with New Bond Street crossing its eastern end.
The traffic on Brook Street is one-way, running from west to east. Davies Street intersects it near the middle, and a number of small service lanes provide access to rear buildings and mews properties behind the main façades.
History and Etymology
Brook Street was laid out in the early 1720s during the rapid development of Mayfair as a fashionable residential district. The street is named after the Tyburn Brook, a now culverted tributary of the River Thames that once flowed nearby.
The name is pronounced as Brook Street, rhyming with “book,” and its pronunciation in the International Phonetic Alphabet is /brʊk striːt/ 
.
Character of the Street
Brook Street retains its elegant 18th-century character, marked by rows of preserved Georgian townhouses—many of which have been converted into commercial offices, embassies, luxury retailers, or private clubs. The atmosphere is one of quiet refinement, with leafy trees lining parts of the pavement and wrought-iron balconies adding to the charm.
Notable Sights and Landmarks
- Handel & Hendrix in London: At 25 Brook Street, composer George Frideric Handel lived from 1723 until his death in 1759. Guitarist Jimi Hendrix briefly lived next door at No. 23 in the 1960s. The adjoining museum celebrates both artists.
- Claridge’s Hotel: Although its main entrance is on Brook Street’s neighbour Davies Street, the iconic luxury hotel dominates the area and draws a sophisticated international clientele.
- Grosvenor Square: The western end of Brook Street opens into this elegant garden square, once home to the US Embassy and now surrounded by prestigious residences and redevelopment projects.
- Hanover Square: At the eastern end lies Hanover Square, a peaceful public garden surrounded by stylish period buildings and modern offices.
Real Estate and Property Values
Brook Street is among the most expensive commercial and residential streets in central London. As of early 2025, retail spaces on the eastern end near New Bond Street can command rates over £2,500 per sq ft (£26,910 per sq m) annually, due to proximity to luxury brands. Residential flats average around £3,000 per sq ft (£32,290 per sq m), with larger units exceeding 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) priced upwards of £6 million.
Transport Connections
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Bond Street Station – served by the Central Line and Jubilee Line; located just north of the western end of Brook Street.
- Oxford Circus Station – served by the Bakerloo Line, Central Line, and Victoria Line; about a 7-minute walk northeast.
- Green Park Station – served by the Piccadilly Line, Jubilee Line, and Victoria Line; approximately 10 minutes away by foot.
Nearby Bus Routes
Brook Street is well served by buses running along Oxford Street and Grosvenor Square. Routes including 7, 10, 73, 98, and 390 have stops on nearby Oxford Street, while southbound buses towards Westminster and St James's run along Park Lane.
Fun Fact
George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix, two musical legends separated by over 200 years, lived at neighbouring addresses on Brook Street—making it the only street in London to have housed both a baroque composer and a rock icon.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, central London
- Length: Approximately 0.3 miles (480 metres)
- Traffic: One-way, west to east
- Historical Origin: Laid out in the 1720s
- Name Origin: Named after the Tyburn Brook
- Pronunciation: /brʊk striːt/
- Nearest Tube Stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Green Park
- Nearby Bus Stops: Oxford Street and Grosvenor Square
- Character: Elegant Georgian buildings, luxury retailers, cultural attractions
- Key Attractions: Handel & Hendrix in London, Grosvenor Square, Hanover Square
- Property Prices (2025): Residential ~£3,000/sq ft; commercial retail up to £2,500/sq ft
Map of Brook Street, London
Painting of Brook Street, London (View image in full size)
