Chandos Place, London
Chandos Place is a short but historically rich street in the City of Westminster, located in the heart of central London. Running in a northeast-southwest direction, the street connects William IV Street in the southwest to Bedford Street in the northeast. It lies within the West End and is just a few steps from Covent Garden, making it a popular route for pedestrians exploring the theatres, restaurants, and attractions of central London.
Location and Orientation
Chandos Place is approximately 250 metres (820 feet) long and runs roughly parallel to the Strand, linking William IV Street with Bedford Street. The surrounding streets include St Martin’s Lane to the west, Maiden Lane to the north, and Villiers Street to the south. Nearby landmarks include Covent Garden, Charing Cross, and Leicester Square.
Streets connected to Chandos Place
- Adelaide Street
- Agar Street
- Bedford Street
- Bedfordbury
- William IV Street
Pronunciation
The name “Chandos” is typically pronounced as CHAN-doss /ˈtʃæn.dɒs/ 
, with emphasis on the first syllable.
Historical Background
Chandos Place takes its name from James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos (1673–1744), a wealthy landowner, arts patron, and prominent figure in early 18th-century England. The name was officially adopted in the mid-18th century, although the street evolved from earlier lanes and alleys that existed in the Covent Garden vicinity. The Duke of Chandos’s London townhouse was once located nearby, and the naming served to honour his status and influence.
Originally a residential area for London’s affluent classes, Chandos Place gradually developed into a more commercial street as the West End grew into a bustling entertainment and shopping district. Some of the buildings still bear architectural traces of the 18th and 19th centuries, though much of the street today features restaurants, pubs, and office space.
Character and Streetscape
Today, Chandos Place is a two-way street lined with a mixture of historic and modern buildings. Ground-floor units house cafés, bistros, pubs like the longstanding Chandos pub, and independent shops, while upper floors are typically used as offices or boutique flats. The narrow width and low-rise buildings give the street a cosy and walkable feel.
Its proximity to Covent Garden and Leicester Square means it remains busy throughout the day, popular with tourists, commuters, and theatre-goers. The street retains a charm and human scale that contrast with nearby major thoroughfares.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Covent Garden Piazza – A historic square full of shops, market stalls, and performers.
- National Gallery – A short walk away in Trafalgar Square.
- London Coliseum – Home of English National Opera, just west of Chandos Place.
- St Martin-in-the-Fields – A notable church near Trafalgar Square.
- Leicester Square – Known for cinemas and theatres.
Transport Links
Nearest London Underground Stations
- Charing Cross Station – Served by the Bakerloo and Northern lines. Approximately 4 minutes’ walk.
- Leicester Square Station – Served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines. About 6 minutes on foot.
Both are part of the London Underground system, and included in the central zone of London Underground Stations.
Bus Routes
There are several bus stops nearby, notably on Strand and Trafalgar Square. The closest stops serve routes including:
- 6, 9, 11, 15, 23 – connecting to destinations like Aldwych, Oxford Circus, and Liverpool Street.
Real Estate and Housing Market
Residential properties on Chandos Place are relatively rare, with most of the street dominated by commercial premises. However, where residential flats do exist, they are typically compact 1- to 2-bedroom apartments averaging around 500–800 sq ft (46–74 sq m).
As of mid-2025, flats for sale on Chandos Place command prices of around £1.1 million to £1.8 million, depending on size and finish. Rental prices for similar units range from £3,000 to £5,000 per month1. This pricing is high even by central London standards, reflecting the premium associated with living in the West End and the convenience of the location.
Fun Fact
One of the street’s most beloved establishments is the Chandos pub, a traditional pub operated by Sam Smith’s Brewery. It is popular with theatre-goers and locals alike, offering classic ales at lower prices than most central London pubs. The upstairs lounge offers excellent views of St Martin’s Lane and is often a hidden gem for visitors seeking a quieter space above the bustle below.
Quick Facts
- Street Name: Chandos Place
- Location: Connects William IV Street to Bedford Street, in the City of Westminster
- Nearest Tube Stations: Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo & Northern lines), Leicester Square Station (Northern & Piccadilly lines)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 6, 9, 11, 15, 23
- Nearby Sights: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields
- Pronunciation: “CHAN-doss” /ˈtʃæn.dɒs/
- Named After: James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos
- First Named: Mid-18th century
- Housing Prices (2025): £1.1M–£1.8M for 500–800 sq ft (46–74 sq m)
- Rent Prices: £3,000–£5,000/month
- Fun Fact: The Chandos pub is a local favourite with affordable drinks and upstairs seating
References
Map of Chandos Place, London
Painting of Chandos Place, London