Corner House Street, London
Where is Corner House Street?
Corner House Street runs quietly between Northumberland Street and Craven Street, forming a short service lane in a highly central yet easily missed part of Westminster. The street runs parallel to the southern side of Charing Cross Station, just moments from Trafalgar Square.Though it is only about 50 metres long, it plays a functional role as a service and delivery access lane for the buildings above and around it, particularly the building known historically as the Corner House - once part of the J. Lyons & Co. empire, now repurposed into commercial and office use.
A Hidden Piece of Urban History
Corner House Street itself is not centuries old, but its location is layered with historical significance. It occupies ground close to the former Northumberland House, a grand aristocratic mansion that stood nearby until it was demolished in 1874. The redevelopment of this area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the creation of modern streets, offices, and back-service lanes such as this one.The street likely took shape in the early 20th century, coinciding with the construction and expansion of commercial premises near Strand, Charing Cross, and Embankment. The name "Corner House" derives from the nearby Lyons Corner House, one of several large restaurants and catering establishments run by J. Lyons & Co. during the 1900s.
What's Above Corner House Street?
Above Corner House Street is the imposing rear structure of the Corner House building, which now houses office spaces and retail units. While the lane itself is nondescript and utilitarian - mostly used for deliveries and building access - it sits beneath the historic urban fabric of central London. From street level, visitors can observe back entrances, ducts, fire escapes, and loading bays, revealing the less glamorous but essential systems that keep London running behind the scenes.Getting there by London Underground
Corner House Street is very easy to reach, located just a short walk from several key Underground stations:- Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo and Northern lines) - about 2 minutes' walk
- Embankment Station (District, Circle, Bakerloo, Northern) - about 3 minutes' walk
- Leicester Square Station - about 7 minutes' walk
Nearby Points of Interest
- Craven Street - a charming Georgian street where Benjamin Franklin once lived
- York Water Gate - the remains of a 17th-century riverside gate, now stranded inland due to embankment works
- Victoria Embankment Gardens - a pleasant spot to relax, just to the south
- Strand and Northumberland Avenue - historic roads full of theatres, hotels, and grand buildings
Why visit?
While Corner House Street itself is not a tourist destination, it offers a unique look at the city's service infrastructure and provides a feel for the layers of old and new that define London. It's perfect for those who enjoy exploring off the beaten path, or who want to trace the invisible lines that keep this vast city functioning.It's also a great detour for photographers or urban adventurers who like capturing the character of hidden backlanes and service alleys - places often overlooked but full of story.
Map of Corner House Street, London
Painting of Corner House Street (View full-size image here)
Moving to London?
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