Drummond Gate, London
Drummond Gate, Pimlico – A Quiet Link in Central London
Drummond Gate is a small but notable street in the Pimlico area of the City of Westminster, Central London. It runs in an east-west direction, connecting Bessborough Street at its western end to Vauxhall Bridge Road at its eastern end. While modest in size, its location places it just a stone’s throw from the River Thames and within walking distance of landmarks such as Millbank Tower and Tate Britain.
The street sits at the junction of several neighbourhoods: Pimlico, Millbank, and Victoria. It lies within Transport for London’s Zone 1, making it centrally located for both residents and commuters.
Length and Layout
Drummond Gate measures approximately 150 metres (about 490 feet) in length. It has a single carriageway and includes pedestrian footpaths on either side. The short length of the road means that it serves primarily as a connector or access street, rather than a destination in its own right.
The street’s traffic pattern is relatively quiet, used mostly by local residents, taxis, and occasional service vehicles accessing nearby buildings.
A Brief History
Drummond Gate was laid out during the urban expansion of the Pimlico and Millbank area in the early 20th century. Much of this neighbourhood’s development occurred as a result of slum clearance and the construction of public housing in the interwar and post-war periods.
Originally serving as a service road for nearby housing blocks and government buildings, the street became more significant in the post-war era when office buildings and mid-century housing developments sprang up in the vicinity. The street remains an interesting example of mid-century planning in Westminster.
Origin of the Name
Drummond Gate is believed to be named after the Drummond family, a lineage of Scottish nobility and military officers with historical ties to the United Kingdom. Though the exact date of the naming is uncertain, it likely dates to the early 20th century, around the same time as the construction of surrounding estates.
The “Gate” suffix reflects a common naming convention in London that suggests either a former entrance or junction — in this case, possibly referencing a now-demolished boundary or gate between estates in the area.
The Character of Drummond Gate
The character of Drummond Gate is subdued and utilitarian. The street is lined mostly with post-war housing blocks and government office buildings, with some newer private flats developed in recent years.
Unlike neighbouring streets in Pimlico that feature elegant white stucco terraces, Drummond Gate has a more institutional feel, though some modernisation has taken place. The area is clean, safe, and quiet, ideal for professionals seeking a central yet low-key residential environment.
Real Estate and Property Sizes
Property prices on Drummond Gate tend to be more affordable than Pimlico’s historic garden squares but still carry a central London premium. As of May 2025:
- 1-bedroom flats average around £535,000
- 2-bedroom flats range from £700,000 to £850,000
- Rents start from £2,100/month for a 1-bedroom unit
Flat sizes typically range from 500 to 800 square feet (46 to 74 sq metres), reflecting the post-war apartment layouts that prioritised efficiency. A few modernised buildings on or near the street offer slightly larger or open-plan layouts.
Nearest Underground Stations
Drummond Gate is well served by several London Underground stations:
- Pimlico Station (5-minute walk): Victoria Line
- Victoria Station (10-minute walk): Victoria, District, and Circle Lines, as well as National Rail and coach services
This high level of connectivity makes the street very attractive for city workers and commuters alike.
Nearby Bus Stops
Drummond Gate benefits from proximity to several major bus routes that run along Bessborough Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road. Key bus stops are located:
- At the junction of Bessborough Street and Drummond Gate
- Along Vauxhall Bridge Road near Tate Britain
These stops serve routes including the 24, 360, 2, 36, and 185, providing easy access to Westminster, Trafalgar Square, and south of the river toward Vauxhall and Brixton.
Fun Fact
Despite its modest appearance, Drummond Gate was once the location of a Secret Intelligence Service satellite office during the Cold War, owing to its proximity to the MI6 building across the river in Vauxhall. While little of this history is visible today, it adds an air of intrigue to the street’s otherwise plain character.
Additionally, the street hosted the headquarters of the Central Office of Information until the department was dissolved in the 2010s. The building has since been redeveloped.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster
- Length: Approx. 150 metres (490 feet)
- Connects: Bessborough Street and Vauxhall Bridge Road
- First developed: Early 20th century
- Name origin: Likely named after the Drummond family
- Street character: Quiet, residential, mid-century architecture
- Property prices (May 2025): Flats from £535,000; 1-bed ~500 sq ft (46 sq m)
- Nearest Tube stations: Pimlico (Victoria Line), Victoria (multiple lines)
- Nearby bus routes: 2, 24, 36, 185, 360
- Fun fact: Former Cold War-era government office site
Map of Drummond Gate, London
Square painting of Drummond Gate, London (View image in full size)