Pimlico Grid, London
The Pimlico Grid is a distinct residential area located in Pimlico, in the City of Westminster, central London. This part of Pimlico is instantly recognisable on maps due to its regimented network of rectangular residential blocks, earning it the nickname “the Grid.” The area is bounded by four main roads:
- Lupus Street to the south
- Sutherland Street to the west
- Belgrave Road to the east
- Warwick Way to the north
The Grid spans approximately 15 city blocks, forming a neat rectangle that stretches for roughly 0.4 miles (0.6 km) north to south and about 0.2 miles (0.3 km) east to west. Despite being only minutes away from the bustle of Victoria and the Thames Embankment, the Grid remains peaceful and characteristically residential.
History of the Pimlico Grid
The Pimlico Grid forms part of the broader Pimlico development by Thomas Cubitt, the master builder of 19th-century London. The Grid area was developed during the 1840s to 1860s as part of Cubitt’s grand vision for a new residential neighbourhood on reclaimed marshland south of Westminster. The land was owned by the Grosvenor Estate, who tasked Cubitt with the development.
The term “Pimlico Grid” is a modern colloquialism, widely used by estate agents and locals to describe this specifically ordered section of Pimlico. While the original Victorian developers did not use the term, its usage emerged in the late 20th century and has become widely recognised since the 2000s.
The Character of the Area
The Pimlico Grid is known for its uniform stucco-fronted terraces, tree-lined residential streets, and quiet charm. The majority of buildings were constructed as townhouses but have since been subdivided into flats. It is now a desirable neighbourhood that attracts young professionals, retirees, and international residents alike.
Though largely residential, the Grid includes:
- Small independent cafés such as those on Charlwood Street and Tachbrook Street
- Convenience stores and local supermarkets
- Short-term rental options, including Airbnbs, particularly in the summer
Urban Design Insight: The Grid That Slows You Down
The Pimlico Grid is a textbook example of early Victorian town planning — a neatly ordered network of residential streets laid out in a grid pattern during the mid-19th century, long before the arrival of the motor car. At the time, the design was intended to make life easier for pedestrians and the occasional horse-drawn carriage, with straight roads providing better light, air circulation, and walkability.
Fast-forward to today, and that same layout has a traffic-calming side effect. The frequent junctions and short blocks naturally force vehicles to drive more cautiously, reducing speed and enhancing safety for residents and visitors. While never designed for cars, the grid now doubles as a quiet and pleasant environment that suits both locals and tourists on foot.
The quiet atmosphere, architectural elegance, and central location make the Pimlico Grid appealing to both long-term residents and short-stay visitors.
Real Estate Prices in the Pimlico Grid
As of May 2025, flats in the Pimlico Grid range in price from around £525,000 for a one-bedroom flat (approx. 500 sq ft / 46.5 sq m) to upwards of £1.25 million for a spacious two- or three-bedroom property (850–1,200 sq ft / 79–111 sq m).
Rental prices vary but typically fall in the range of £2,300 to £3,500 per month for one- and two-bedroom flats. These rates are moderate by central London standards, offering relative value compared to Belgravia or Chelsea.
Transport Links
London Underground Stations
The Pimlico Grid is well connected by public transport. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Pimlico Station (Victoria line) – located just to the south of the Grid on Bessborough Street
- Victoria Station (Victoria, Circle, and District lines, plus National Rail) – a 10-minute walk to the north
Bus Stops
Several Transport for London bus routes serve the Pimlico area, with stops on:
- Lupus Street (routes 24, 360)
- Belgrave Road (routes 24, 11, 507)
- Vauxhall Bridge Road (major corridor for north-south buses)
These bus routes provide direct access to Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, and Vauxhall.
Fun Fact
An unusual feature of the Pimlico Grid is that many of the buildings retain original boot scrapers by their entrances—small metal frames once used by Victorian residents to clean their shoes. This quirky detail gives a tangible link to the 19th-century lifestyle.
Quick Facts: Pimlico Grid
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster, central London
- Boundaries: Lupus Street (S), St George’s Drive (W), Belgrave Road (E), Denbigh & Gloucester Streets (N)
- Character: Quiet, residential area with Victorian terraces, flats, cafés, and some short lets
- Size: Approx. 0.4 mi x 0.2 mi (0.6 km x 0.3 km)
- Development: Built in the 1840s–60s by Thomas Cubitt
- Transport: Nearest stations: Pimlico (Victoria line), Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District, and National Rail)
- Bus routes: 24, 360, 11, 507 and more
- Sales prices (May 2025): £525,000–£1.25m
- Rental prices: £2,300–£3,500 per month
- Notable detail: Original boot scrapers visible on many houses
Did You Know?
The Pimlico Grid is one of the only areas in London where the term “Grid” is widely used to describe a distinct part of the neighbourhood. While several areas like Belgravia, Fitzrovia, and Maida Vale also have grid-like street layouts, they are not commonly referred to as “grids” in name or usage. This makes Pimlico’s layout not just a product of clever Victorian planning, but a rare case where the design has shaped the identity of the area itself.
Painting of Pimlico Grid, London (View image in full size)