Regency Street, London
Where is Regency Street?
Regency Street is located in the City of Westminster, central London. It runs in a north-south direction between Horseferry Road to the south and Vincent Street to the north, within walking distance of the River Thames, Tate Britain, and Victoria Tower Gardens.How Long is Regency Street?
Regency Street is approximately 300 metres in length. While not a long road by London standards, it plays a useful role in the grid of streets that make up this part of Westminster and is known for its consistent architectural character and peaceful atmosphere.History of Regency Street
Regency Street was developed in the early 19th century as part of the expansion of Westminster into a more orderly residential district. The street was originally laid out in the 1820s as part of the broader development of the Millbank Estate, though most of the buildings seen today date from the early 20th century. Much of the street was redeveloped in the 1920s and 1930s as part of slum clearance efforts by the London County Council (LCC). The construction of the Regency Street estate, a notable example of municipal housing, marked a major turning point in the street's physical and social character.Origin of the Name “Regency Street”
The name “Regency Street” reflects the architectural and cultural aspirations of the Regency era, a period associated with elegance, order, and urban development. Though the street was laid out in the early 19th century, the name appears to have been formally adopted around the 1840s. It evokes the style and sensibilities of the Regency period (1811–1820), even though the buildings post-date that era.Street Character: Primarily Residential
Regency Street is largely a residential street, with the majority of its buildings forming part of the London County Council’s historic housing estate. The properties are typically red- or yellow-brick mansion blocks with inner courtyards and uniform façades. There are a few small commercial premises on the ground floor, including:- a convenience store
- a small café
- a dry cleaner
Connecting Roads
Regency Street connects with several local roads:- Causton Street
- Chapter Street
- Douglas Street
- Esterbrooke Street
- Fynes Street
- Horseferry Road to the south – a main arterial route connecting Lambeth Bridge with Westminster.
- Maunsel Street
- Montaigne Close
- Page Street intersects Regency Street about halfway along its length.
- Rampayne Street
- Rutherford Street
- Vincent Street to the north – a quieter local road with access to adjacent estates and civic buildings.
Major Buildings on Regency Street
On the east side of Regency Street:- Regency Street Estate – A set of low-rise housing blocks constructed by the LCC, still used today for social housing.
- St John’s Gardens – A small green space located just off the street near Vincent Street.
- Hide Tower – A notable 20-storey residential building providing council and private housing.
- The Regency Café – An art deco-style café opened in 1946, famous for its traditional breakfasts and appearances in TV and film.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Regency Street benefits from proximity to several tube stations:- Pimlico Station (Victoria line) – About a 7-minute walk south.
- St James’s Park Station (District and Circle lines) – Roughly 10 minutes to the northeast.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, and Circle lines, plus mainline rail) – Around 12 minutes’ walk northwest.
Fun Fact: A Café of Film Fame
Perhaps the most famous feature of Regency Street is the Regency Café on the corner of Regency Street and Page Street. Opened in 1946, it’s an iconic spot with tiled art-deco interiors and has been featured in numerous films and television series, including Layer Cake, Brighton Rock, and episodes of Judge John Deed.The café is popular with both locals and tourists looking for an authentic full English breakfast in a classic setting.
Map of Regency Street, London
Painting of Regency Cafe on Regency Street, London (View full-size image here)