South Audley Street, London
South Audley Street is a distinguished street in the heart of Mayfair, within the City of Westminster, London. It runs in a north-south direction, connecting Upper Grosvenor Street in the north to Curzon Street in the south. The street is intersected approximately at its midpoint by South Street, and is lined with grand period buildings, boutique shops, and discreet entrances to some of London’s most exclusive residences.
Street Overview
South Audley Street exudes the opulence and charm that define much of Mayfair. Flanked by stately Georgian and Victorian façades, the street is a quiet yet central location in Westminster. The architecture features a mix of preserved townhouses, luxury flats, and embassies, many adorned with decorative stonework, wrought iron balconies, and well-maintained frontages.
The surrounding streets further enhance the area’s prestige. To the west lies the expansive Grosvenor Square, while to the east are Mount Street and Park Lane. The street itself is relatively short but highly coveted due to its central positioning and serene ambiance.
Streets connecting to South Audley Street
- Adam's Row
- Aldford Street
- Deanery Street
- Hill Street
- Mount Street
- Reeves Mews
- South Street
- Stanhope Gate
- Tilney Street
- Upper Grosvenor Street
History and Origins
South Audley Street was laid out during the 18th century as part of the grand development plan of the Grosvenor Estate. The Grosvenor family, later elevated to the title of Duke of Westminster, owned and managed large swathes of land in Mayfair and Belgravia. South Audley Street was named after Hugh Audley, a wealthy lawyer and moneylender whose fortune was inherited by the Grosvenors through marriage in the 17th century.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, South Audley Street became a prestigious residential address. Though some buildings were redeveloped in the 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate commercial use, the street retained much of its aristocratic character and remains an emblem of Mayfair elegance.
Key Sights and Nearby Attractions
South Audley Street is close to several notable attractions. Just to the west lies Grosvenor Chapel, an Anglican church built in 1730 that still holds regular services and is a fine example of early Georgian ecclesiastical architecture. Also nearby is Mount Street Gardens, a quiet and beautifully landscaped park popular with locals and visitors alike.
High-end boutiques such as Marchesi 1824 and luxury tailors contribute to the street’s understated glamour. The proximity to luxury hotels like the Dorchester and 45 Park Lane further underscores its exclusivity.
Real Estate and Property Values
Real estate on South Audley Street is among the most expensive in London. As of 2025, typical flats on the street range from approximately £3.5 million for a two-bedroom flat of around 1,200 sq ft (111.5 sq m) to upwards of £15 million for larger penthouses or maisonettes. Freehold townhouses, when available, can command prices exceeding £25 million. These figures place South Audley Street firmly in the top 1% of residential property values in the city.
The blend of heritage architecture and central Mayfair location makes the properties especially appealing to both UK and international buyers seeking privacy, prestige, and investment potential.
Transport Connections
London Underground
South Audley Street benefits from excellent public transport links. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Green Park Station – served by the Jubilee Line, Piccadilly Line, and Victoria Line.
- Bond Street Station – served by the Central Line and Jubilee Line.
- Oxford Circus Station – served by the Bakerloo Line, Central Line, and Victoria Line.
Each of these stations is within a 10 to 15-minute walk, providing fast access to the West End, the City, and Heathrow Airport.
Bus Routes
Several Transport for London bus stops are located nearby on Park Lane, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly. Routes such as the 2, 6, 23, 36, 73, and 390 provide convenient surface-level transport throughout central and west London.
Fun Fact
During World War II, several buildings along South Audley Street were used by the Allied war effort, including temporary administrative offices and headquarters for government-backed intelligence activities. Though discreet, plaques on some buildings hint at these historic uses, providing a fascinating layer of intrigue to the street’s polished exterior.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Upper Grosvenor Street (north) to Curzon Street (south)
- Intersected by: South Street
- Historic Origin: 18th century, part of the Grosvenor Estate
- Name Origin: Named after Hugh Audley, whose fortune passed to the Grosvenor family
- Nearby Attractions: Grosvenor Chapel, Mount Street Gardens, Grosvenor Square
- Average Property Price (2025): £3.5–£25 million
- Nearby Tube Stations: Green Park, Bond Street, Oxford Circus
- Nearby Lines: Jubilee, Piccadilly, Central, Bakerloo, Victoria
- Bus Stops: Park Lane, Oxford Street, Piccadilly
References
- Grosvenor Estate - Our History
- Rightmove – South Audley Street Property Listings
- London Remembers – WWII Memorials
Map of South Audley Street, London
Painting of South Audley Street, London