Stafford Street, London
Stafford Street is a short but elegant thoroughfare located in the heart of Mayfair, within the City of Westminster, central London. A stone’s throw from the luxury boutiques of Old Bond Street and set amid Georgian architecture and exclusive clubs, the street is steeped in quiet prestige and discreet charm.
Overview and Location
Stafford Street is a one-way street that runs in a westward direction. It begins at Old Bond Street on its eastern end and concludes at Dover Street to the west, intersecting with Albemarle Street roughly at the midpoint. The street measures approximately 230 metres (about 755 feet) in length and is located within the prestigious W1S postcode area.
The road lies within the broader district of Mayfair, known for its high-end shopping, historic architecture, and proximity to London's finest art galleries and hotels. Stafford Street, while quieter than its neighbours, reflects the same affluence in its architecture and establishments.
History and Name
Stafford Street was laid out in the early 18th century, as part of the rapid westward expansion of London into what became known as Mayfair. The area developed following the success of nearby Hanover Square and Grosvenor Square, under the direction of aristocratic landowners aiming to attract wealthy tenants.
The street is named after the Stafford family, a noble lineage with roots in English politics and aristocracy. Though the exact naming date is unclear, it likely coincided with the street’s original construction in the early 1700s. The pronunciation of "Stafford" is STAF-ərd, transcribed phonetically as /ˈstæfərd/. 
Character and Atmosphere
Though only a few minutes’ walk from the bustle of Piccadilly and Regent Street, Stafford Street feels distinctly calmer. The architecture is a refined mix of Georgian and early Victorian styles, many of which have been repurposed into offices, private residences, art galleries, or high-end retail showrooms.
The atmosphere is professional yet discreet, and the street is often frequented by those who work in finance, luxury goods, or the art world. Elegant facades, traditional gas-style lamps, and understated signage give Stafford Street a timeless Mayfair character.
Points of Interest
- Old Bond Street: At Stafford Street’s eastern end lies one of London’s most fashionable shopping streets, known for luxury brands like Tiffany & Co., Prada, and Cartier.
- Royal Academy of Arts: Located just off nearby Piccadilly, this renowned art institution is only a 3-minute walk away.
- Brown's Hotel: A historic five-star hotel on Albemarle Street, reputedly London’s first, and frequented by royalty and writers including Rudyard Kipling.
- Fine Art Galleries: Stafford Street and its surrounding roads host several reputable art dealers and galleries, catering to collectors worldwide.
Real Estate and Property Values
As of early 2025, property values on Stafford Street reflect the premium nature of Mayfair real estate. A mixed-use freehold building with retail and residential components can command upwards of £3,000 per sq ft (£32,300 per sq m). By comparison, the average for prime central London tends to fall closer to £1,600–£2,000 per sq ft (£17,200–£21,500 per sq m).
Residential flats, when available, are often refurbished Georgian conversions and range from compact 700 sq ft (65 sq m) units to luxurious 2,000+ sq ft (185+ sq m) apartments. The street’s scarcity of available stock contributes to its desirability.
Transport and Accessibility
London Underground
Stafford Street is very well connected by public transport. The nearest London Underground stations include:
- Green Park Station (served by the Jubilee, Victoria, and Piccadilly lines) — approximately 5 minutes’ walk.
- Piccadilly Circus Station (served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) — approximately 7 minutes’ walk.
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops can be found on Piccadilly and Regent Street, served by multiple routes including:
- Routes 9, 14, 19, 22, 38, 139 — offering connections to Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Waterloo, and the West End.
Fun Fact
Stafford Street was once home to Sir Joshua Reynolds, the celebrated 18th-century painter and the first president of the Royal Academy. Reynolds kept a studio on nearby Leicester Fields but frequented Stafford Street to meet with patrons and fellow artists.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London W1S
- Direction: One-way westbound
- Length: Approx. 230 metres (755 feet)
- Connects: Old Bond Street (east) to Dover Street (west), crossing Albemarle Street
- Nearest Tube Stations: Green Park (Jubilee, Victoria, Piccadilly), Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 9, 14, 19, 22, 38, 139
- Property Prices: Up to £3,000/sq ft (£32,300/sq m) as of 2025
- Architectural Style: Georgian and early Victorian
- Pronunciation: STAF-ərd /ˈstæfərd/
- Historic Note: Associated with Sir Joshua Reynolds and the Royal Academy circle
Map of Stafford Street, London
Painting of Stafford Street, London (View image in full size)
