Upper Brook Street, London
Upper Brook Street is an elegant, one-way street in the City of Westminster, located in the heart of the affluent Mayfair district of London. Running east from Park Lane to Grosvenor Square, it is intersected at its midpoint by Park Street. Characterised by grand Georgian facades, opulent residences, and close proximity to key landmarks, the street is steeped in history and continues to be one of the capital’s most prestigious addresses.
Overview and Layout
Upper Brook Street extends for just over 400 metres (approx. 0.25 miles), forming part of a broader network of grid-like streets in Mayfair. Its western end opens onto Park Lane, one of London's most well-known boulevards flanking Hyde Park. The eastern terminus feeds directly into Grosvenor Square, which was historically a hub for international embassies and remains a prestigious locale.
The street runs one-way, west to east, with relatively light vehicle traffic given its residential focus. Side streets like Park Street, Grosvenor Street, and South Audley Street create a well-connected grid. The area is pedestrian-friendly, lined with wide pavements, mature trees, wrought iron railings, and period lamp posts.
Streets connecting to Upper Brook Street
- Blackburne's Mews
- Grosvenor Square
- North Audley Street
- Park Lane
- Park Street
Historical Background
Upper Brook Street was developed during the early 18th century as part of the Grosvenor Estate’s transformation of rural fields into a fashionable residential district. The street’s construction followed the typical Mayfair pattern of elegant, terraced Georgian townhouses built for the aristocracy and wealthy merchants.
The street was named after the Tyburn Brook, a small stream that once flowed through the area. Although the brook has long been culverted and no longer visible, the name survives in both Upper Brook Street and Lower Brook Street, which lies just to the south.
Architecture and Character
Much of the street retains its original Georgian and early Victorian architecture, with a number of properties now designated as Grade II-listed. Houses along the street often feature white stucco facades, sash windows, and classical decorative elements like pilasters and cornices. The properties are primarily used as luxury residences, though several buildings house foreign embassies, private clubs, or exclusive offices.
Notable Buildings
- No. 20 Upper Brook Street – This property has served as the Embassy of Argentina since the 1930s.
- Clarence House (not to be confused with the royal residence of the same name) – A Grade II-listed building offering expansive multi-storey flats.
- Several buildings have been converted into luxurious private residences ranging from 2,500 sq ft (232 sq m) mews houses to 7,000 sq ft (650 sq m) mansions.
Local Attractions
Upper Brook Street is only a short walk from many of central London's most iconic sights and amenities:
- Hyde Park – London’s most famous park lies immediately west.
- Grosvenor Square – A historic and tranquil garden square surrounded by diplomatic buildings and upscale hotels.
- Selfridges – The iconic department store on Oxford Street is just a 7-minute walk away.
- Wallace Collection – A world-class art museum housed in a former townhouse on Manchester Square.
Transport Connections
The street enjoys strong transport links due to its central location in Westminster.
London Underground
- Marble Arch Station (serving the Central Line) is located approximately 400 metres west.
- Bond Street Station (serving the Jubilee Line and Central Line, plus the Elizabeth Line) lies about 600 metres northeast.
These nearby London Underground stations provide quick access to the West End, the City, Canary Wharf, and Heathrow Airport.
Bus Stops
Several bus routes serve Park Lane and Oxford Street, with stops within a 5-minute walk. Key routes include:
- Route 94 to Piccadilly Circus
- Route 6 to Aldwych
- Route 73 to Stoke Newington
Real Estate and Property Prices
As of 2025, real estate prices on Upper Brook Street remain among the highest in London. Freehold terraced houses typically range from £12 million to £35 million, depending on size, heritage status, and renovation quality. Flat prices begin at £4 million for lateral apartments around 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m), rising steeply for larger or penthouse units.
These values significantly exceed the London average, underscoring the street’s elite status within the Mayfair property market. Many of the homes are purchased by international buyers, and some are owned by family trusts or used as pied-à-terres.
Fun Fact
During the Second World War, the American Red Cross maintained a residence on Upper Brook Street to accommodate officers and officials working with the Allied forces. This location helped solidify the street’s historical ties to diplomacy and transatlantic cooperation.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mayfair, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approx. 400 metres
- Direction: One-way, west (Park Lane) to east (Grosvenor Square)
- Underground stations nearby: Marble Arch (Central Line), Bond Street (Jubilee and Central Lines)
- Nearby attractions: Grosvenor Square, Hyde Park, Selfridges, Wallace Collection
- Architectural style: Georgian and Victorian townhouses
- Real estate prices (2025): £12M–£35M for houses; flats from £4M
- Notable buildings: Argentine Embassy, Clarence House
- Transport: Well-served by buses and London Underground
- Historic naming: Named after the Tyburn Brook
Map of Upper Brook Street, London
Painting of Upper Brook Street, London