The covered passages in London are pretty, quaint shopping arcades built in the XNUMXth century and precursors to today's shopping centers. The most famous galleries are Burlington Arcade and Royal Arcade which are located in Mayfair, an upscale and upscale district of London.
Architecture enthusiasts and dandies will be charmed by these nuggets which are to be visited all year round and more particularly at the approach of Christmas where the illuminations make these covered passages even more romantic and picturesque.
Burlington Arcade: a covered walkway to chic shops
Burlington Arcade is a charming 41th century shopping arcade located in the upscale Mayfair district. It brings together no less than XNUMX high-end stores that perpetuate the good British taste! Among the major English brands, we can mention: Penhaligon's, Crockett & Jones, Church's or Globe-Trotter (the queen's luggage manufacturer).
Commonly referred to as the 'Jewel of Mayfair', this elegant covered passage is known for its jewelers and more specifically for The Vintage Watch Company, which holds the largest collection of pre-owned Rolex watches in the world.
Finally, Burlington Arcade has been private property since its construction in 1819, guarded by three beadles (beadles) wearing frock coats and top hats. These beadles monitor walker behavior and still enforce some of their original rules today, preventing walkers from singing, whistling, running, holding an open umbrella, or carrying bulky packages in the Burlington Arcade.
The doors are closed in the evening and on Sunday.
Business hours : Monday to Saturday 09:00 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
Address : 51 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0QJ,
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Piccadilly Arcade: a covered passage in Victorian style
Built in 1909, Piccadilly Arcade is a late Victorian-style walkway that connects Piccadilly Street with Jermyn Street.
Among the 28 boutiques in the arcade are the luxury leather goods brand Swaine Adeney Brigg, or Benson & Clegg, famous tailor of men's clothing and holder of the royal mandate. Royal Warrant Appointment.
Business hours : every day from 09:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.
Address : Piccadilly Arcade, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6NH
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Prince's Arcade: a covered passage in the heart of St James
Prince's Arcade is an elegant neoclassical style shopping arcade built in 1930 in the heart of St James which links Piccadilly to iconic Jermyn Street.
Steps from the famous Fortnum & Mason store, Prince's Arcade is home to some of England's most iconic brands. Take a trip to Christy's, a hat shop renowned for its elegant craftsmanship or Prestat, England's oldest chocolate maker, famous for its delicious chocolates presented in elegant, brightly colored packaging.
Business hours : 8:00 pm - 19:00 pm
Address : 36/40 Jermyn St, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6DN
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The Royal Arcade: a Victorian shopping arcade
Located in upscale Mayfair and a short walk from the famous department store Fortnum & Mason, The Royal Arcade relie Old Bond Street à Albemarle Street.
This Victorian-era shopping arcade, built in 1879, still retains its original features today such as curved bay windows, Ionic columns and highly decorative stucco work at either end of the passage.
We can also observe, that initially this gallery was called The Arcade and acquired its royal prefix when the shirt maker HW Brettell was sponsored by Queen Victoria in the early 1880s.
The Royal Arcade has English luxury brands such as Paul Smith, Charbonnel and Walker and Ormonde Jayne.
Business hours : Monday to Saturday from 09 a.m. to 00 p.m. and Sunday from 18 a.m. to 00 p.m.
Address : 28 Old Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4DR
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Quadrant Arcade
Built in 1920, Quadrant Arcade is the only covered walkway on Regent Street. Recently renovated, this elegant gallery with classical architecture is fitted with modern lighting.
Business hours : every day from 08:00 a.m. to 20:00 p.m.
Address : Soho, London W1B 5RH
Royal Opera Arcade
Designed by Nash and Repton in 1817, Royal Opera Arcade was Britain's first covered shopping street. In the XNUMXth century, stores sold sheet music, opera glasses, and men's clothing during the day, and were used as high-class brothels at night, serving Pall Mall gentlemen's clubs and West revelers. End.
Today, with art galleries and luxury gift shops, Royal Opera Arcade is a chic and elegant gallery whose 18 upscale boutiques are lit by a circular skylight and lamps for evening shoppers .
Royal Opera Arcade is located in the cultural heart of London, close to the National Gallery and St. James.
Address : Haymarket, SW1Y 4UY
Kensington Arcade: a shopping arcade in Kensington
Kensington Arcade is a covered shopping arcade located in the upscale district of Kensington and more precisely at the High Street Kensington tube exit.
Unlike other covered passages which have upscale shops, Kensington Arcade is home to inexpensive stores such as the fast food chain Pret A Manger or Boots known for its pharmaceutical products that are good value for money.
Business hours : every day from 05:00 a.m. to 23:30 p.m.
Address : 123 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 5SF
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Reliance Arcade and its Egyptian facade
Built between 1923 and 1925, Reliance Arcade is an indoor market in the heart of Brixton that connects Brixton Road to Electric Lane. Of particular interest is its Egyptian-style earthenware facade overlooking Electric Lane. It is an early example of Egyptian architecture in London, influenced by the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 and the Paris exhibition of 1925. The style was a relatively short-lived fad in 1920s London, and it Very few examples remain today.
Today, this covered passage is home to a wide variety of small shops, cafes and restaurants, serving a wide range of different cuisines.
Business hours : every day from 08 a.m. to 23:30 p.m. except Monday, closing at 18 p.m.
Address : 455 Brixton Road, Brixton, London SW9 8HH
Leadenhall Market: a Victorian market hall
Considered to be the oldest market in London, Leadenhall was a poultry market in the 1881th century. The current building was the work of Sir Horace Jones who built in XNUMX a magnificent Victorian market hall located in the center of the City, financial district of the City of London, near the Lloyds Building.
Unlike other arcades characterized by linear architecture, Leadenhall features an elaborate Italian intersection of four passages with metal arches topped with tall glass roofs and a dome at its center.
Today, Leadenhall Market is home to a number of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes where City traders and employees meet on weekdays.
The covered market has been the location of many films such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider or even Harry Potter.
Business hours : 7j/7 – 24h/24
Address : Gracechurch St, Langbourn, London EC3V 1LT
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Hay's Galleria
Hay's Galleria is a covered gallery in the Borough of Southwark which is found on the old warehouses of tea, spices and other exotic goods. Refurbished in the 1980s, this gallery with a barrel vault now houses offices, restaurants, shops and apartments.
In the center is the work of David Kemp, a monumental bronze sculpture depicting the face of a man and the body of an industrial-era ship.
Business hours :
Monday - Friday: 08 a.m. - 00 p.m.
Saturday: 09:00 a.m. - 23:00 p.m.
Sunday: 09 a.m. - 00 p.m.
Address : 1 Battle Bridge Ln, London SE1 2HD
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