Be familiar with Westminster
A bustling and political district near Buckingham Palace. Head to the Trafalgar Square monuments, witness the changing of the guards at Horse Guards Parade and take in the sights while politicians mingle in Whitehall’s pubs. See the Houses of Parliament, the ever-winding River Thames and the stunning, newly renovated Big Ben as it rings out from the skyline of London. In Westminster, you’re never short of things to see, or do.
Once used as a stable block for the Wellington Barracks, the fascinating history of this building is an immediate ice-breaker. The modern façade contrasts the imaginatively designed, Grade II listed block at the rear offering a really unique set up. On the inside, the stunning floor to roof atrium brings beautiful natural light while lashings of greenery make a lovely relaxed environment.
Ergonomic furniture, onsite meeting rooms, super-fast broadband, unlimited printing and 24-hour access take the hassle out of everyday tasks while breakout spaces, free refreshments and a whole load of plants create a calm and relaxed space to work. The contemporary interiors also support modern lifestyle habits. Bike racks and showers free the health conscious while ultra-fast Wi-Fi allows you and your mind to wander.
Views of Central London don’t come much more iconic than those at Millbank. Sitting on the river bank, the London Eye, Big Ben and of course the beautiful daily sights of the river are all yours to gaze upon while you work. The glass tower attracts heaps of natural light or if you prefer, why not head outside and work in the attractive garden area? Want somewhere with a little more atmosphere to see you through the afternoon? The onsite café offers a relaxed space with the added benefit of freshly brewed coffee.
TRANSPORT LINKS
London is famous for its transport, with black cabs and double decker buses. But, the most notable way of transport for locals and visitors alike is London’s underground, which provides transport in and around the whole of the city.
St. James’s Park
This London Underground station near St James’s Park in the City of Westminster serves on the District and Circle lines and is set between Victoria and Westminster stations.
Westminster
This Underground station in the City of Westminster, is served by the Circle, District and Jubilee lines. It can be located between either St. James’s Park and Embankment or between Green Park and Waterloo, depending on which line you are on.
BIG CORPORATIONS
The City of London has been a business hub for many years. It is ideal for the larger fish in the pond who want to have their business set up in an additional root to gain popularity and exposure.
Burberry HQ
This British brand founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry is known for its trench coats, cashmere scarves and its iconic check. It is currently designing and distributing from its headquarters, located on Horseferry Road in the City of Westminster, near to the MI5 building, its closest train station is Euston
Jimmy Choo London Office
This leading global luxury brand which brings empowerment with its sense of glamour and a playful, but daring spirit. The designs quickly gained fame and reputation in the London area for their superior quality and sophistication.
HISTORY
What was once an island located above the ill-drained Thames marshes. Also famous for its service as a site for royal coronations and burials – including the 2011 marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.
Westminster Abbey
With the former title of the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, this large, and mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster. It has been the site of many coronations and burials of the years, famously crowning Queen Elizabeth II on June 2nd 1953, becoming the 39th Sovereign to be crowned at this world-famous structure.
Buckingham Palace
A royal residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch in the UK. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is almost always at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality. Here you can also witness the changing of the guards, usually occurring at 10:45am at the latest, lasting for about 45 minutes.
Houses of Parliament
This is the beating heart of British politics. Also referred to as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament are made up of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall. It is also where you will come across the famous clock tower, Big Ben. You can booked guided tours to explore the insides of this stunning structure.
HIDDEN GEMS
It’s time to stray off the main streets and explore some of the back alleys. Roll up your sleeves and get exploring, there’s plenty to see.
The Jewel Tower
Most of the medieval Palace of Westminster burnt down in a terrible fire, but just the two buildings survived. One of these, the Jewel Tower, a 13th century treasure house with its original moat, barrel vaulted ceiling and spiral stone staircase is now an English Heritage Museum and tells the vivid story of the original parliament building.
The Cinnamon Club
Seeing the sights of Westminster is not to be done on an empty stomach, but thankfully there are some little dining gems in the area too. Tucked away behind Westminster Abbey, inside a Grade II Listed building, this restaurant is classed as one of London’s finest Indian cuisines. It offers innovative and creative Indian food but in a majestic setting, plus being only a stone’s throw away from some of the finest Westminster attractions, such as the London Eye on the Southbank.
The Escoffier Rooms
A more unusual idea for things to do in Westminster is to experience 6 divine courses prepared by student chefs in the beautiful surroundings of Westminster Kingsway College. The Escoffier Rooms, named after Chef Auguste Escoffier, one of the founders of Westminster Kingsway College, is located at the College at Vincent Square. Here you can indulge in fine dining at budget prices with different menu themes each week.
Pickering Place
If you take a stroll down St. James’s Street towards the point where it greets Pall Mall, peek through the last opening on the left. You will see a wonderful 18th century oak-panelled tunnel marked with a number 3 on its entrance. The hidden square is said to be one of the smallest courtyards in London, even with its large amount of history. The area was once known for its gambling dens, and its no wonder that this little corner of town became the go-to place for duels. It was said that London’s last public duel was held in this small courtyard. But, nowadays
SHOPPING
Westminster is home to some of London’s most luxurious and recognised shopping districts. So, shop till you drop in these countless high street fashion stores.
Cardinal Place
This £200m development was the first small step in making Westminster a vibrant place in which people can live, work, shop and socialise, still continuing to play its part to this day. The site consists of 3 buildings, all totaling over a million square foot. The 11 floors of fantastic retail prospects provides customers with a modern and relaxing shopping environment. Enclosed in a stylish and stunning structure of glass and polished steel, the stores cater to meet the needs of the wide variety of visitors to London, with something for everyone that passes through the doors of the Cardinal Place Shopping Centre.
RETROMANIA
Retromania London is FARA Charity Shop’s specialist retro, vintage and designers shop. Destination shopping for vintage lovers and fashionista’s alike. We’re talking vintage hats, bags, scarves, dresses, menswear and memorabilia. An emporium of all the historical pieces donated throughout FARA shops and collected together in one fabulous space. All funds raised help FARA’s vitally needed programmes helping some of Romania’s most vulnerable children and young people.
FOOD & DRINK
While it isn’t an area that attracts all of the foodie’s, it still provides a great set of dining options to make those taste buds tingle.
The Loose Box
A true hidden treasure located in the heart of central London, The Loose Box Bar & Kitchen is truly a one stop shop where you can eat, drink and play to your hearts content. Committed to bringing you an unforgettable experience, combining the best of British dining with competitive entertainment. From early morning meets and quick pre-work visits to indulgent lunches and dinners. All enjoyed in relaxed, stylish surroundings perfectly matched to the vibrant menu which is seasonally changing with locally sourced ingredients.
Bbar
Bbar is a South African-inspired bar, restaurant and event space situated in the heart of Victoria. Within easy walking distance of Buckingham Palace, Victoria Station, and the thriving foodie hub of NOVA, the spot is famed for its delectable cocktails served by experienced mixologists. With two large dining areas in sight of the bar, Bbar offers a great atmosphere with a live DJ from Thursday to Saturday and an outside terrace for al fresco dining.
TH@51
TH@51 is a new & exciting addition to the myriad of restaurants in the Royal borough of London. Dishes take inspiration from various cultures around the world celebrating uniqueness and innovation in a truly global environment. Enables every guest to enjoy the world on a palate. Overlooking the beautiful Victorian Courtyard where the diners have the option of enjoying their favourite dishes in an open space.
The Bay and Bracket
A top bar in the heart of Victoria, The Bay and Bracket is the perfect pit-stop for all sightseers and shoppers alike, in need of a bite to eat or a revitalising cup of coffee. The venue has been lavishly decorated with a cool, quirky and industrial feel featuring Meantime tanks of beer. If you are after drinks, they offer great value for money on an excellent range of beers and wines from all around the world.
It is definitely well-known that Westminster brings a lot to London, in terms of history, business and shopping. But, from a first glance, there is definitely more than meets the eye. So, lace up those boots, get walking and you’ll fall in love with this place!
For any help in finding office space to rent in Westminster, then get in touch with us here, or call one of our expert team on 020 3053 3882 for more information.