A neighbourhood guide to Piccadilly

From the Royal Academy to Green Park, enjoy the delights of this central London spot – including some of the West End's leading theatres.

One of London’s smartest districts, it’s thought that Piccadilly acquired its name from a landowner who made his fortune manufacturing piccadills, a kind of intricately worked lace collar fashionable in the 16th and 17th centuries. Piccadilly divides the equally elegant St James and Mayfair.

In the 19th century and early 20th century, many mansions were built for wealthy families in the area. The Royal Academy, numerous learned societies, luxury grocer Fortnum & Mason, and the Ritz Hotel all contributed to making it a sought-after neighbourhood. Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) spent her early years in her parents’ townhouse 145 Piccadilly before the family moved to Buckingham Palace.

Read our guide to the many attractions where you can experience the luxury and culture that Piccadilly has to offer, as well as its West End theatres. When you get off the Tube at Piccadilly Circus, don’t miss the famous advertising billboard or the Eros Fountain (the winged figure actually represents Eros’ brother Anteros, but the name has stuck!).

Theatres in Piccadilly

Piccadilly Theatre

An Art Deco-style venue, the Piccadilly Theatre opened in 1928 and has hosted a wide array of musicals, dramas, and comedies. Notable productions in the 21st century include Michael Grandage’s production of Guys and Dolls, Ghost the Musical, and the National Theatre transfers of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Lehman Trilogy.

The extravaganza that is Moulin Rouge! The Musical has been playing since 2021 and continues to thrill audiences with its eye-popping theatricality.

Criterion Theatre

The subterranean Criterion Theatre was built as part of a high-end luxury leisure complex in 1873 and has one of the prettiest interiors in London (Stephen Fry calls it “the jewel box of Piccadilly”) and is proudly independently owned.

Best known for comedies and musicals, the venue recently hosted the West End transfer of romcom musical Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) – a perfect fit for its wedding cake-esque auditorium! Edinburgh Fringe transfer I Wish You Well: The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Trial Musical plays from 12 September – 12 October 2024.

Jermyn Street Theatre

An intimate studio theatre in the heart of the West End, Jermyn Street Theatre was established in 1994 in the former changing rooms of a branch of Spaghetti House. This gem of a venue punches far above its weight, frequently attracting big names and staging talked-about shows.

Jermyn Street Theatre’s awards include The Stage 100 Best Fringe Theatre in 2012, and it’s particularly renowned for its eye-opening productions of “forgotten” plays.

Attractions and shops in Piccadilly

Royal Academy of Arts

Established in 1768 to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate, the Royal Academy of Arts is perhaps best known for its annual summer exhibition.

The current paying exhibition is In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine 1900-1930s until 13 October 2024, with Michael Craig-Martin and Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence, c. 1504 coming in the autumn. You can pop in to see Frederic Lord Leighton’s Victorian masterpiece Flaming June for free until 12 January 2025.

Learned societies of Burlington House

Burlington House, home of the Royal Academy, also houses the Geological Society, Royal Astronomical Society, Linnean Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, and the Society of Antiquaries of London.

They frequently hold exhibitions open to the public as well as tours and lectures. No prior knowledge is necessary for many of them; just go in with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Green Park

Piccadilly borders the northern edge of this beautiful Royal Park, created in 1660 when Charles II wanted to be able to walk from Hyde Park to St James’s Park without leaving royal soil.

Unlike most other London parks, there’s no formal landscaping or beds of flowers – enjoy the simplicity of the trees, wildflower meadows and birdsong. A lovely spot for some fresh air and exercise, plus picnics and sunbathing in summer.

Fortnum & Mason

The most luxurious place in London to shop for food and famous for its enchanting window displays (especially at Christmas), Fortnum & Mason has been going strong since 1707. Everything here is the best of the best; no wonder it holds multiple royal warrants.

Afternoon tea in the Tea Salon is a once-in-a-lifetime treat, and the hampers, teas, homewares, and other delicacies are lovely as gifts… if you can bear to give them away!

Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly Arcade, Princes Arcade

These three charming covered shopping arcades containing jewellers, antique silver dealers, leather goods merchants, perfumiers, and more – ideal for high-end souvenir or gift shopping, or just to wander around.

The Burlington Arcade is staffed by a team of beadles in top hats and frock coats. A statue of Beau Brummell, the most fashionable man in Georgian Britain, stands at the Jermyn Street end of the Piccadilly Arcade.

Waterstones Piccadilly

It’s easy to while away an entire day in the flagship branch of bookshop chain Waterstones, the largest bookshop in Europe. Over eight miles of bookshelves span six floors with all genres lavishly represented.

There are also regular author events (plus a recent Taylor Swift-themed silent disco) and the café on the top floor has excellent views. There’s truly something for everyone here.

Hatchards

Founded in 1797 and claiming to be the oldest bookshop in London, Hatchards offers a more boutique shopping experience, but still packs in a remarkable selection of books as well as an antiquarian selection.

As with Waterstones, there are often high-profile author events here as well as several stimulating book clubs held at the shop.

Bars and pubs in Piccadilly

5th View

Located on the top floor of the Waterstones Piccadilly building, this bar boasts panoramic views and 2 for 1 cocktails every evening from 5pm-8pm. Enjoy discussing favourite books over a drink!

Downstairs at The Dilly

An elegant, speakeasy-inspired bar located in the basement of The Dilly hotel. The drinks menu includes English sparkling wine sourced from the vineyards of Kent. Relax to live piano music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Places to eat in Piccadilly

Masala Zone

It’s a mainstream chain, but the Piccadilly branch is rather special. It’s located in the former Criterion Restaurant, where Dr Watson first learned about Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet, and, in real life, was the site of many Suffragette meetings. It’s remarkably beautiful with its mosaics and sculptural details.

£

Cicchetti

At this popular contemporary Venetian restaurant, diners are encouraged to create their own meal by selecting multiple plates to share or eat alone. Includes traditional Venetian seafood and fried street food as well as delicious pizza and pasta.

££

45 Jermyn Street

An offshoot of Fortnum & Mason that “brings back the golden age of glamour and service for a contemporary London.” The international menu is seasonally influenced and there’s a three-course pre-theatre menu for £49.

£££

The Ritz

If you’re pushing the boat out, consider an evening puttin’ on the Ritz (the Ritz didn’t inspire the term “ritzy” for nothing). The Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and the menu designed by Executive Chef John Williams MBE is the crème de la crème. A truly special experience.

£££££

Fun Piccadilly-related theatre facts

• The Criterion was where Terence Rattigan had his first hit, the comedy French without Tears, which starred Rex Harrison, Trevor Howard, and Jessica Tandy.
• Noel Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit premiered at the Piccadilly Theatre in 1941, starring Margaret Rutherford as Madame Arcati.
• Piccadilly is the London home of many upper-class fictional characters, including Jack Worthing in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.

Photo: Francis Erevan (Flickr)