The Royal Arcade, London's Oldest Victorian Shopping Gallery
Step into London's oldest Victorian shopping arcade, where historic charm meets luxury boutiques in the heart of Mayfair.
Nestled in the heart of Mayfair at 28 Old Bond Street, The Royal Arcade is London's oldest Victorian shopping arcade, dating back to 1879. This elegant, Grade II* listed arcade features a stunning decorative arched roof and stucco façades, housing a curated collection of exclusive independent boutiques and luxury brands. It offers a refined shopping experience steeped in history and timeless charm, connecting Old Bond Street with Albemarle Street in one of the capital’s most prestigious retail districts.
A brief summary to 28 The Royal Arcade
- 28 The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, London, W1S 4BT, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit Charbonnel et Walker for exquisite chocolates, a highlight of the arcade’s specialty shops.
- Take time to admire the Victorian architecture, especially the decorative stucco façades and glass arched roof.
- Explore the mix of luxury and independent boutiques for unique shopping finds.
- Combine your visit with a stroll around Mayfair to experience London’s exclusive galleries and historic streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
28 The Royal Arcade location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about 28 The Royal Arcade
A Historic Gem in London's Prestigious Mayfair
The Royal Arcade stands as a testament to Victorian elegance and London's rich retail heritage. Constructed in 1879, it holds the distinction of being the oldest shopping arcade in the city. Its Grade II* listed status highlights its architectural and historic importance, with ornate stucco façades and a beautifully crafted arched glass roof that floods the interior with natural light. Situated on Old Bond Street, the arcade links this famed luxury shopping street with Albemarle Street, placing it at the center of Mayfair’s exclusive retail scene.Architectural Elegance and Atmosphere
The arcade’s design reflects the Victorian era’s attention to detail and craftsmanship. Visitors are greeted by intricate decorative elements and a sense of grandeur that contrasts with the modern retail environment outside. The glass canopy overhead creates a bright, airy atmosphere, while the arcade’s narrow, intimate passageway encourages leisurely exploration. This unique architectural setting provides a stylish backdrop for the arcade’s collection of specialty shops and luxury boutiques.A Curated Collection of Luxury and Independent Shops
The Royal Arcade hosts around a dozen specialist retailers, including renowned names such as Charbonnel et Walker, the master chocolatier, Ormonde Jayne perfumery, bespoke tailor Paul Smith, and antique specialist Simon Griffin. This mix of high-end brands and independent artisans offers an exclusive shopping experience that reflects the refined tastes of Mayfair’s clientele. Each shop contributes to the arcade’s distinctive character, making it a destination for discerning shoppers and connoisseurs alike.Immersive Shopping Experience in a Bygone Era
Stepping into The Royal Arcade is like entering a different time, where the elegance of the 19th century meets contemporary luxury retail. The arcade’s atmosphere is imbued with a sense of tradition and exclusivity, enhanced by the historic architecture and carefully curated retail offerings. It remains a stylish and atmospheric refuge from the bustling streets outside, inviting visitors to enjoy a slower, more refined pace of shopping.The Royal Arcade’s Place in London’s Cultural Fabric
Beyond retail, The Royal Arcade contributes to the cultural and historic fabric of Mayfair. Its proximity to world-class galleries, luxury hotels, and iconic London landmarks situates it within a vibrant district renowned for art, fashion, and heritage. The arcade itself is a living piece of history, offering a glimpse into Victorian London’s commercial and architectural past while continuing to serve modern shoppers.Visiting and Appreciating The Royal Arcade
While some units can be quiet at times, the arcade’s charm and architectural beauty make it worth a visit for anyone interested in London’s historic shopping culture. The presence of specialty shops, especially the famed chocolate shop Charbonnel et Walker, provides unique highlights. Exploring The Royal Arcade offers an intimate experience that contrasts with larger, more commercial shopping centers, appealing to those who appreciate history, craftsmanship, and luxury retail.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Burlington House
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A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
3 Savile Row
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Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
Beau Brummell Statue
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The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
Ziggy Stardust album cover
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Step into the legendary London street where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona was born on an iconic 1972 album cover.
Pickering Pl
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Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
Republic of Texas Plaque
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A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
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Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
225 Piccadilly Circus
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At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Piccadilly Circus
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Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
St James's Square
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London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
Liberty’s clock
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Discover the charm of Liberty's Clock, an iconic landmark in Carnaby, London, embodying the city’s rich heritage and architectural beauty.
St. James's Palace
0.6 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
Pall Mall
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Pall Mall, a historic London street famed for royal heritage, pioneering gas lighting, and exclusive gentlemen’s clubs near St James’s Palace.
Clarence House
0.6 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Clarence House, a royal residence that embodies British elegance in the heart of London.
Soho
0.6 km
London's pulsating heart of nightlife, cuisine, and cultural reinvention where bohemian heritage meets contemporary glamour.
Unmissable attractions to see
Charbonnel et Walker
0.0 km
Discover over 150 years of British chocolate mastery and timeless elegance at Charbonnel et Walker in London’s Royal Arcade.
The Royal Institution
0.1 km
Explore centuries of groundbreaking science and iconic lectures at London’s historic Royal Institution, home to Faraday’s legacy and the famous Christmas Lectures.
Burlington Arcade
0.1 km
Step into Burlington Arcade, a historic 1819 luxury shopping gallery in London, where Regency charm meets exclusive boutiques and timeless traditions.
Allies (Churchill & Roosevelt)
0.2 km
An intimate bronze sculpture of Churchill and Roosevelt sharing a bench, symbolizing 50 years of peace and the enduring UK-US alliance on London’s New Bond Street.
Sprueth Magers Gallery
0.2 km
A leading contemporary art gallery in London’s West End showcasing innovative exhibitions by international artists.
Fortnum & Mason
0.2 km
Three centuries of British luxury, tradition, and culinary excellence on Piccadilly
Piccadilly Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Piccadilly Arcade, a refined Edwardian shopping haven blending heritage tailoring, unique boutiques, and timeless London charm.
Hatchards - Piccadilly
0.2 km
Explore Hatchards, London's oldest bookshop since 1797, a historic literary haven with royal warrants and timeless charm on Piccadilly.
Savile Row
0.2 km
Savile Row, London’s legendary street, is the global heart of bespoke tailoring, where tradition meets timeless style and craftsmanship.
Princes Arcade
0.3 km
Discover Princes Arcade, a historic London shopping passage blending timeless craftsmanship with modern menswear in the heart of Piccadilly.
Prestat Chocolates
0.3 km
Discover London’s oldest royal chocolate shop, where century-old truffle traditions meet theatrical elegance in Piccadilly’s charming Princes Arcade.
Bond St
0.3 km
Discover Bond Street, London’s iconic luxury shopping street where history, high fashion, and exclusive boutiques converge in elegant Mayfair.
St James's Piccadilly
0.3 km
Discover St James's Piccadilly, a historic Wren-designed church blending artistic heritage and serene gardens in the heart of London’s vibrant West End.
Berkeley Square
0.3 km
A timeless Georgian garden square in Mayfair, blending historic grandeur, iconic plane trees, and cultural elegance in central London.
White Cube Mason's Yard
0.3 km
Premier contemporary art gallery in St James's, free admission, architectural landmark housing international exhibitions.
Essential places to dine
Quaglino's
0.2 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
NOPI
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.3 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
sketch
0.4 km
An iconic Mayfair venue blending avant-garde art, Michelin-starred dining, and whimsical design for an unforgettable London experience.
HIDE
0.4 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.4 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Golden Lion
0.4 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Great British Restaurant
0.4 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.4 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Kricket Soho
0.5 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Mele e Pere
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Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Little Social
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Stylish Mayfair bistro offering refined modern British small plates with an intimate atmosphere and excellent wine selection.
Bantof
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Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Blacklock Soho
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A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Starbucks Coffee
0.5 km
A vibrant Starbucks café in Carnaby offering expertly crafted coffee, fresh food, and a lively urban atmosphere in central London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
0.2 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Floris London
0.3 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
LONGCHAMP
0.3 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
John Lobb St. James
0.4 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Lillywhites
0.5 km
London's iconic sports megastore at Piccadilly Circus—where athletic excellence meets retail tradition.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.5 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Liberty
0.5 km
Discover Liberty London, a Tudor revival icon blending heritage craftsmanship, luxurious fabrics, and timeless design in the heart of London’s West End.
Canvas Collection
0.5 km
Discover handmade ceramics, jewelry, and accessories in Carnaby's artistic gift haven—unique treasures from London's creative makers.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Machine-A
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Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Glassworks London - Soho
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Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
Beyond Retro Soho
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Dive into Soho's ultimate vintage vault: two floors of era-spanning fashion, weekly drops, and pop-up vibes for the preloved obsessed.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.7 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Pop Up 38
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A compact, curated boutique on Broadwick Street offering rotating seasonal pieces and design-led accessories in the heart of Soho.
237 Oxford St
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Step into the heart of London’s shopping legacy at 237 Oxford Street, where history meets modern retail energy.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
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Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Disrepute - Soho
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Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Cahoots London
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Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
The Thin White Duke
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Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Duke of Argyll
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Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
The Argyll Arms
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Step into The Argyll Arms, a Victorian-era pub gem in Soho blending historic charm, real ales, and hearty British fare near Oxford Circus.
Village Soho
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A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Duke Of Wellington
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A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Basement Sate
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Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
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Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.7 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.7 km
Historic Soho gay pub and resilient LGBTQ+ landmark, symbolizing community strength and vibrant nightlife since the 1830s.
NQ64 Soho
0.8 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
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Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
The Nellie Dean
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A classic Soho pub blending traditional charm with lively local spirit and renowned for hearty pies and well-kept ales.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.2 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
Tabu London
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Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Cuckoo Club
0.2 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
The Scotch of St James
0.3 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.6 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
Sunset night club
0.6 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Tiger Tiger London
0.6 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Luxe Club
0.6 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Carwash Nightclub
0.6 km
Europe's longest-running disco since 1989: sequins, funk beats, and joyful dancing in Mayfair's retro heart. Join the glitter-fueled party!
The Box Soho
0.6 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.6 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
Sophisticats Soho
0.6 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
St Moritz Club
0.7 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
The Penthouse London
0.8 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
TSQ Club
0.8 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Elegant
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly