The Brunswick Centre
Iconic brutalist shopping and cultural hub where modernist architecture meets vibrant urban life in Bloomsbury.
The Brunswick Centre is a Grade II listed mixed-use development in Bloomsbury, London, combining 560 residential flats with a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. Designed by architect Patrick Hodgkinson and completed in 1972, this modernist landmark features a distinctive stepped residential design overlooking a car-free central concourse. The centre houses the largest Waitrose in Central London, a Curzon art-house cinema, independent bookshops, galleries, and diverse restaurants, making it a cultural and commercial destination near Russell Square.
A brief summary to The Brunswick Centre
- Unit 57, Bernard St, London, WC1N 1BS, GB
- +442078336066
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-11 pm
- Thursday 7 am-11 pm
- Friday 7 am-11 pm
- Saturday 7 am-11 pm
- Sunday 7 am-11 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Brunswick Art Gallery for free contemporary art exhibitions showcasing emerging and established artists in an intimate setting.
- Explore Skoob Books in the basement for rare and second-hand academic titles; the uncatalogued arrangement makes discovery part of the experience.
- Arrive early morning or mid-afternoon to avoid peak lunch crowds and enjoy the central concourse in relative tranquility.
- The car-free central plaza is perfect for people-watching and photography; the stepped architecture creates dramatic sightlines from multiple angles.
- Check Curzon cinema's programming in advance; the venue specialises in independent, international, and art-house films unavailable at mainstream cinemas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
The Brunswick Centre location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about The Brunswick Centre
Modernist Design and Architectural Heritage
The Brunswick Centre stands as a pioneering example of 20th-century mixed-use development, designed by architect Patrick Hodgkinson in collaboration with Sir Leslie Martin in the mid-1960s. Built between 1967 and 1972, the structure replaced deteriorating Georgian terraced housing with an innovative low-rise, high-density residential and retail complex. The two main residential blocks—O'Donnell Court and Foundling Court—step dramatically from five-storey street frontages to eight storeys above the raised shop-lined central concourse, creating a distinctive silhouette that has become iconic in London's architectural landscape. The building's A-frame reinforced concrete and brickwork structure, combined with rendered blockwork external walls, demonstrates Hodgkinson's departure from purist modernism. Originally intended to be painted cream as a homage to the Georgian terraces it replaced, the exterior remained unpainted for decades due to budget constraints. Following a major £22 million renovation completed in 2006, the blocks were finally painted in their originally planned colour, and artist Susanna Heron introduced water features to the central plaza, transforming the space into a vibrant public gathering area.Cultural and Commercial Significance
The Brunswick Centre has become a cultural landmark that extends far beyond its commercial function. The Grade II listed building, designated in 2000, has served as a filming location for major productions including the 1975 film The Passenger, starring Jack Nicholson, and more recently as the backdrop for Coruscant scenes in the 2022 Star Wars series Andor. The centre's distinctive brutalist aesthetic has inspired artists and musicians, including a dedicated song by the band Lodger. Today, the centre operates as a thriving cultural hub, hosting the Brunswick Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary art exhibitions free of charge, and the Curzon cinema, an art-house venue programming independent and international films. This blend of residential, retail, and cultural functions reflects the original vision of creating a complete urban community within a single architectural statement.Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Offerings
The Brunswick Centre's commercial spaces reflect a carefully curated mix of independent retailers, specialist shops, and established brands. The largest Waitrose supermarket in Central London anchors the shopping experience, featuring dedicated counters for delicatessen, meat, rotisserie, fish, bakery, patisserie, sushi, and hot food. Beyond the supermarket, visitors discover Skoob Books, a beloved basement bookstore specialising in second-hand academic titles and rare finds, its deliberately uncatalogued arrangement adding to the treasure-hunt appeal. Tian Tian Market offers over 10,000 specialty Asian groceries and lifestyle products from more than 25 countries across Asia. The dining scene ranges from casual cafés like Gail's Bakery, known for artisanal pastries and coffee, to established restaurants including The Riding House Café and Hare and Tortoise, which specialises in Japanese cuisine. The car-free central concourse creates an intimate pedestrian environment where visitors can linger, shop, dine, and socialise without vehicular traffic.Urban Context and Accessibility
Located in Bloomsbury between Brunswick Square and Russell Square, the centre sits adjacent to Russell Square tube station on the Piccadilly Line, making it highly accessible from across London. The surrounding neighbourhood is renowned as a literary and academic hub, home to the British Museum, the Foundling Museum, and numerous independent bookshops and galleries. The proximity to Russell Square Gardens provides a peaceful retreat within the bustling urban environment. The centre's position at the heart of this culturally rich district makes it an ideal stopping point for those exploring Bloomsbury's intellectual and artistic heritage. The car-free design of the central concourse reflects contemporary urban planning principles, prioritising pedestrian experience and community gathering over vehicular access.Renovation and Contemporary Evolution
The 2002–2006 renovation marked a turning point in the centre's fortunes after years of decline and neglect. While the exterior concrete structure was restored to its original specifications and painted in the planned cream colour, the residential windows were addressed in subsequent phases, with the council beginning replacement work in 2007. The major commercial renovation brought high street chain stores and restaurants, revitalising the shopping experience. More recently, planning permission was granted in March 2024 to convert part of the underground car park into a 207-bed Premier Inn hotel, signalling continued investment and evolution. This ongoing development demonstrates the centre's enduring relevance as a mixed-use destination that adapts to contemporary needs while preserving its architectural integrity and heritage status.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Thomas Coram
0.2 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
St Pancras New Church
0.5 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Euston War Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
Sicilian Avenue
0.7 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
190 High Holborn
0.9 km
A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
1.1 km
A basilica-style sanctuary where Italian faith, architectural brilliance, and community memory converge in historic Clerkenwell.
Middlesex House
1.1 km
Experience the blend of modern business and historical charm at Middlesex House in London, a vibrant hub for tourists and professionals alike.
covent Garden ,
1.1 km
Explore Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.
St Giles in the Fields
1.1 km
Medieval leper hospital turned Palladian masterpiece—nearly 1000 years of London's sacred and troubled history
1 Soho Place
1.1 km
Explore 1 Soho Place: A vibrant business park in London's Soho, surrounded by eclectic eateries, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Denmark St
1.1 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
1.1 km
Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Staple Inn
1.2 km
Explore Staple Inn, a historic Tudor building in London, showcasing stunning architecture and a serene courtyard amidst the city's vibrant life.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
1.2 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Soho Square Gardens
1.2 km
Explore the calming beauty of Soho Square Gardens, a lush park in the heart of London, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
Unmissable attractions to see
Curzon Bloomsbury
0.1 km
Discover world-class arthouse cinema and documentary premieres at Curzon Bloomsbury, nestled in the iconic Brunswick Centre.
Brunswick Square Gardens
0.2 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden where literary giants walked beneath ancient plane trees and bohemian dreams took root.
Foundling Museum
0.2 km
Explore the Foundling Museum, where art, music, and history unite to tell the story of Britain’s first children’s charity and its enduring legacy.
Russell Sq
0.3 km
A peaceful Georgian garden square in Bloomsbury, blending historic charm with serene green spaces in central London.
Coram's Fields
0.4 km
A historic seven-acre playground and community hub in London dedicated exclusively to children and young people.
Queen Square
0.4 km
A historic Bloomsbury square blending Georgian charm, royal ties, and a world-renowned medical heritage in tranquil garden surroundings.
Tavistock Square
0.4 km
A tranquil Georgian square in Bloomsbury, rich in literary history and peace memorials, embodying resilience and reflection in central London.
The Lamb
0.4 km
Step into The Lamb on Lamb's Conduit Street, a Georgian gem with Victorian charm, famed for its snob screens, real ales, and literary heritage.
1 Queen Square
0.4 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden square renowned for medical heritage, tranquil gardens, and Georgian architecture.
Woburn Walk
0.4 km
Step into a Regency-era pedestrian street in Bloomsbury, where history, architecture, and literary legacy converge in a tranquil urban retreat.
Gordon Sq
0.4 km
Tranquil Bloomsbury garden square steeped in literary history and academic heritage in central London.
Persephone books
0.5 km
Explore the unique literary treasures of Persephone Books, a London bookshop dedicated to uncovering forgotten works by women authors.
Torrington Square
0.5 km
A tranquil university-owned garden square in Bloomsbury blending historic heritage with academic vibrancy and green respite.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery
0.5 km
Explore the legacy of Britain’s first female doctor through interactive exhibits in a beautifully restored historic hospital gallery in London.
Smallest Street in London
0.5 km
Discover Emerald Court, London’s famously narrow alley, a hidden passage steeped in history and architectural contrasts in Bloomsbury.
Essential places to dine
The Ninth
1.0 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Margot
1.1 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Circus
1.1 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
1.2 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Noble Rot Soho
1.2 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.3 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Sarastro
1.3 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
1.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
1.3 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
1.3 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Quo Vadis
1.3 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Hoppers Soho
1.3 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Inamo
1.4 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Balthazar
1.4 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fancy That of London
0.8 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
not just a shop
0.9 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Primark
1.0 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
1.1 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
1.1 km
London’s ultimate destination for comics, collectibles, and cult pop culture treasures in the heart of the West End.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
1.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Pop Boutique
1.1 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
London Silver Vaults
1.2 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Radha's Boutique
1.2 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Goldsmith Vintage
1.2 km
Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
1.2 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Good
1.2 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Souvenir Shop
1.2 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
Rokit Covent Garden
1.2 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.2 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fitz's Russell Sq.
0.3 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
The Duke
0.6 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Cosy Cocktail Bar
0.7 km
A stylish speakeasy in King's Cross offering expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, intimate setting perfect for evenings and private events.
Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
0.8 km
A quirky, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Kings Cross with lively music, creative drinks, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
The Coral Room
0.9 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia
1.1 km
A vibrant, punk-inspired basement bar in Fitzrovia serving inventive cocktails and lively nights with flair and fun.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
Punch Room
1.2 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
The Escapologist Bar
1.2 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
The Little Scarlet Door
1.3 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
Thirst Bar Soho
1.3 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
The Nellie Dean
1.3 km
A classic Soho pub blending traditional charm with lively local spirit and renowned for hearty pies and well-kept ales.
Simmons Bar | Soho
1.3 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
Swift Soho
1.3 km
Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
Bar Termini
1.3 km
An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Carwash Nightclub
1.1 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.1 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Roxy
1.2 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
La Capannina Club
1.3 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
1.3 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
101 Nightclub London
1.3 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
1.3 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
The Ivy Club
1.3 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
St Moritz Club
1.4 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.4 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
London Best Night Clubs
1.5 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Sunset night club
1.5 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.
The Box Soho
1.5 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Sophisticats Soho
1.5 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Modern Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
- Business Friendly
