Pickering Place: London's Smallest Historic Square
Discover London’s tiniest square, where Georgian charm, historic duels, and a Texan embassy blend into a hidden urban retreat.
Nestled off St James’s Street in London, Pickering Place is the smallest public square in England, famed for its preserved Georgian architecture, original gaslights, and rich 18th-century history. Once notorious for gambling dens, duels, and bear-baiting, it also briefly housed the Republic of Texas embassy. Today, its quiet charm and historic ambiance offer a unique glimpse into London’s past.
A brief summary to Pickering Pl
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during the festive season to see the square’s charming hidden Christmas tree.
- Look for the narrow arched alleyway with a gold number 3 above the entrance on St James’s Street.
- Explore nearby Berry Bros & Rudd, London’s oldest wine merchant, located adjacent to the square.
- Bring a camera to capture the original gaslights and Georgian architecture in this atmospheric courtyard.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground and Walking
Take the London Underground to Green Park Station (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines). From there, it is a 5 to 10-minute walk along St James’s Street to the narrow alleyway marked with a gold number 3, leading to Pickering Place. The walk is on paved city streets and is wheelchair accessible.
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Bus and Walking
Several London bus routes stop near St James’s Street, including routes 9, 14, and 19. From the bus stop, expect a 5 to 10-minute walk on flat, paved surfaces to the entrance of Pickering Place. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with typical fares around £1.75 using an Oyster or contactless card.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London locations typically takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Drop-off can be arranged near St James’s Street. Note that parking is limited in the area, so this option is best for direct access without parking concerns.
Pickering Pl 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 Pickering Pl
A Hidden Gem of Georgian London
Pickering Place is a tiny, secluded courtyard tucked away just off St James’s Street in the Mayfair district of London. Established in 1731 and originally known as Pickering Court, it was named after William Pickering, a coffee merchant connected to the historic Berry Bros & Rudd wine merchants, whose shop still borders the square. The square’s compact size makes it the smallest public square in England, a rare urban enclave that has preserved much of its original Georgian charm, including wrought iron railings and working gaslights.From Gambling Dens to Duels
Despite its refined appearance today, Pickering Place once had a notorious reputation in the 18th century. Its secluded location made it a hotspot for gambling dens, bear-baiting, and clandestine duels. The square is famously known as the last place in London where a duel was fought, with one of the most legendary duellists said to be Beau Brummell, a close friend of King George IV and the inventor of the cravat. While some details of these stories blur the line between fact and folklore, they add to the square’s mystique and historical significance.The Texan Embassy and Notable Residents
For a brief period in the mid-19th century, Pickering Place was home to the embassy of the Republic of Texas, before Texas joined the United States in 1845. A plaque commemorates this unique chapter in the square’s history. The area also attracted notable residents such as the author Graham Greene and former British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston, adding layers of cultural and political heritage to the site.Architectural and Cultural Preservation
Pickering Place’s architecture remains remarkably intact, with its Georgian terraces, original gaslights, and iron railings all protected as Grade II listed features. The square’s quiet atmosphere in the heart of bustling London offers visitors an evocative step back in time. During the festive season, the square is known for its hidden Christmas tree, enhancing its quaint and intimate character.Discovering Pickering Place Today
Accessed through a narrow arched alleyway marked by a gold number 3 above the entrance, Pickering Place is easy to miss but rewarding to find. The alley is nestled between two historic 16th-century shops, including the longstanding Berry Bros & Rudd. The square’s discreet location means it offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it a unique spot for history enthusiasts and those seeking a quiet moment in central London.Legacy and Urban Significance
Pickering Place stands as a testament to London’s layered history, blending stories of commerce, conflict, and culture within a compact urban space. Its preservation reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining historical sites that offer insight into past lifestyles and social customs. The square’s intimate scale and rich narrative make it a distinctive landmark amid London’s grander squares and parks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
St. James's Palace
0.1 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
St James's Square
0.2 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
Beau Brummell Statue
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The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
0.3 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
3 Carlton House Terrace
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Elegant Grade I listed townhouse in London’s historic Carlton House Terrace, blending royal heritage with refined Georgian architecture.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.4 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
Burlington House
0.4 km
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.
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.4 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Buckingham Palace
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Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, a historical landmark in the heart of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
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Discover the rich heritage and exquisite selection of wines at Berry Bros. & Rudd, London's historic wine shop and event venue.
Christie's London
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Christie's London, at 8 King Street, is a historic and prestigious auction house renowned for its world-class art and luxury sales since 1766.
The Queen's Chapel
0.1 km
Discover the elegant 17th-century Palladian chapel beside St. James’s Palace, steeped in royal history and architectural refinement.
Spencer House
0.2 km
Step into Spencer House, a stunning 18th-century London mansion showcasing neoclassical elegance, aristocratic history, and exquisite interiors.
Clarence House
0.2 km
Explore Clarence House, the historic London residence of King Charles III, showcasing royal heritage, exquisite art, and elegant Regency architecture.
Masons Yard
0.2 km
Discover Mason's Yard, a historic London square blending rich artistic heritage with cutting-edge contemporary galleries in the heart of St James's.
White Cube Mason's Yard
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Premier contemporary art gallery in St James's, free admission, architectural landmark housing international exhibitions.
Lancaster House
0.2 km
Lancaster House: London’s neoclassical masterpiece blending royal history, political heritage, and elegant government hospitality near Buckingham Palace.
Piccadilly Arcade
0.2 km
Step into Piccadilly Arcade, a refined Edwardian shopping haven blending heritage tailoring, unique boutiques, and timeless London charm.
Charles De Gaulle Statue
0.3 km
A dignified tribute in London’s Carlton Gardens honoring Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of Free France during WWII.
Pall Mall
0.3 km
Pall Mall: London’s historic street of royal games, elegant clubs, and pioneering urban charm.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
0.3 km
A serene 7-mile circular walk through London's Royal Parks, honoring Princess Diana’s life, legacy, and connection to iconic royal landmarks.
The Mall
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A majestic royal avenue in London, The Mall connects Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace with regal charm and historic grandeur.
Paxton & Whitfield Ltd
0.3 km
Discover the rich heritage of British cheese at Paxton & Whitfield, London's historic cheese shop on Jermyn Street, featuring exceptional selections and gourmet delights.
Fortnum & Mason
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Three centuries of British luxury, tradition, and culinary excellence on Piccadilly
Essential places to dine
Golden Lion
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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
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Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.2 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Quaglino's
0.2 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
Wild Honey St James
0.4 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
HIDE
0.5 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
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Kricket Soho
0.6 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
NOPI
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Mele e Pere
0.7 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Bantof
0.7 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Evelyn's Table
0.7 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Blacklock Soho
0.7 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.7 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Kingly Court
0.8 km
Discover a world of flavors in London’s vibrant Kingly Court, where global cuisine meets Soho’s lively spirit.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
John Lobb St. James
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Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
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Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Floris London
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Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Shepherd Market
0.6 km
A Georgian village hidden in Mayfair's heart, where independent shops, art galleries and historic pubs preserve timeless London charm.
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.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.7 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.7 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
M&M'S London
0.7 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Bond St
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London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
The Queen's Shop
0.7 km
Exclusive royal gifts and British heritage souvenirs steps from Buckingham Palace, blending luxury, tradition, and timeless elegance in a charming London boutique.
Crest of London Ltd
0.8 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
LONGCHAMP
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Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Cool Britania
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Kingly Ct
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A vibrant three-storey courtyard in Soho offering eclectic global dining and unique shops in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
0.8 km
Discover exclusive rock ’n’ roll merchandise and iconic memorabilia at London’s legendary Hard Rock Rock Shop on Old Park Lane.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
0.5 km
Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
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 Thin White Duke
0.7 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Adam & Eve
0.7 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
Two Chairmen
0.7 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
Duke of Argyll
0.7 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Disrepute - Soho
0.7 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.7 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Cahoots London
0.8 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Old Shades
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Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
Blue Boar Pub
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Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
The Spy Bar
0.8 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Westminster Arms
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Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
Duke Of Wellington
0.8 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.8 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Scotch of St James
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Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
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
0.4 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.5 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
TSQ Club
0.6 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.
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.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
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Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
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.
Sophisticats Soho
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An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.8 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.
The Box Soho
0.8 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.8 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Sunset night club
0.9 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.
Heaven
1.0 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
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
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly