A local’s guide to visiting the best old money places for quiet luxury in London; from beautiful streets to quiet mews, elegant shops and museums!
When we talk about old money or quiet luxury in London, I envision symmetrical spaces, steeped in history and heritage.
I see places where restaurants offer the finest fare and cobbled streets are lined with sophisticated, low-rise architecture.
Writing my guide “London for Jewelry Lovers” inspired me to also share this curated guide to luxury in London, filled with beautiful streets, discreet shops, and heritage brands.
7 Old Money Spots and Quiet Luxury in London
In this guide, we will wander through London’s most beautiful mews and explore neighborhoods rich in culture and tradition.
Our journey will take us through South Kensington, Belgravia, and St James’s, among others, to discover some of the city’s most peaceful and elegant locations.
Where to Find Luxury in London: The Mews
One finds the true meaning of quiet luxury in the city’s old mews.
Originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries as stable lanes for the grand mansions of the aristocracy, these streets were designed to house horses, carriages, and stable hands so the main roads would stay grand and clear.
Today, they are some of the most peaceful corners of West London.
In South Kensington, you have the leafy charm of Kynance Mews or Ennismore Mews, while Notting Hill hides the iconic blue and pink houses of St Luke’s Mews.
Where to Find Luxury in London: St James’s Area
In St James’s, the historic heart of “Gentleman’s London,” you’ll find iconic buildings – notably on Savile Row – that you might recognize from the Kingsman movies.
It’s also home to Jermyn Street, the gold standard for bespoke tailoring, and Lobb for world-class footwear, both of which have been catering to the city’s aristocratic circles since the 17th century.
A true hidden treasure here is Pickering Place, London’s smallest public square and famously the site of the city’s last duel.
You reach it through a tiny tunnel right next to Berry Bros. & Rudd (the UK’s oldest wine merchant, established in 1698). It’s an untouched pocket of Georgian history where the real luxury is the absolute silence.
Where to Find Luxury in London: Holland Park
You can also find quiet luxury in London at Holland Park, which used to be the “artists’ quarter” for the Victorian elite.
The park itself is beautiful and expansive – and home to two of the most stunning secret gardens in the city: the Dutch Garden and the Kyoto Garden.
While you’re in Holland Park, you’ll also find Leighton House, the former home of Frederic, Lord Leighton.
Its “Arab Hall,” filled with intricate golden mosaics, makes a visit to the area even more impressive.
Where to Find Luxury in London: Wallace Collection, Marylebone
In Marylebone, just a stone’s throw from the noise of Oxford Street, you’ll find the Wallace Collection – one of my personal favorites in London.
It’s housed in the grand Hertford House, which was once the city residence of the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace.
The museum feels beautifully stuck in time, filled with Old Master paintings, impressive armor, and 18th-century furniture.
While you’re wandering through, keep an eye out for the delicate Sèvres porcelain and the intricate gold snuff boxes.
It also happens to have one of the most stunning staircases in London – absolutely perfect for a few photos to capture that “quiet luxury” aesthetic.
Where to Find Luxury in London: Mount Street, Mayfair
Mount Street in Mayfair is easily one of the most beautiful shopping streets in London.
It serves as a more exclusive, serene alternative to Bond Street, having been largely rebuilt in the late 1880s and 1890s in that gorgeous Queen Anne style.
The red-brick buildings are incredibly elegant and sit right next to hidden gems like the Brown Hart Gardens and Mount Street Gardens.
A stop at Pasticceria Marchesi – one of the best Italian pastry shops and cafes in the city – is practically a must when you’re visiting Mount Street, especially if the London rain starts to move in.
Where to Find Luxury in London: Claridge’s
Those who love luxury and architecture will be right at home at Claridge’s, one of the most stunning examples of Art Deco in London.
Though it was originally founded in 1812 as Mivart’s Hotel, it has since become an icon of timeless style.
The interior is incredibly glamorous, and it remains one of the chicest spots in the city to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.
It’s the perfect place to sit back and soak up that polished, old-world atmosphere.
Where to Find Luxury in London: Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly
The Burlington Arcade is a 19th-century covered shopping arcade nestled in the heart of Piccadilly, one of London’s most famous streets.
It’s world-renowned for its antique jewelry shops and rare timepieces, but also for its Beadles – guards in traditional livery who still enforce a historic ban on whistling and running.
After wandering through the arcade, you can continue exploring London’s finest perfume houses, like Santa Maria Novella just across the way, or the iconic and sophisticated Fortnum & Mason department store nearby.
7 Old Money Spots and Quiet Luxury in London
Once you’re done visiting these luxurious places, maybe you would like to drift away from the quietness and go back to Oxford Street’s shops, or the beautiful streets of Covent Garden.
You will also find many shopping streets and areas in London, that are more secret or posh, like West Hampstead, Muswell Hill or Notting Hill.
For now, do enjoy these few quiet luxury spots before you move on to other interesting ventures!