Today I want to bring you my guide to Pimlico, London. This pretty neighborhood is right in the heart of the city but manages to fly under the radar. There are lots of great Pimlico cafes, restaurants, and streets to explore, though, and it’s worth discovering the area.
Pimlico, London
Located in the middle of central London, Pimlico is west of Westminster, east of Chelsea, and south of Victoria. The area sits on the Thames and is hard to beat in terms of its location.
But like Vauxhall, its across-the-river-counterpart, Pimlico often gets overlooked when it comes to London neighborhoods.
I never think to come here, friends seldom suggest meeting here, and I rarely seem to find myself wandering through.
Pimlico Cafes
But on days like today when rain or life’s other unexpected circumstances draw me in, I realize that when I forget about Pimlico I’m like Boris Johnson forgetting to comb his hair. I look like an idiot.
So I’m determined to remedy my idiocy, come drizzle or downpour. I start at Cambridge Street Cafe in the beautiful Artist Residence hotel, where I fortify myself with a latte.
I take a seat along the banquette, soaking up the pretty ambiance and open kitchen as my coat absorbs the raindrops falling from my hair. I’m grateful for somewhere to dry off and warm up on such a rainy day in London.
I’ve been to the hotel several times for brunch, events, and tours, and it’s one of my top picks for places to stay in London, not to mention eat.
Streets and Mews
When I’ve finished my latte, I open my umbrella, leave the Artist Residence, and take to the streets of Pimlico. And lovely ones they are.
Light pink doors stand out from white columned houses sporting window boxes overflowing with bright flowers. Pretty green squares pop up between old stone churches, and historic pubs wedge themselves between orange brick buildings.
I duck into lovely side streets like Eccleston Square Mews and Warwick Square Mews, taking in the greenery and cobblestones as I go. And I admire the colorful doors on roads like Tachbrook Street.
Pimlico Restaurants and Food Shops
Like Maida Vale, the neighborhood doesn’t have just one high street where all the best Pimlico cafes and restaurants reside. But with a little wandering, I manage to find the key clusters.
The best one is on Wilton Road, where neighborhood favorite Pimlico Fresh has a queue out the door for its well-known coffee and pastries.
Up the road is A.Wong, the area’s beloved Chinese restaurant. One street over lies Rippon Cheese Stores, Pimlico’s famous cheesemonger.
And down the road is Warwick Way, where there are more Pimlico pubs and eateries. My favorite is the Queens Arms, where I’ve enjoyed a Sunday roast or two.
Another great street for Pimlico cafes and restaurants is Churton Street. I’ve had breakfast and coffee at The Roasting a few times and always enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and pretty ambiance.
Tachbrook Street Market
It’s just steps away from the Tachbrook Street Market, an outdoor collection of street vendors selling everything from fresh red peppers to hot falafel.
I walk through the market, letting myself be lured from stall to stall by the sizzling aromas of hot food, then continue my exploration of Pimlico’s restaurants and cafes.
Tate Britain
Afterwards I go to the riverfront, where on the border of Pimlico and Westminster lies another great foodie find: Tate Britain.
I know, I know. It’s a museum. But it has one of the best museum cafes in London. With an impressive wine list and a stunning dining room, it’s one of my favorite places to eat in the area.
Of course, the museum is worth a trip as well. Home to centuries of important British art and temporary exhibitions, it’s one of London’s great cultural institutions.
Gardens and Squares in Pimlico
Heading back to the Pimlico tube station, I wander through Bessborough Gardens and Dolphin Square. The former is on Vauxhall Bridge Road and adds a nice element of peace to a busy area.
The latter is tucked away behind imposing brick blocks, but nestled within are beautiful gardens and pretty fountains.
Like Pimlico itself, it’s easy to pass by without appreciating how lovely it is. Even in the rain.
Pimlico
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Pimlico and that you get a chance to explore this under-the-radar area of London yourself sometime. I’m sure you’ll discover as many reasons to love it as I have.
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46 Comments on Lady’s Guide to Pimlico, London
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I’ve passed many times through Pimlico but never really stopped by! Now I’ll have to. Beautifully written, thanks for taking us along 🙂
You’re welcome!
Your post made me wish I live in London! There’s just so many things to discover. Please visit it again when it’s no longer raining, maybe you’ll find more hidden treasures to share. 🙂
Thanks! I will definitely go back when the weather clears up!
I really must make more of an effort to explore London next time I’m there! Great post and fab photos Julie, thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Lizzie!
Your photos are lovely! I really like this area of London, but haven’t really explored it properly. I’m going to be there this weekend, so will go for a walk for sure! Thanks 🙂
Thanks! I hope you enjoy exploring!
I must agree with previous comments, your photos are really amazing!
I’m actually familiar with the area so it was good to see your prospective on it.
I will defiantly keep an eye on your blog 🙂
Thanks Tristan!
Love this post – Pimlico Fresh’s juices and sandwiches are incredible!
Thanks! That’s great!
You MUST try the almond and Pistachio cake !!!!!
Thanks! Where?
Such a lovely presentation of my area . I love 💕 my Pimlico n would never wish to live in any other area in London .
I’m glad to hear that!
This is where I live 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed exploring it!
Lots of love,
Angie
Nice! It’s a great place!
I work jusr near by, but have never been to Pimlico 🙂 Will have to explore coffee shops there
Thanks!
Yeah, it’s worth exploring!
What a lovely post! Thank you for heralding #Pimlico! We love it here!
You’re welcome!
Have spent some time over the years in Pimlico and have definitely eaten Portuguese custard tarts from Delicias. As for Dolphin Square, my Oz mother-in-law has lived in London for 20 years, at Dolphin Square for over 10. Her flat has a view straight out onto those Dolphins. We’ve stayed with her there and it’s definitely central to all you need in London. I will send her your link as I’m sure she would love to see her special part of the world talked about like this.
Thanks so much! I hope she likes it!
That Boris Johnson line just had me laugh outloud! Obviously need to spend more time in Pimlico…if it’s like Maida Vale, I will love it!!
Thanks! You’ll love it!
I’ve visited London a few times but only as a tourist. I am not surprised to see that there are such charming places I was not aware of. Hopefully, in the next few years I will get to spend more time in town and explore some “hidden gems” like Pimlico. Thank you for sharing!
Eva
That’s great! I hope you enjoy exploring!
*swoons* London has such beautiful restaurants, cafés, pubs and shops. Every time I come to your blog I am reminded why I can’t get over London ♥
Thanks! Yeah, the city really does have great little treasures!
I overlook Pimlico as an area to wander in as I work not too from there but inspired by your post, you’ve reminded me to see what it has to offer next time I have a free afternoon. And just love that pink door!
Thanks! I hope you have fun exploring!
I’ve never been to Pimlico! Feeling like I should hop off between my usual Vic line haunts of Victoria and Brixtom – these places look adorable.
Yeah, they’re great!
Beautiful pics !!!
Thanks!
I am visiting London for the first time next week and I am trying to decide if I want to stay in Pimlico or near the Borough Market? Would you recommend Pimlico? About how far from Pimlico to the main sites, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace etc? TIA!
Both are amazing and central, so you can’t go wrong!
How wonderful!!! On what street can I find that wonderful colourful door?! Looking forward to exploring 🙂
Thanks! I can’t remember which street it’s on but it’s near Warwick Way.
Just read your post on Pimlico.Born lived and worked in Pimlico most of my life .Hove moved 10 years ago but still spend a week every month as I miss the place so much.Have seen lots of changes but Still Love It.
That’s great! It’s such a lovely part of London.
I’ve enjoyed your comments and pics. I moved to Pimlico in 1950 when I was 5 and lived there until 1970. My brother still lives there. I still visit from time to time and I enjoy walking around the old streets.
Thanks! I’m glad to hear that.
This really took me back. A lovely nostalgia trip. I lived in Cambridge Street, just off Lupus Street from 1974 until 1980. A beautiful basement flat, with a garden area. I think I felt more at home in Pimlico than I ever have anywhere else. Your article showed me how much I miss it. Ah well. Life goes on – or so they say! It still looks so tasteful. A kind of magical village in the heart of the metropolis. The proximity of the river has much to do with the magical atmosphere. Thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m glad it took you back.