London is constantly evolving. Every time I walk through the City, there are five new skyscrapers and countless cranes. But it’s not the only place that’s seen big building works recently. Many London neighborhoods have. Earls Court, London’s most extreme example, is at the beginning of a multi-decade urban redevelopment project that will change its character forever. So now’s a good time to explore.
Earls Court, London
On the western edge of central London, Earls Court is best known for being a popular place for visitors to stay (there’s a hotel on every corner) and for having the most confusing tube station in the city (why I do I always end up on the wrong branch of the District Line?).
But despite its convenient location near the museums in South Kensington, Earls Court isn’t always an obvious place for me to meet friends or discover more of London.
Which is too bad, because there are a lot of things to do and places to go in the area.
Earls Court Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants and bars, for example. While the high street can be a bit hit-or-miss, there are staples like Franco Manca, the beloved and oh-so-reasonably-priced pizza restaurant everyone adores.
Or all the pubs in the area, which somehow seem to have cornered the market on inspiring facades and ye-olde-England signs.
And let’s not forget The Troubadour. The iconic cafe and live music venue is one of the most beloved places in Earls Court.
Not only have the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Adele performed there, but there’s also a great ambiance in the rustic restaurant upstairs.
On the newer end of things, Earls Court has one of the best secret bars in London. Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a proper speakeasy, complete with an unmarked entrance, passwords, and false identities. Oh, and good cocktails.
It adds a nice bit of east London’s edge and excitement to this normally subdued part of the city.
Earls Court Mews and Gardens
Away from the commercial side of the neighborhood, Earls Court also has lovely streets and squares. The area’s colorful houses are some of the brightest in London, and there are a lot of little mews streets to get lost in.
I particularly like the pastel houses and colorful doors on Child’s Street. The ones on Redfield Lane, Kenway Road, and Wallgrave Road are great, too. And Spear Mews is just lovely.
That’s to say nothing of the gardens. Like most of the city’s big gardens, only the people that live around them have access.
But there’s still plenty to see for those of us with noses small enough to stick through the bars. And what we see are beautiful trees, colorful flowers, and pretty gazebos. Swoon.
Earls Court in the Future
There’s certainly enough to discover in Earls Court to merit a trip, and now’s the time to go.
The famous Earls Court Exhibition Centre that played host to concerts by Michael Jackson and David Bowie has been demolished, and the 7-phase, 77-acre redevelopment project that is slated to last until 2032 is heating up.
Whether Earls Court will be better or worse after the work is completed is up to each individual to decide. But regardless of opinion, it will soon be a very different London neighborhood.
What are your favorite places in Earls Court, London?
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24 Comments on Lady’s Earls Court, London Guide
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I love how you showcase all the wonderful parts of London:)
Thanks! It’s amazing how many lovely parts of London there are. I really enjoy exploring them and sharing about them. I’m glad you like reading about them!
I always stay in Earl’s Court/Gloucester Road whenever I visit London (very convenient from Heathrow). My favorite place to eat is a gastropub called The Pembroke (next door to Troubadour), and even though I can’t go beyond the gate, I love strolling by Barkston Gardens (the one with the pretty gazebo). Exciting to hear about the new changes to the neighborhood!
Nice! I’ve walked by The Pembroke a million times, but haven’t gone inside. Sounds like I need to make a special trip!
Had brunch on Saturday at the Troubadour, great place!
Nice! Yeah, it’s such a fun place!
I love Earl’s Court! I lived right down the road from the tube station during my summer internship!
Nice! That’s great!
I love the Pembroke pub on Old Brompton Road!
Nice! I really need to visit!
I always stay in the Earl’s Court/Gloucester Rd. area when I’m in town. I like staying at the K&K Hotel George just off Earl’s Court Rd -great rooms, full breakfast and lovely yard/garden out back. Only a two minute walk to the Tube. One of the nicest things to do around here is take a walk from Earl’s Court Rd. to Gloucester Rd.- lots of buildings with great character and lovely little gardens.
Nice! Funny about that hotel…some friends of mine stayed there and really didn’t like it. I guess maybe it depends on your taste and experience. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay there!
Welll…
Greetings from Myanmar..
Love your post because I really really want to go there and you mentioned it perfectly ….
xoxo
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.
I love Evans & Peel. I used to live in West Kensington and by chance I found one of my favourites places for a Sunday roast-The Pembroke, in Old Brompton Road. The roast is amazing (even the vegetarian option), it’s good for watching matches and they also have a nice wee outdoor area.
That’s great! Sounds like it’s a popular place!
the second hotel i stayed in, during my visit to London last october/november, was located round the corner from the tube station. it was an awful hotel, sadly. And arriving to earl’s court after spending a gorgeous week in Notting Hill was kind of a shocking disappointment xD but still, each area of London is lovely and interesting in its own right. I fell in love with history and architecture in every street!
I’m glad you enjoyed the neighborhood all the same!
Nostalgia sent me on this website, looking for pictures of Earls Courts. I stayed there around 13 years ago and I knew Earls Court very well.. Sometimes, still feel the need to go there,. Each time I go there, my heart beats not that I like Earl’s Court but because I met my first true love there, an Australian man, original, charismatic that no one could forget.
Used to go to the big Tesco (now, I eat only organic and local food). I met my best friend there also.
A.T from France.
Sounds like you have good memories from there!
Just arrived in Earls Court from Virginia, USA to visit our son and his wife. There is so much to see and do and your blog is very helpful. Can’t wait to start exploring!!🌺
I’m so glad to hear that! I hope you have a great time.
My first flat in London was in Earl’s Court in the early 1980s. I’ve enjoyed a recent revisit, walking the shady and quiet neighbourhoods off the main roads. I hope the changes are all for the good.
Fingers crossed!