Regent Street, London’s must-see attractions amid plans to make it pedestrian-friendly
Must-visit places on the street include the world’s oldest toy store, the Criterion Theatre and Michel Roux Jnr-helmed tavern The Wigmore
Regent Street in London has always been more than just a shopping destination; the area is a fine showcase of British architectural and cultural heritage.
Designed by architect John Nash in the early 19th century, the street was envisioned as a grand boulevard connecting the Prince Regent’s residence in Carlton House to Regent’s Park. Its curved and elegant facades were a testament to the Regency era’s opulence.
Today, the street is about to be reimagined. The Regent Street Group – comprising 58 business owners, city leaders, and planners – has proposed to transform it into a year-round pedestrian-friendly entertainment destination.
The Langham, London hotel sits at the top of Regent Street. Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first “grand hotel”, it set a new standard for luxury hospitality.
It was a marvel of its time, boasting innovations such as hydraulic lifts and air conditioning. Over the years, it has hosted royalty, celebrities and literary giants, including Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who used the hotel as the setting of several Sherlock Holmes stories, and Princess Diana.