Welcome to Pimlico
Pimlico’s riverside, village-like community has great appeal for families and city workers looking to be close to Westminster and Victoria. And, though Belgravia and Chelsea are a short walk away, property prices here haven’t quite reached the heights of its neighbouring areas. Peaceful and dotted with leafy parks for passing the time in, Pimlico benefits from properties that are as sought-after by lovers of architecture as they are by couples looking for their first home in the city.
Did you know?
English Heritage
Blue Plaques mark the spots where Douglas Macmillan (of Macmillan Cancer Relief) and Walter Wingfield (father of lawn tennis) lived.
Regal links
Famous for building the eastern facia of Buckingham Palace, Sir Thomas Cubitt also built properties in Pimlico, including St George’s Square.
Literary connections
Famous authors William M Thackeray, Bram Stoker, Dorothy L Sayers, and Joseph Conrad all once lived in Pimlico.
Pimlico
Appealing architecture spills over from Belgravia into Pimlico’s sought-after streets. Green spaces take on a smaller stature in this area, though are just as pleasant as the nearby larger parks. Pimlico Gardens benefits from views over the River Thames, while Westminster Boating Base provides access to the water in dinghies, kayaks and powerboats.
The regeneration that’s swept through many other London boroughs hasn’t skipped over Pimlico. Pavements have seen café tables pop up, whilst a diverse blend of retailers and restaurants have snapped up commercial spaces or otherwise revived their interiors. The area’s transformed amenities pair well with Pimlico’s attractive apartments and Victorian houses. The most desirable homes are those that benefit from a waterfront location on the River Thames, however proximity to Pimlico station does also play its part. Just a ten-minute journey on the Victoria Line to Oxford Circus, central and wider London is easily accessible for city workers. The Ofsted 'Outstanding'-rated schools in Pimlico make family homes highly desirable with those looking to stay in the area while little ones pass from primary to secondary. The excellent Pimlico Primary and Pimlico Academy schools are two examples.
The best of Pimlico: things to do
Pimlico’s dining scene is blessed by one of the city’s most accessible Michelin-starred restaurants, along with a global menu of options. Every occasion is catered for, from mid-week business lunches to weekend moments of celebration.
Cyprus Mangal
Cyprus Mangal is a rather rare treat. Excellent Turkish cuisine served to this standard can be hard to find. But after over a decade in Pimlico, and a sleek renovation of its Warwick Road dining room, this restaurant has firmly established itself as a local favourite.
A. Wong
Andrew Wong’s two Michelin stars couldn’t be more deserved. The exquisite detail that goes into every dish is only buoyed by the accessibility that the vast and reasonably priced menu offers. It affords lunchtime diners the excuse to pop in for dim sum, while the evening Taste of China menu is an unforgettable journey through Chinese cuisine.
Lorne Restaurant
The bright and airy interiors of this Wilton Road restaurant make every day feel like spring, no matter the season. Its ever-changing repertoire of British and European recipes delight the palate as much as the eye and, importantly, cater to everyone that takes a seat at the table.
A Pimlico resident has transformed one of the area’s pubs into a celebrated craft beer spot. Thankfully, he’s not neglected traditionally pulled pints or the essential Sunday roast. Elsewhere, niche and artisan drinks set the tone.
Cask Pub & Kitchen
Renowned for a well-stocked cellar of craft beers, Cask is pushing the standard for all other Pimlico pubs and bars. The extensive drinks list is backed by a small, locally sourced burger menu. Live music on Sundays, along with an impressive roast, allows Cask to uphold some well-loved traditions without ever feeling stale.
The Roasting
Tucked away on Churton Street, The Roasting is quietly brewing some of the best coffee in central London. Rather than focus on single origin beans, flavour is the priority. Beans from across the globe go into their blends roasted in Italy. The espresso is the star item on the coffee menu, though it’s hard to resist the pastries here.
Tozi
This slice of Italy in the midst of Pimlico is a refreshing spot for a post-work drink or cocktail night. The wine list is unapologetically all-Italian, as is almost the entire drinks menu. You’ll struggle to find a better Negroni in the city and the casks of house Amaro are too tempting to ignore.
With a world-class gallery and theatre on your doorstep, weekends in Pimlico will be anything but dull. Away from the stage lights and big exhibits, there’s a grassroots musical movement that welcomes all.
Tate Britain
This famous gallery on the outskirts of Pimlico needs little introduction. Providing a year-round calendar of talks, exhibits and events, Tate Britain offers residents an ever-changing art experience. Most exhibits are free to view, and the gift shop and café make it even easier to while away a whole Sunday.
Pimlico Musical Foundation
At its heart, Pimlico Musical Foundation provides musical education for the area’s children. As part of the work, the foundation hosts musical events throughout the year. Ticketed shows, concerts and singalongs take place at St Gabriel’s Church in Warwick Square, but residents are welcome to join the chorus or choir too.
St George's Square
A quick stroll from Pimlico station, St George’s Square is a peaceful garden to relax in. Being much smaller than London’s Royal Parks, it is often overlooked which makes it an ideal place to plan a Sunday picnic, unwind with a good book or admire the surrounding architecture.
If you’re looking for things to do in Pimlico, prepare for a slightly slower pace of life. Weekends spent browsing vintage crafts and planning picnics leave all your energy spare for mid-week chess tournaments.
Pimlico Chess Club
For over a decade, the Churchill Gardens Community Hall has been holding chess tournaments of note. A small but dedicated group of local members have established teams that compete across London and hold a summer tournament. One for serious chess fans and those more recently inspired to take part - and a lovely way to meet part of the Pimlico community.
Cave
A quirky little spot, Cave provides a space in Pimlico for independent artists to create, exhibit and sell their works. Events include drawing classes, embroidery workshops and craft markets. The on-site pop-up food space is a handy spot to grab a bite to eat after browsing too.
Tachbrook Street Market
An impressively global array of street food and fresh produce is on offer six days a week at this bustling street market. You can expect to pick up a range of locally sourced ingredients including meat, fish and dairy, as well as try some unusual street food for lunch. If you've never tried Jordanian or Indian dosa, here is your chance!
Marsh & Parsons in the Pimlico community
We don’t just sell and let property in London; we’re Londoners too. Engaging with our local communities is at the heart of Marsh & Parsons’ ethos and we have supported local organisations, schools, charities, businesses and community groups over the years.
Supporting local businesses
We stopped by Penny Blooms and Beans Florists to hear more about bringing the beauty of Chelsea’s famous gardens into people’s homes and spoke with the owners of Meson Don Felipe about tapas, creating a little bit of Spain in the UK, and what they love about Central London.
Find out more