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REGENT’S PARK

A Brief History

For centuries, the land to the north of Hyde Park was largely farmland owned by the Bishop of London. The area became known as Tyburnia, after the River Tyburn, which once flowed through the district. Until 1783, Tyburn Gallows stood close to what is now Marble Arch, and public executions were held there before executions moved to Newgate Prison. Following the removal of the gallows, plans were developed for the area. Samuel Pepys Cockerell produced an early masterplan around 1805, and in 1807 the first building contracts were agreed for what became Connaught Place. Development continued throughout the early 19th century, with Connaught Square and the surrounding streets taking shape during the 1820s and beyond.

Traditionally known as Tyburnia and today generally referred to as the Hyde Park Estate, the neighbourhood was designed around a Georgian grid of elegant squares, crescents and terraces. Its attractive architecture and proximity to Hyde Park have helped make it one of central London’s established residential districts.

Living in Hyde Park

The Hyde Park Estate combines handsome period architecture with a highly convenient central London location. Residents have Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens close at hand, while Connaught Village provides a selection of independent shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries and everyday amenities. The wider neighbourhood is particularly well connected. Lancaster Gate and Marble Arch are both served by the Central line, while Paddington provides access to the Elizabeth line and a number of Underground and mainline services. For those looking for shopping, dining and leisure, the West End, Marylebone, Mayfair and Oxford Street are all within easy reach.

What’s On

Living in the Hyde Park Estate places residents close to some of London’s best-known cultural and recreational attractions, as well as the events and activities of Connaught Village. The estate’s garden squares and streets provide a quieter counterpoint to the surrounding city, while Hyde Park offers an exceptional range of outdoor activities and events throughout the year. The area also has a strong equestrian connection. St John’s Hyde Park has long been associated with the annual Horseman’s Sunday, when horses and riders gather for a traditional service of blessing. Connaught Village also hosts a programme of seasonal events and community activities. Recent years have included Village in Green, a summer programme celebrating nature, design, culture and wellbeing.

Food

Connaught Village has developed into a popular neighbourhood destination for independent dining, with restaurants offering a broad range of cuisines. Current options include Casa Malevo, an Argentinian restaurant and steakhouse on Connaught Street; Colbeh, a long-established Persian restaurant on Porchester Place; Bombay Palace, serving regional Indian cuisine on Connaught Street; and Maroush Gardens, offering Lebanese cuisine. At 17–20 Kendal Street, Kendal Street Kitchen offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and has become an established addition to the Connaught Village restaurant scene.

The area continues to evolve, with new independent restaurants and cafés joining the established names around Connaught Street, Kendal Street and Porchester Place.

Schools

The area is well placed for a number of independent schools and nurseries. Connaught House School, located at 47 Connaught Square, is an independent co-educational school for children aged four to 11. The school occupies a Grade II listed townhouse and prepares pupils for senior school entry at 11+.

For younger children, the wider Hyde Park and Paddington area also offers a range of nurseries and early-years settings, making the neighbourhood an attractive choice for families.