Pimlico, The new American area in London?

Nested between Buckingham Palace and the banks of the Thames, the Pimlico district has a prime central position despite being relatively unknown to prospective expatriates.An English newspaper of 1877 described it at the time as the Belgravia of the modest man.  It is part of the Grosvenor Estate which groups together the famous and prestigious districts of Mayfair, Knightsbridge and  Belgravia.

In Zone 1, serviced by the Victoria Line, but also by the District and the Circle Line from nearby Victoria Station, the district offers something appealing to families or professionals working in the business districts of the City or Canary Wharf.

It is also one of the few central districts where many English families still live, cohabiting with expatriates, mainly Europeans and Americans. And because the brand-new U.S Embassy is being built in Nine Elms, on the opposite bank, it could soon become a favourite destination for American expats and their families.

On the architectural side, its majestic white stucco buildings, organized around communal gardens, make it look like a mini South Kensington.

The most famous places are Ecclestone and Warwick Square. In these properties, the most sought-after and highly rated properties will be those located on the ground floor with direct access to the garden.

Even if Pimlico barely is a green neighbourhood (if you do not have the chance to reside on a square) the presence of cafes, shops and restaurants makes it a lively, village-like place.

Our favourite places:

• On Pimlico Road, with picturesque Orange Square displaying a statue of Mozart, as well as the Déli-café bio Daylesford.
• Also, nearby are Ebury Street and Elizabeth Street (although technically in Belgravia) you’ll find Peggy Porshen Cakes (for cupcakes) and Dominique Ansel (inventor of Cronut), the hottest cake of the moment.
• On Wilton Road, all shops and a street market on Monday or Saturday on Tachbrook Street.