“Meet me at the Princess Louis.”, my friend instructed. I wasn’t going to argue, because the ornately carved, sumptuously tiled bar areas of this historic Holborn pub make it an absolute gem. The beer served there is pretty good, too. But I hadn’t been to the area in years, and, coming out of Holborn tube, I set off in the wrong direction…and almost immediately came across the unique piece of London architecture located on the apex of Southampton Row and Bloomsbury Way known as Sicilian Avenue.
It provides an impressive, if somewhat whimsical sight. The architecture style employed isn’t that of Sicilian Baroque, the distinctive form of Baroque architecture that became fashionable on Sicily in the 17th and 18th centuries, but, instead, the neo-classism that superseded it, on both the island, and elsewhere in Europe. The Avenue has grand entrance ways of Ionic columns supporting elaborate balustrades, with the name ‘Sicilian Avenue’ inscribed upon them.
Sicilian Avenue was designed by the architect R.J. Worley in 1906, and completed in 1910. The Italian marble that originally covered the avenue was replaced in the 1920’s although a small section still remains. It was created as a pedestrianized shopping street, one of the first in London. The area is still used as such today, and contains a variety of shops and restaurants, including second hand bookshops and restaurants (including one from the ‘Spaghetti House’ chain, but none with a Sicilian connection). Be sure to look up at the lovely ornate carved stone facades; above, the Edwardian mansions are made from red brick with white terracotta dressings.
The edges of the walkway are lined with flowers and bushes, and in the summer, particularly, this pleasant spot has a truly old-world Italian feel. So next time you’re visiting the British Museum (a five minute walk away) – or, indeed, the Princess Louise Public House – be sure to admire this delightful splash of Sicily in the centre of London.
Brings back fond memories. I used to work round the corner for quite a few years and had my lunch break in Sicilian Avenue. And it hasn’t changed at all. In those days I used dream about this exotic island never thinking in my wildest dreams I would end up living here. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I’m glad you enjoyed the trip Marian. Funny about the little synchronicities of life, isn’t it?
Great post thanks for sharing London like many cities can be intimidating and soulless.
Areas such as the Sicilian Avenue lift the spirit and as Aristotle rightly confirms form creates a lasting impression on the world beyond the mortal body.