Last Updated on 7 December, 2022
Brown Hard Garden is an elevated terraced garden is located in Mayfair, directly south of Oxford Street in London, giving a complete ambiance and quietness from the hustle and bustle of nearby high streets.
A Little History of Mayfair And Brown Hart Gardens
Thomas Grosvenor, who was 21 when he wed Mary Davies, possibly the wealthiest 12-year-old in England at the time, and had acquired a sizable portion of West London in 1677.
It was a country at the time; however, it would evolve into the Mayfair and Belgravia we see today, a wise investment across the next few centuries. There is also a Grosvenor Square named after the family.
It would surprise some that in the late 19th century, a charitable housing project was still under progress in the streets right outside Bond Street Station, given how wealthy the neighborhood is today.
Richard Grosvenor and his son Hugh began construction on many townhomes in the late 1860s after being encouraged by some local advancements. They hired the “Improved Industrial Dwellings Company,” which built the mansion towers.
Today, however, the garden is not accessible from the ground; instead, you must ascend 17 steps to get there!
Finally, caveating under the Westminster Electric Supply Company’s request to erect a structure on the grounds, the Grosvenor Estate did so in 1902. They intended to install a transformer for the general population to make high-voltage electricity usable.
They gave in since there had been numerous complaints about tramps, verminous women, and disorderly boys by this time. A public, elevated garden was substituted as a compromise.
Charles Stanley Peach, the architect, used an extravagant design that led to what is likely London’s most stunning energy substation. In 1987, statues were added to the Grade II listing. You can obtain a better view by looking over the grilles, which are still in use today.
Despite the area’s varied nature, it’s not surprising that Brown Hart Gardens is linked to a unique urban legend.
It is rumored that this enormous dome-shaped building with its high doors was designed as a residence for Queen Victoria’s beloved elephant. The myth contains a small amount of truth, like all excellent myths.
True, Queen Victoria had an elephant as a pet. The King of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) gave it as a present in 1884. Still, other than a brief stint at Osbourne House in the Isle of Wight, it was primarily maintained at London Zoo.
The westernmost portion of the grounds now features a 50-seat café and is among the cute cafes in Mayfair. Its structure mixes well with the surroundings’ existing scenery and features. The café’s glass panels, which can fall back in warm weather, are on the north, south, and east elevations.
The glazing serves as the café’s heating system, reducing the plant material required. The grounds are completely accessible with the help of a new glazed elevator and access stairway.
Brown Hart Gardens offers some respite from the busy rush of Oxford Street. Perfect for those living and working in the area to have some peace and quiet if for a moment.
Things To Do Near Brown Hart Garden
- Selfridges: Selfridges is the best place to shop for emerging and well-known brands. This Oxford Street behemoth, rated as one of the world’s top retail stores, features a glitzy beauty hall, a large shoe gallery, the Cowshed spa, eateries, and an in-store psychic. Among the best department stores in London you need to check out.
- Oxford Street: One of the busiest shopping streets in London, it features several most reasonably priced stores and numerous large flagship brands. The street gift shops are the most tempting, as many include London labels, which are very alluring.
- Mercato Mayfair: The delicious dining spot is located inside a former church. The location no longer offers visitors psalms or prayer; instead, it offers wine, cheese, and plates full of delicious foods.
- Gatsby’s Mansion: Immerse yourself and enter Gatsby’s Mansion in this London experience taking you along Long Island’s magnificent 40-acre estate. To dazzle Daisy, the property includes beautiful grounds, ornate furnishings, and more rooms than Gatsby needs.
- Michael Werner Gallery London: The exhibition offers a remarkable chance to view the artworks of Höckelmann and Rainer alongside. It includes various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and prints. Both artists investigated post-war European themes of rebirth and ruin while concurrently working from several nations.
- Explore Mayfair: There is a lot more to do in Mayfair. From shopping to art galleries, to amazing food places which we have covered on the blog. From amazing brunch places, delicious Italian restaurants, and amazing pubs, while you are at it there are also pretty cool men’s grooming spots.
