If (like mine) your bank balance and annual leave allowance don’t quite align with your desire to spend the summer in Italy – fear not, folks. Because there’s a secret slice of la dolce vita right here in London. Sicilian Avenue is a picture perfect pedestrianised pathway, sat snugly between Southampton Row and Bloomsbury Way. Hailed one of London’s most ‘unexpectedly iconic’ spots; this gorgeous Grade II listed avenue dates back over 100 years – and it’s thought to be one of the very first purpose-built pedestrianised streets in the city.
Sicilian Avenue, London
Sicilian Avenue set up shop in 1910, having been designed and created by architect, R.J. Worley. He supposedly wanted to build a ‘Mediterranean-style escape’ in the heart of London – and I think it’s safe to say that he succeeded. It was designed to be a dedicated walkway for pedestrians to shop and socialise – and it’s thought to have been one of the first of its kind.
This ‘Little Italy’ is utterly beautiful, with a vibe that immediately transports visitors out of London. It wouldn’t look particularly out of place in a Disney movie or a fairytale book, to be quite honest with you. We’re talking Italian marble and terracotta, huge columns, decorative lamp posts, and grand turrets. In its past, the avenue was filled with boutiques, bookshops, bars, and bustling eateries. But having been closed for the best part of the 2020, many of the shops on the street are currently unoccupied (but hopefully not for long).
Sicilian Avenue was snapped up by real estate investment company, Tristan Capital Partners back in 2020, who closed the street to give it a bit of a glow-up. Following around 4 years of restoration and redevelopment, Sicilian Avenue was reopened as a public thoroughfare at the end of 2025. And since then, a number of businesses have opened their doors. The avenue is now home to a few wellness spaces and coffee shops, but more shops and restaurants are expected to open their doors throughout 2026.
Sicilian Avenue oozes character, charm, and eccentricity; mere moments from Holborn station. And it’s a true hidden gem in the heart of the capital. One that should be immediately catapulted straight to the top of your must-visit list, in our humble opinion.
