While exploring Mayfair one afternoon, I stumbled upon something unexpected: the Handel Hendrix House. Tucked away in a quiet Georgian townhouse just off Bond Street, it’s home to one of London’s most unlikely musical pairings. At 23 and 25 Brook Street, George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix lived side by side, albeit two centuries apart. Today, the museum brings their worlds together under one roof, taking you from Baroque London to Psychedelic Soho in a single, slightly surreal visit. If you’re on the hunt for the best things to do in Mayfair, quirky museums, historic houses, or anything music-related, the Handel Hendrix House ticks all the boxes and then some.
My Tour Of The Handel Hendrix House
I’d clocked the museum a few days earlier while drifting around Mayfair and decided to return for a proper nosy on a Friday afternoon, helped along by a delicious lunch at NAC (North Audley Cantine). Recharged with halloumi fries and a zingy passionfruit lemonade, I wandered down to Brook Street, keen to poke around the homes of two musical giants. I loved the visit because quirky museums are one of my favourite things to do when I have the time. This one instantly made the top tier, mainly thanks to the glorious clash between Handel and Hendrix. Centuries apart in sound and style, they both shaped music history from the very same street in London. Go figure.
George Frideric Handel, originally from Germany, was a heavyweight of the Baroque era, best known for his operas, oratorios and orchestral suites. He was a whizz on the harpsichord, organ and clavichord; if it had keys, he could make it sing. On the flip side of the musical spectrum was Jimi Hendrix, a self-taught guitarist from the US who set the 1960s alight with his wildly inventive, amp-blowing style. Armed with a Fender Stratocaster and a lot of volume, he bent sound into something new. That’s what makes the Handel Hendrix House so brilliant: two icons, one postcode, and entirely different vibes.
Before you head in, it’s worth crossing the road for a better look. Handel’s home at No. 25 still proudly wears its natural brick, complete with one of London’s oldest blue plaques. Next door, above what’s now N. Peal (once a restaurant called Mr Love), is Hendrix’s former flat. He and his girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham, used to ring down for wine and dinner, rock and roll, pre-Deliveroo style. Seeing their blue plaques side by side is one of those great London moments. Handel’s home is a Grade I listed building, while Jimi Hendrix’s flat is Grade II listed.
The museum connects the two houses, providing a seamless experience. You begin in Handel’s Kitchen, thoughtfully styled, before wandering through his Dining Room, Drawing Room and Dressing Room. The atmosphere is elegant and hushed, with interesting exhibitions about his music and legacy. You’ll see his instruments dotted around. It’s all very civilised.
Then you head upstairs, and it’s like switching albums. The Hendrix flat, tucked at the top of No. 23, is far more intimate, looser, and packed with personality. His recreated bedroom steals the show: mattress on the floor, clashing bedspread, guitars, records, overflowing ashtrays, bar heater, and the lingering sense that he’s just nipped out for cigarettes. A soft soundscape plays in the background, adding to the eerie lived-in feel.
You’ll wonder what the Dog Bear on the bed is. It’s a strange, hand-knitted creature gifted to Hendrix by a fan. He adored it (for reasons unknown). You’ll even spot them together in photos taken at Ringo Starr’s flat. The version on display is a replica, lovingly recreated by one of the museum’s volunteers, and now one of the most asked-about items in the entire exhibition. I even asked what it was.
Look out for the Victorian-style sofa, which once belonged to Jimi Hendrix and his girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham, during their time living at 23 Brook Street. They bought it from an antique market, initially upholstered in white fabric, although it has been re-covered many times since. The sofa sat in the smaller room next to their main bedroom, often buried under clothes and only cleared when late-night guests needed somewhere to crash.
As if that wasn’t surreal enough, while I was standing in Hendrix’s bedroom, the guide suddenly said my name. Turns out he’s an old friend I hadn’t seen in years. He volunteers there most Fridays; I would have missed him if I hadn’t had that lunch first. He gave me a few insider tips, including pointing out the sawn-off staircase to the attic. That very staircase was once destined for the skip but was rescued and transformed into an artwork by Cornelia Parker, now titled “There Must Be Some Kind of Way Outta Here,” and is now living its best life at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Elsewhere, you’ll spot three original Hendrix posters once owned by Freddie Mercury, now part of the “Your Experience” exhibition. Freddie described Jimi as “a beautiful man, a master showman and a dedicated musician.” It’s safe to say that the admiration was mutual.
Some rooms feel more developed than others; Handel’s side leans traditional and refined, while Hendrix’s flat has real texture and presence. But honestly, the contrast is part of the joy. The Handel Hendrix House doesn’t just preserve history; it stages a kind of time-travelling duet. Handel’s powdered wigs meet Hendrix’s wah-wah pedals, and somehow, it works.
Helpful Information About The Handel Hendrix House
The museum is at 23–25 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HB, a short walk from Bond Street Station. One ticket gets you access to both houses. Entry is £14.50 for adults, with concessions for students, groups and children. Under-12s go free with an adult. Opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (last entry at 4 pm). Allow about an hour for your visit. For full details, please visit the Handel Hendrix House website.
There are toilets on-site and a well-stocked gift shop with cards, books, and souvenirs, but no refreshments are available, so please eat before or after your visit. (NAC is a solid shout.) As a final note, I got confused trying to leave; there’s a door downstairs on the left that I completely missed, and I ended up back where I started. Enjoy your visit, and may your exit be more graceful than mine.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.