My ten reasons to visit Marchmont Street, London WC1, showcase this vibrant area brimming with shops, eateries, galleries, and green spaces. The Brunswick Centre is at the top of the list, a striking example of brutalist architecture. This shopping centre is home to the Curzon Cinema, various supermarkets, and many dining and shopping options. As you stroll down Marchmont Street, you’ll uncover a charming garden, a welcoming community centre, bookstores, and an array of independent eateries. Located in the London Borough of Camden, this street carries the literary charm of Bloomsbury and offers convenient access from Russell Square Station. Discovering Marchmont Street is like finding a hidden gem in London; once you’ve been, you’ll want to return again and again.
10 Best Things To Do In Marchmont Street:
1. Explore The Brunswick Centre
2. Browse art at Brunswick Art Gallery
3. Drink coffee at the Observatory Photography Gallery
4. Pop into Fork for deli delights
5. Try Lebanese street bread at Ta’mini
6. Feel virtuous at Alara Health Shop
7. Browse the bookshops
8. Relax in the Community Garden
9. Visit the Community Centre
10. Take note of the Blue Plaques
My Favourite Ten Reasons To Visit Marchmont Street List
1. Explore The Brunswick Centre. This Grade II-listed residential and shopping complex in Bloomsbury, designed by Patrick Hodgkinson, stands between Brunswick Square and Russell Square. As a brutalist masterpiece, it houses Central London’s largest Waitrose and the state-of-the-art Curzon art-house cinema. The centre also boasts a variety of eateries, including The Riding House Café and Hare and Tortoise, as well as supermarkets, pharmacies, and speciality health drink shops.
2. Browse art at Brunswick Art Gallery, a cultural gem in the area. Visitors can admire contemporary artworks for free.
3. Drink coffee at the Observatory Photography Gallery. This fantastic café on Marchmont Street combines caffeine and photography, offering a unique experience for coffee lovers and art enthusiasts.
4. Pop into Fork for deli delights. This rustic café is perfect for a morning coffee and avocado toast, toasted sandwiches at lunch, and food boards with wine in the evening.
5. Try Lebanese street bread at Ta’mini. This family-owned Lebanese bakery makes Ka’ak Lebanese street bread with other mezze favourites.
6. Feel virtuous at Alara Health Shop. Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, this large store sells health and wellness products, from food to beauty items. It includes a vegan and vegetarian deli with both indoor and street seating.
7. Browse the bookshops. Marchmont Street features specialist bookstores like Gay’s The Word and Judd Books, which sells second-hand academic books. Skoob Books in The Brunswick Centre is also a must-visit for pre-owned academic books.
8. Relax in the Community Garden. Discover a charming, compact garden next to The Brunswick Centre, complete with seating. Additionally, Brunswick Square Gardens and Cartwright Gardens bookend Marchmont Street.
9. Visit the Community Centre. Engage with the local community at the nearby community centre, which hosts various activities. Older people’s activities include a lunch club, bridge, pilates, bingo, gentle exercise, qi gong, knitting group, arts and crafts, and free use of computers.
10. Take note of the Blue Plaques. The Marchmont Association Plaques highlight notable individuals who once lived on the street, including artists and writers, adding a historical dimension to your visit.
Watch My Marchmont Street Video
Helpful Information About Marchmont Street
Marchmont Street is the main high street for southern King’s Cross and eastern Bloomsbury, linking the Brunswick Centre and Russell Square tube station in the south to Tavistock Place in the north, where it transitions into Cartwright Gardens. Established in the early 19th century, this historic street features many Grade II listed buildings on its western side (numbers 39–73), including the iconic Brunswick Centre on the eastern side. Conveniently accessible via Russell Square Station, Marchmont Street offers a blend of history, architecture, and vibrant local culture. There were also quite a few cafes and eateries about to open up, so you’re bound to find more delicious food options when you visit.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Ten Reasons To Visit The Brunswick Centre
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.
