My ten reasons to visit The Brunswick Centre give you the low down on this brutalist building. The Brunswick Centre, located in Bloomsbury, London WC1, is a Grade II listed residential and shopping hub, bridging Brunswick Square and Russell Square. Designed by Patrick Hodgkinson, this brutalist structure combines residential apartments with a bustling shopping area. Anchored by the largest Waitrose in Central London and a cutting-edge Curzon art-house cinema, it offers an eclectic mix of eateries and shops in the heart of a literary and student-centric area. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a film buff, a foodie, or a book lover, The Brunswick Centre has something to offer everyone.
10 Best Things To Do At The Brunswick Centre:
1. Admire The Brunswick architecture
2. Watch an art-house film at Curzon Cinema
3. Dine at The Riding House Café
4. Savour Japanese cuisine at Hare and Tortoise
5. Explore Skoob Books
6. Visit the Brunswick Art Gallery
7. Indulge at Gail’s Bakery
8. Shop at the largest Waitrose in Central London
9. Buy speciality Asian Groceries at Tian Tian Market
10. Relax in Brunswick Square Gardens
My Ten Reasons To Visit The Brunswick Centre
1. Admire The Brunswick architecture. The Brunswick Centre is a marvel of brutalist architecture, replacing dilapidated Georgian-era terraces. Designed by Patrick Hodgkinson in the 1960s, although the building didn’t reach its original planned size, it still stands out with its unique aesthetic. In 2000, it was listed as Grade II on the National Heritage List for England. The building looks far from pristine, but it is worth admiring the brutalist beauty.
2. Watch an art-house film at Curzon Cinema. The Curzon Bloomsbury has five screens named after iconic Curzon sites since 1934, including the beloved Renoir. It also houses Bertha DocHouse, a dedicated documentary screen hosting premieres, seasons, and live Q&As. The cinema’s cafe, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a light and airy space to relax before or after a film.
3. Dine at the Riding House Café. Indulge in breakfast or weekend brunch with feature dishes like malted deep-dish pancakes and hollandaise. Enjoy classics like schnitzels, steaks, burgers, and pizzas indoors or alfresco for lunch and dinner.
4. Savour Japanese cuisine at Hare and Tortoise. Treat yourself to a contemporary Japanese dining experience at Hare and Tortoise, which offers a wide range of sushi, donburi, ramen, noodles, tempura, and other favourites in a stylish setting.
5. Explore Skoob Books. Discover a treasure trove of second-hand books at Skoob, a basement bookstore packed with academic titles and more. The slightly chaotic, uncatalogued arrangement adds to the excitement of seeking a hidden gem.
6. Visit the Brunswick Art Gallery. This space showcases contemporary art exhibitions and is free to entre. It’s a great place to explore modern artistic expressions.
7. Indulge at Gail’s Bakery. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Gail’s, the perfect spot for morning coffee and croissants or afternoon tea and cake. This bakery is known for its high-quality pastries and baked goods.
8. Shop at the largest Waitrose in Central London. With various counters, including Delicatessen, Meat, Rotisserie, Fish, Bakery, Patisserie, Sushi and Hot Food, this store offers an unparalleled shopping experience.
9. Buy specialty Asian Groceries at Tian Tian Market. This store offers over 10,000 select food, drink, and lifestyle products from over 25 Asian countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
10. Relax in Brunswick Square Gardens. Just opposite the Brunswick Centre, you’ll find a charming garden perfect for sitting down, people-watching, and enjoying a peaceful break from the bustling city.
Watch My Brunswick Centre Video
Helpful Information About The Brunswick Centre
To find out more visit The Brunswick Centre website. Their address is Bernard Street, London WC1 although there are entrances on the surrounding streets. Travel to Russell Square Station and you’ll see the imposing building. Opening times listed on the website are 7 am until 11 pm daily although you should check individual businesses for their specific opening times. Shops are likely to close earlier while restaurants will be open later.
While you are in the area you should also explore Marchmont Street which has some lovely independent cafes, bookstores and more. As you stroll down Marchmont Street, pay close attention to the pavement near the Brunswick Centre. You might spot silver devices resembling the one depicted above. These are replicas of tokens left at the Foundling Hospital during the 18th and 19th centuries.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Ten Reasons To Visit Marchmont Street London WC1
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.
