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OUR SUMMER ‘MEWSLETTER’ from Peggy Lurot, Managing Director

DOES WHAT WE DO MATTER?

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a talk by the award-winning journalist and author Jennifer Breheny Wallace on her latest book, Mattering: The Secret to Building a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose. The ideas at the heart of the book were thoughtprovoking and as I left, book in hand, I found myself turning to my husband, who, like me, works in estate agency, with a simple question: does what we do really matter?

It is an interesting question in our profession. Estate agents are often associated with transactions, values and market movements, particularly in a city such as London where property can easily be reduced to numbers on a page. Yet when you spend decades working closely with people and their homes, you begin to understand that property is rarely just about money.

For more than fifty years, our work at Lurot Brand has centred around London’s mews houses and the people who live in them. Over the years, we have stepped inside thousands of homes, each with its own history, character and emotional significance. Behind every front door there

are stories: families growing, children leaving home, new beginnings, difficult farewells, celebrations and milestones. A home quietly carries all of it.

Of course, we do not save lives. But perhaps, in some small way, we help shape them. We connect people with places where memories will be made and where life unfolds in ordinary but meaningful ways. There is something deeply human about that responsibility and it is one we never take lightly.

Jennifer describes mattering through several core principles, including recognition, reliance and importance. Reflecting on these, I realised how closely they connect to what we try to do every day. Clients rely on us to guide them through moments that are often emotional and occasionally stressful. Buyers and tenants trust us to listen carefully and act honestly. Sellers depend on us to represent not just a property, but

a home that means something to them personally. In return, we feel recognised by the loyalty and goodwill we have received from the mews community over many years. Relationships built over time, often across generations, remain one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. In an increasingly fast-moving world, there is still enormous value in trust, consistency and genuine care.

Mattering, however, works both ways. It is important not only to feel valued, but also to show appreciation. So, this feels like an appropriate moment to thank all of you who continue to support Lurot Brand. Your homes, your stories and the trust you place in us genuinely matter. Without that support, we would not still be here more than five decades later, continuing to do the work we love.

We hope you enjoy this summer edition of Mews News and that you find the articles both informative and inspiring.

Peggy Lurot Managing Director peggy@lurotbrand.co.uk

WHY WORK WITH LUROT BRAND FOR MEWS PROPERTIES

Our Sales team explain how a tailored approach sets us apart.

For over 50 years, Lurot Brand has been the authority on London mews properties. The team combines decades of experience, specialist knowledge and a passion for mews living to guide clients through every stage of buying or selling. Whether clients speak with Cameron Power, Mike Lurot or Amy Mackinnon, they connect with experts dedicated to making the journey seamless, informed and enjoyable. The focus is always on personalised service, exceptional insight and access to opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere.

From the very first enquiry, Lurot Brand takes a tailored approach – whether clients contact the office in person, online or over the phone. ‘We listen carefully to every requirement and create a bespoke list of properties matched to each buyer’s criteria,’ says Amy. Some of the properties are off-market, giving clients access to opportunities unavailable elsewhere. With an extensive stock, the team can organise personalised tours allowing multiple viewings in a single day.

The boutique service extends to both clients and applicants. ‘Every client is assigned a dedicated team member to manage their journey from start to finish,’ explains Cameron. Many buyers work exclusively through Lurot Brand – as mews specialists, the team maintains the largest pool of active buyers and offers a purely mews-focused selection. ‘Viewing like-forlike properties makes comparisons easier and decisions more confident,’ adds Mike.

Mews homes attract international interest. As London’s only dedicated mews specialists,

the reach extends far beyond the capital through decades of relationships and a reputation built on expertise. Connections with other agents and mews owners allow the team to source off-market opportunities and introduce buyers to properties that might otherwise remain hidden.

‘We love mews living,’ says Mike. ‘By sharing real stories and experiences, we help clients understand the unique character and lifestyle that these homes offer.’ That commitment to authenticity is reflected in the company’s approach to client service. ‘We prioritise quality over quantity,’ adds Cameron. ‘Our low-volume model allows us to provide a highly personalised service tailored to every property and client.’

With over 54 years of mews-specific records and a commitment to discretion and accuracy, clients benefit from expert guidance and access to the very best in this unique market. If you’re considering buying or selling a mews property, contact sales@lurotbrand.co.uk to speak with a member of our expert team.

RENTING & LETTING WITH LUROT BRAND

How our tailored lettings service supports both landlords & tenants.

Letting a property can be a lot to manage – from finding the right tenant to keeping up with legal requirements and dealing with maintenance issues. That is why so many landlords choose professional support. At Lurot Brand, we guide landlords and tenants through every stage of the process, combining expertise, personal service and a commitment to clear communication. Whether it’s presenting a property to the market, managing compliance or making the move-in process seamless for tenants, our team ensures everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

WHAT WE DO FOR LANDLORDS

Finding the Right Tenant

‘We make sure each property is presented well and reaches the right people,’ says Oliver Cooper, Lettings Manager. ‘The team handles listings, viewings and all enquiries and negotiations that follow. Once an offer is agreed, a one-week reservation fee secures the property and allows the formal process to begin’.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEVEL OF SERVICE

Lurot Brand offers three main options, depending on how involved landlords wish to be:

• Letting Services: This is the middle ground. Landlords remain in control of the property itself, while the team manages the financial side and ongoing compliance. This includes collecting and remitting rent, chasing arrears if they arise, running mid-tenancy Right to Rent checks, and conducting rent reviews.

This service suits landlords who want to be hands-on with their property but avoid the administrative burden.

• Fully Managed: Everything in the Letting Services package is included, plus day-to-day management. Regular inspections are carried out, maintenance and repairs are coordinated through approved contractors, keys are held, and utility arrangements are managed during tenant move-in and move-out. Where applicable, selective licensing applications are handled, including council visits and any remedial works. This is ideal for landlords who prefer a completely hands-off approach, whether overseas, managing a portfolio or simply avoiding extra workload.

• Short Lets (under 6 months): Services include collecting and remitting rent, chasing any non-payments, and handling pre-tenancy financial arrangements.

Additional fees and charges vary according to the service chosen. A complete table of fees is available on our website but do get in touch for further information. The team are always happy to discuss specific requirements.

WHAT TENANTS CAN EXPECT

Tenants benefit from a clear, step-by-step process. Viewings are arranged, offers submitted and liaised with landlords, checks including Right to Rent and financial verification are carried out, tenancy agreements prepared and explained, and pre-move payments collected. On move-in day, a full inventory and check-in are completed and keys handed over.

MAKING A NEW LIFE AT HOME IN QUEEN’S GATE MEWS

Scottish expat Finlay Grierson has recently moved from the marble palazzos of Rome to a cobbled mews in South Kensington.

When Finlay Grierson was growing up in his home city of Glasgow and stayed there to graduate and qualify as a Chartered Accountant, he never envisaged that his career would take him on a globetrotting adventure that would span more than three decades. Describing it as a 'rollercoaster of a journey', Finlay's career initially took him to London. After that, he lived and worked in Abu Dhabi, then Rio de Janeiro and, latterly, spent 25 years based in Rome. Finally, after 35 years abroad, the pull of family made Finlay decide that ‘it was now time to hang up my expat boots’.

Being closer to his three daughters brought Finlay back to the UK, knowing ‘I’ll never be lonely but certainly poor!’ He decided that

southwest London was where he wanted to be and began renting a mews house. From that point, ‘I was hooked’. The search was on to find a suitable house in the right mews. Over a year later, in the heart of South Kensington, he ‘found the one’ in Queen’s Gate Mews. Undeterred by the dilapidated condition of the one-bedroom mews house that Mike Lurot showed him, it was ‘the private courtyard at the front of the property that sealed the deal’.

There was no doubt in Finlay’s mind that this was a big project. His Queen’s Gate Mews property was in such poor condition that there was no escaping the fact it needed a total refurbishment. Enter Charlotte Lurot from Studio Lurot – an architect with a trained eye and specialist experience for bringing mews

houses back to life in the 21st century. Finlay had the good fortune to be introduced to Charlotte and they agreed to work together on the project. It was on her recommendation that Kaya Landmarks was brought in to manage the process. As he explained, ‘I could see the potential and Charlotte agreed that our aim should be to respect the lovely original period features but where possible incorporate modern touches; the overall quality and workmanship was paramount to me.’

Queen’s Gate Mews is located within its own Conservation Area and Finlay’s project took two months of planning and a further four months to complete. The works were not for the faint-hearted – a new roof, windows, rewiring, plumbing, radiators, ceilings, flooring, radiators, a kitchen and bathroom.

When asked what his top tip would be, Finlay is adamant, ‘Hire a top-notch architect. Charlotte was outstanding in her technical knowledge, attention to detail, problem-solving skills and creative flair. She was also excellent at communicating and listening. When the project ended, the result was perfection.’

A ‘newbie’ in the mews, Finlay loves ‘the convenient location – everything’s just minutes away.’ He has already taken to the mews locals – including Louis, an adorable English Bulldog. ‘Queen’s Gate Mews is idyllic – the eclectic mix of colourful properties, the greenery, tables and chairs on the cobblestones, relaxed neighbours, horses walking past, the gastro pub. It doesn’t get any better than this in London… I just love my property – she’s a keeper.’

WHERE THERE’S ART, A MEWS STREET IS NOT FAR AWAY

Exhibiting itself proudly at 230 Portobello Road, on the corner of Alba Place, is a flourishing gallery & arts venue.

Travel back in time to the 19th century, and you would discover a very different Portobello Road from the trendy, thriving street it is today. Back then, it was just a sleepy country lane, with cobbled mews running off it – built during the 1850s-1870s as stables and coach houses for the grand houses nearby. Today, these mews have become highly desirable homes. Fast forward to the ‘Swinging Sixties’, and this area of Notting Hill began to shed its quiet, working-class roots, transforming into an artsy, bohemian hub synonymous with the emergence of music, art and popular culture.

In fact, 230 Portobello Road, the building that Joanna Eccleston has owned since 1997, has a rich musical history that played a part in the neighbourhood’s cultural evolution. Today, Joanna’s successful gallery space, J/M Gallery, sits on the corner of the pretty mews Alba Place – the site of a record shop called Musicland, owned in the 1960s by the Ali family and Lee Gophal, key figures from the Windrush generation. Gophal later sold his stake and went on to help create the iconic label Trojan Records in 1968.

Joanna felt drawn to the building’s location on the corner of Alba Place, with its frontage on Portobello Road. She purchased the commercial shop and maisonette, continuing to operate the shop until the lease expired in 2018. ‘That same year,’ she explained, ‘I had the commercial space renovated and started the gallery. An artist approached me to rent the gallery space, knowing it would be perfect to exhibit her paintings. I said “yes” –and the rest is history.’

J/M Gallery is a beloved local landmark; a respected, popular arts venue for many talented artists and creatives. Well supported by residents, it attracts passersby, and clients often pop in to see what’s on show. On entering the versatile gallery

space, it’s clear that the design was very ‘intentional’, allowing the art to take centre stage. Joanna explained: ‘The gallery interior has tall ceilings, white walls, and white cement floors. The goal was to create a sense of abundant natural light to enhance the presentation of any works being shown.’

Happily living directly above the gallery in a maisonette designed by the architect Taro Tsuruta, Joanna relishes being in the heart of the local community. ‘I’ve become good friends with residents and several local shopkeepers, like the Ahmeds, whom I’ve known for 30 years and who run the hardware store across the road. I also love the vintage shop “One of a Kind”, owned by Jeff, who’s been trading on Portobello Road for 25 years.’

Surrounded by different mews, Joanna’s favourites include nearby Alba Place, Hayden’s Place, and Adam & Eve Mews. ‘We have many clients living locally and from other parts of London. Many exhibiting artists live in Cornwall and Devon, and a few come from overseas. Local mews homes may actually house art purchased from here. It’s a nice thought –bringing them daily joy and a reminder of interacting with the artist at this gallery.’

You can visit J/M Gallery at 230 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LJ.

Photo © Max Miechowski for the DNCO Notting Hill Gate campaign

MEWS HISTORIES REVEALED WEYMOUTH MEWS, W1G – COBBLES, COACHMEN & THE HOME FRONT

By Martyn Brown, of Everchanging Mews

A quiet street behind Portland Place – and its remarkable story of service, hidden lives and wartime courage.

If you walk west from Portland Place and turn into Weymouth Mews, you leave the noise of central London behind almost instantly. The cobbles underfoot, the threestorey brick buildings rising on either side, the cul-de-sac arm threading away beneath a building arch – all of it speaks of a London that predates the motor car, the telephone and welfare state. This quietly handsome street, tucked into the Howard de Walden Estate between Weymouth Street and New Cavendish Street, holds a history far richer than its unassuming exterior suggests.

Today, Weymouth Mews contains 55 properties presently in both residential and commercial uses. Its roofline – mansard, gable and parapet in turn – maps the different eras in which the Mews was built, extended and altered. But the street’s special history is human, not architectural: a story of those who worked, lived and – during the darkest years of the twentieth century – risked their lives here.

BUILT TO SERVE:

The mews behind the mansions

Like every London mews, Weymouth Mews began life in service. The grand terraced houses of the surrounding streets – Harley Street, Portland Place, New Cavendish Street – needed somewhere to stable their horses, store their carriages and house the men who managed both. The mews was the answer: a hidden service lane, running parallel to the main street, invisible to polite society and essential to it.

To the west, Harley Street was already becoming the address of choice for London’s leading physicians; to the east, Portland Place was lined with the residences of diplomats and parliamentarians. Weymouth Mews was the machinery behind the façade – the working part of a world that preferred not to be seen working.

Weymouth Mews

BELOW STAIRS: The invisible labour force of Victorian Marylebone

The grooms and coachmen of the mews were, however, only the most visible representatives of a vast hidden workforce. In Victorian London, domestic service was the single largest category of employment in the country. In a Marylebone household of any standing – a physician’s house on Harley Street, say, or a diplomat’s residence on Portland Place – you might find a housekeeper, a butler, a cook, a lady’s maid, several housemaids, a parlour maid, a kitchen maid, a scullery maid and a nurse for the children.

The 1881 census recorded more than 1.3 million domestic servants in England and Wales, the overwhelming majority of them women. These were women who rose at six in the morning and rarely finished before ten at night, who lived in basement kitchens and attic rooms and who spent their days maintaining standards of comfort they themselves would never enjoy. Charles Booth’s famous Poverty Maps colour this part of Marylebone a reassuring shade –‘comfortable’ – but that judgement describes the households above stairs. For those below, the picture was considerably more complex.

Mrs Isabella Beeton’s Book of Household Management, published in 1861, codified the entire hierarchy with extraordinary precision: from the housekeeper and butler at its apex, down through layers of specialised labour, to the scullery maid at its base – often a girl of fourteen, newly arrived from the countryside, who had never before seen a city.

LONDON AT WAR: The ambulance station in the mews

When the Second World War came to London, it came to Weymouth Mews. The Blitz – the sustained German bombing campaign that ran from September 1940 to May 1941 –killed more than 30,000 Londoners and left whole swathes of the capital in ruins. Portland Place, immediately to the east of the Mews, was struck by a high-explosive bomb. The Middlesex Hospital, serving the wounded of this very neighbourhood, was hit. Streets that had stood unchanged for a century were reduced to rubble overnight.

But Weymouth Mews was not merely a victim of the Blitz. It was part of London’s response to it. Numbers 35 and 42 were requisitioned as an Auxiliary Ambulance Station, one of hundreds of such emergency posts established across the capital as part of the civil defence network. Number 16 provided accommodation for the ambulance crews – the men and women who drove through blacked-out, burning streets, navigating by memory and instinct, to reach the injured before it was too late.

The same arched entrances through which footmen had once led horses now admitted ambulances. The same cobbled yard that had rung with the sound of iron-shod hooves now heard the urgent footsteps of stretcher-bearers. The Mews had always been a place of practical, unglamorous, essential work. The Blitz simply changed the nature of the emergency.

THE MEWS TODAY: Conservation, character, and a public house with a past

Weymouth Mews today sits within the Harley Street Conservation Area, first designated in 1968, and the cobbled surface – so central to the street’s character – survives. The three-storey brick elevations retain their historic proportions, though planning records from 2003 onwards tell the familiar story of gradual change: door and fenestration alterations here, a roof extension there, the small accretions of a street adapting to modern life while nominally preserving its past.

One of the Mews’ most distinctive landmarks stands at Number 43: a public house first licensed in 1777, which traded for many years as the Dover Castle and now operates as The Jackalope. Its art deco interior is a reminder that the street has always made room for working life alongside residential quiet – and that the layers of history here run deep.

The grand houses on the surrounding streets have long since been converted into medical consulting rooms, offices and flats. The horses are gone. The household hierarchies of the Victorian era are gone. The ambulance crews of the Blitz are gone. But the Mews remains: cobbled, brick and quietly telling its stories to anyone who takes the time to look. Such is life in the everchanging mews…

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY Martyn John Brown

MRICS, MCIOB, MNAEA, MARLA, MISVA of Everchanging Mews www.everchangingmews.com

For professional surveys, valuations, or Party Wall matters, contact info@everchangingmews.com or call Martyn on 0207 419 5033

Mews News Wordsearch

Find the following words in the puzzle. Words are hidden , , , , and .

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS PICTURESQUE COMPLIANCE STAMP DUTY APPRAISAL LANDLORDS

MEWS LIFE IS GOOD FOR THE MIND, BODY & SOUL

Take a quiet L-shaped mews, then create a home and work space to nurture, balance and restore the body and mind.

Tania Franses’s vivaciousness and energy are as infectious as her love of living in a mews. In 2012, she gave up her corporate career and swapped it to become a qualified Pilates teacher. In 2013, her business Peacock Pilates was born, based in her specially converted garage at her home in Conduit Mews. As a London girl, having grown up in Gloucester Square, Tania is no stranger to the appeal and lure of living in a mews. Family mews connections are strong – her mother lives in Albion Close and her sister halfway down from Tania’s own property in Conduit Mews.

Photo © Matthew Bowen. Makeup: Wendy Turner.

The boutique Pilates studio at her pretty home in Conduit Mews, Tyburnia, is discreetly hidden behind traditional garage doors. Inside it’s a tranquil, private and dedicated space that feels far larger than it actually is because of the strategically placed mirrored walls. ‘Certainly not rooted in vanity,’ said Tania. ‘The reality is that the Pilates I teach involves Reformers and specific apparatus that require intense concentration and a visual understanding of the way the body needs to work and engage with the mind. Having mirrors not only magnifies the sense of space so clients initially feel the studio is huge but allows them to compute what I’m explaining and see clearly what, where and how their body needs to align and move during their session.’

Tania’s clients range from teenagers to 80 years young ladies; men too, often wanting to rehabilitate after sports injuries. Her classes are intimate one-to-one sessions (sometimes two people at one time), providing highly focused teaching, tailor-made to each individual’s needs, personal disposition and physiology. Tania explained, ‘Increasingly, my clients are recognising that whatever stage in life, whatever age, whatever challenges they face, their quality of life – both physically and mentally – cannot be taken for granted.

Many have been coming to me for years and it’s such a joy to help them improve, develop and maintain their flexibility, agility and core strength but also to see how much “lighter” and more resilient they become mentally through the regular practise of Pilates.’

There’s a synergy between the calm and peace that living in a mews brings and the immersive mindfulness of Pilates. ‘Having a studio in the heart of a quiet cobbled mews is the perfect environment. The sunshine greets clients when they arrive at the front door,’ said Tania. ‘Quite a few of my clients also live in local mews and can walk to my studio; we share a mutual love of mews as well as Pilates.’

Talking with Tania, it’s clear her heart is where her home is in Conduit Mews. ‘This mews street has a genuine friendly community loved by residents and their dogs who “play” in the mews. Neighbours share a WhatsApp group as a way of letting people know about a stray parcel or to recommend a window cleaner – not gossipy, just kind and helpful. It’s a lovely place to be and it definitely works wonders for the mind, body and soul.’

You can learn more about Peacocks Pilates at www.peacock-pilates.com

Photo © Matthew Bowen. Makeup: Wendy Turner.

AN AMEWSING * INSIGHT INTO FILMMAKING IN THE MEWS

By David Edwards, Mews Resident

*Author’s apology

In August of last year, Rutland Mews West, often colloquially referred to as ‘Clock House’, was subject to its notinfrequent invasion by film crew and actors. With no through roads bisecting this part of Knightsbridge, and its picturesque courtyard accommodatingly exclusive due to its forming something of a ‘gated’ community, this mews is an ideal filming location.

But of what? There lies the mystery. As ever with such filming, local residents were advised well ahead of possible disruption, but on enquiring with the crew about the purpose of the shoot, they were met universally with a polite ‘no comment’. Dear readers… answers as to the production on a postcard please to Lurot Brand; this nosey parker remains curious but ignorant.

There are countless instances of London’s mews used for filming. Those of a certain age will recall that the Swinging Sixties demanded of The Avengers’ Steed and Mrs Peel that they reside in the bohemian hippie environs of London’s mews. Mews ticked every ‘film shoot’ box. They were often quiet, traffic-free cul-de-sacs offering picturesque backdrops and, by the sixties, a sense of 'Biba chic'. A decade later, The New Avengers continued the love affair with mews of Knightsbridge, particularly noteworthy in the episode ‘Sleeper’.

Even the crew of the Clock House film shoot need step back only thirty metres or so into Rutland Mews South to stand in the footsteps of the 1953 Genevieve film crew. The latter shot the arrival of Alan McKim, played by John Gregson, in his eponymous Darracq car. It is rather disturbing to note

that the nice McKim couple (Mrs McKim played by Dinah Sheridan) would have lived directly opposite Beryl Reid’s cigar-smoking, oft-inebriated character, June Buckridge, in Robert Aldrich’s The Killing of Sister George. Somehow, I can’t imagine the two couples inviting each other for supper.

Our film crew could have also ventured a mere hundred metres west of their shoot, past what was once the Ennismore Arms pub – with grim inevitability now a private residence – to the 31 Ennismore Gardens Mews home of doomed Brenda Blaney (played by Barbara Leigh-Hunt) in Hitchcock’s 1971 Frenzy

But the attractions of mews were not lost on the small screen. 16 years after Frenzy, David Bailey, setting up camp just a hundred yards east of Rutland Mews West, and just a few steps away from Blaney’s front door –to the southwest corner of Ennismore Gardens Mews – directed Paula Hamilton, styled to resemble Princess Diana, to discard her mews keys, wedding ring, necklace, brooch and fur coat before deciding her VW Golf car keys were simply indispensable.

Me thinks she would have been better advised to have kept the mews, ahem.

TAKE PART IN MEWS IN BLOOM 2026

Make your street greener, brighter & more beautiful this year.

There is something quietly magical about London’s mews. Tucked behind grand terraces and bustling streets, these charming lanes offer a sense of community, character and creativity that is uniquely their own. In 2026, Mews in Bloom returns with a simple invitation – to make our mews greener, brighter and more beautiful than ever before. Whether you have a window box, a courtyard garden or a climbing rose framing your front door, every effort helps transform these small spaces into a shared celebration of greenery and neighbourhood spirit.

Mews in Bloom is about more than just spectacular horticulture; it's a celebration of collective effort and neighbourly collaboration. Even the smallest touches – a row of terracotta pots, trailing flowers from a windowsill or a tended herb garden – can change the feel of an entire street. When each home adds its own flourish, the mews becomes a living, breathing garden.

This year, residents are encouraged to experiment with colours and textures, seasonal planting and both classic and contemporary styles. From traditional English blooms to drought-tolerant arrangements, there is

room for every interpretation. While individual effort is central, the real magic happens when neighbours work together. A shared planting day, swapping cuttings or simply refreshing pots at the same time can transform a mews and strengthen the sense of community that makes these streets so special.

A distinguished judge will visit participating mews, looking for creativity, effort and that all-important sense of community spirit. The winning mews will receive £1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice and a black and gold plaque to display, celebrating their achievement and inspiring others.

To take part, please email mewsinbloom@lurotbrand.co.uk with your name, mews street, a picture of your mews and proposed plaque location. Judging takes place this month, so good luck!

Mews in Bloom Winner, 2024: Courtfield Mews

MEWS NEWS CROSSWORD

4. Curved entryway common in mews entrances

5. The decade Lurot Brand was founded

7. Open area surrounded by buildings

10. Exterior front of a building

ACROSS: 4. ARCHWAY

1. Sliding window common in Georgian houses

2. Legendary actor who once lived in Albion Mews

3. Filmed in Queen’s Gate Mews

6. Famous London estate that includes mews streets

8. Legal terms under which land or buildings are held

9. Controlled-access street

LB LOVES… CAMDEN 3. 2. 1.

CAMDEN ART CENTRE

Housed in a former Victorian public library, Camden Art Centre has been connecting art and artists with the community since 1965. Today, this intriguing arts venue has established an international reputation through its exhibitions, residencies, events, workshops and courses. When you visit, you will appreciate the original building’s fine period architecture and the gallery’s modern spaces. Entry is free to all and there is a tempting café with an outside dining area overlooking the secluded garden, a haven away from the city rush. www.camdenartcentre.org

NABI LONDON

If you’re looking for dainty yet eye-catching jewellery, pop into Nabi London’s shop in Camden. What started as a Sunday market stall in Brick Lane back in 2014, has evolved into a very successful brand. They create unique handcrafted designs using semi-precious components, combined with beautiful pendants. Affordable, extremely wearable and stylish, their pieces suit all ages and make for ideal gifts or simply a treat for yourself. www.nabilondon.com

LUMI

Situated on Camden High Street, this welcoming café has amassed a loyal customer following since opening in 2021. Lumi actually means ‘light of life’ in Latin and the staff bring that on a daily basis with their friendly smiles, personal service and flavoursome food. Coffee lovers can enjoy Allpress coffee with sweet pastries and homemade cakes. Brunches are a joy – whether you opt for a traditional English ‘Fry Up’, Ottoman Eggs for a Middle Eastern twist, or a stack of fluffy American pancakes. Lunch options are plentiful and they also provide a decent wine and beer list.

www.lumilondon.co.uk

LB Loves is venturing a little away from its usual stomping ground and heading to Camden. While Camden Town itself has a distinctive bohemian and creative feel, its proximity to some of London’s most exclusive and charming enclaves adds a touch of eclectic flair. We’ve picked out a few places in Camden that are definitely worth exploring when you’re in the vicinity.

4. ROUNDHOUSE

FABLE & FALCON BOOKSHOP & CAFÉ

CORRETTO BY THE CANAL

This world-renowned performing arts and concert venue is housed in a genuinely iconic landmark building in Chalk Farm, Camden. The Grade II* listed former railway engine shed was built between 1846 and 1847 in a circular design to contain a railway turntable, which operated for a decade before being used as a warehouse. In 1964, the Roundhouse became a performing arts venue until funding ran out in 1983. Fortunately, a local businessman came to the rescue in 1996. Since then, its cultural and arts status has continued and it now boasts performance spaces, a buzzy café and several bars.

www.roundhouse.org.uk

This newly established cosy bookshop, located at Number 70 Chalk Farm Road, also features a welcoming café, making it the perfect spot to savour a treat while reading, or to enjoy some relaxed study time over a matcha. The interiors are thoughtfully designed to make you feel right at home, with artwork adding a quirky, comforting vibe. Curated bookshelves, aromatic coffee blends and moreish bakes show the care that has gone into every detail. Combined with the kind, friendly staff, this independent shop is a real Camden gem you’ll want to return to again and again.

www.instagram.com/ fableandfalcon

Sitting by the edge of the canal, Corretto by the Canal is a picturesque haunt in Camden. This brunch restaurant with a dash of Italian flair is a charming place to catch up with family or friends over flavoursome dishes, delicious cocktails and excellent coffee. The menu feels like London’s ‘Little Italy’ – imagine freshly baked focaccia, mortadella, burrata and the best olive oil – just a hint of the authentic ingredients this restaurant carefully sources locally and from specialist Italian purveyors.

www.corretto.coffee

Photo © Baked Bean Media

ROAST CHICKEN WITH A CORN

& MISO SAUCE

This recipe was created by our Senior Sales Associate, Cameron Power.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole chicken

• 2 shallots, finely sliced

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 150ml white wine

• 200ml double cream

• 200-400g sweetcorn kernels, or 2 ears of sweetcorn with the kernels removed

• 2tsp white miso paste

• Olive oil

METHOD

1. Prepare & Roast the Chicken

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

• If using the optional miso butter, mix the softened butter with the miso paste and gently spread it under the chicken skin –this helps keep the meat juicy and enriches the sauce later.

• Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then roast until golden and fully cooked through (about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on size).

• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the roasting tray and rest. Reserve all cooking juices from the tray, scraping up any caramelised bits for extra flavour.

2. Make the Sauce

• Place a large frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil if needed.

• Salt & black pepper

• Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish Optional miso butter

• 2tbsp softened butter

• 1tsp white miso paste

• Add the sliced shallots and cook gently until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

• Add the corn and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly roasted and a deeper golden yellow.

• Pour in a splash of white wine and allow it to reduce slightly. Stir in the double cream and white miso paste, mixing until smooth.

• Add some of the reserved chicken juices, stir through some sliced chives and a squeeze of lemon, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Serve

• Carve the chicken and serve it family style on top of the pan of sauce.

• Finish with fresh chives and serve alongside new potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Calling all mews enthusiasts

Over the years, we’ve heard numerous heartwarming stories from residents in the mews that we’d love to share with the community.

If you have a story or an event related to the mews that you’d like to contribute, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us with your mews news!

marketing@lurotbrand.co.uk 020 7590 2528

CAMDEN MEWS: NORTH LONDON’S HIDDEN GEM

Discover the charm, history & lifestyle of one of London’s most sought-after mews streets.

You may have seen our recent launch of a property on Camden Mews, and we wanted to share more about this exceptional street. Nestled within the Camden Square Conservation Area, Camden Mews offers the classic mews charm we all know so well, wonderful architecture and a lively creative spirit. Stretching along cobbled lanes lined with distinctive homes, it offers tranquillity without losing touch with Camden’s energetic heart. For anyone seeking a quiet yet quirky mews within a central North London address, Camden Mews could be the street you’ve been seeking.

LB CAMDEN TOP PICKS:

For Coffee: Corretto by the Canal

For Brunch: LUMI Camden

For Dinner: Wildflower By Adrian Martin

For Wine: Wandering Grapes

For Sunny Days: The Regent’s Canal walk from Camden to Little Venice

For Rainy Days: Food courts at Hawley Wharf, Camden Market

For Music: The Blues Kitchen

A MEWS STEEPED IN HISTORY

Camden Mews is the second longest mews in London, stretching approximately 720 metres and surpassed only by Pavilion Road in Kensington. Its cobbled, one-way road was originally home to stables and coach houses serving the larger residences on Camden Road. Today, these two to threestorey properties have been transformed into sought-after homes, retaining their historical appeal while offering incredibly modern interiors. Since the 1960s, the street has been popular with architects and artists, fostering a unique creative community.

PERFECTLY PLACED

Situated in the heart of Camden, residents are a short walk from Camden Road Overground and Camden Town Underground stations. Nearby Kentish Town and King’s Cross provide easy access to the West End and beyond, while St Pancras connects directly to the Eurostar.

CULTURE, SHOPS & GREEN SPACES

Camden Mews offers more than just a home. Camden Town’s markets, live music venues and independent shops are within walking distance, while Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill provide leafy escapes and sweeping city views. The canal towpath leads to the regenerated King’s Cross area, where Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard offer boutique shopping, modern restaurants, contemporary coffee houses and striking canalside architecture.

LIFE ON THE MEWS

Despite its central location, Camden Mews maintains a village-like feel. The cobbled street offers a close-knit community and has attracted notable residents over the years, including Suggs from Madness, who bought a mews property in 1981 just before releasing the single ‘Our House’. For those interested in exploring more of Camden’s charm, turn to this edition’s LB Loves section or explore Lurot Brand’s full neighbourhood guide on our website.

Photo © Baked Bean Media Corretto by the Canal

BRINGING MATERNAL GREEN-FINGERED INSPIRATION &

FRENCH

FLAIR INTO CLARENDON MEWS

Catherine Hubert finds creative contentment combining her gardening passion, inherited from her mother, with living in her lovely mews.

Catherine Hubert’s gardening journey was inspired by her mother, growing up at home in rural France. Her mother, an avid gardener, would spend hours working on their plot. Catherine learned so much, ‘just from watching her planning and landscaping; how to design new flowerbeds, decide which tree for the orchard, or plant borders along the stream behind the house.’ When she moved to London to study, Catherine missed planting things, so she began her own gardening adventure; starting off with a window box growing herbs and potatoes, then growing flowers on a small balcony, then moving to a mews garden.

When Catherine had her first child, she wanted to share her horticultural hobby. ‘Living on Hyde Park’s doorstep, I would take my toddler to the open day at its “Super Nursery”. We would pick different things, go home and plant up our first containers together.’ Since then, Catherine’s branched out, becoming a passionate gardening guru in her mews, sharing growing tips and exchanging planting ideas with enthusiastic neighbours. Not only do fellow residents delight in talking about their ‘pots and plots’, but these casual chats lead to friendships, and the neighbourly mews spirit lends a hand with watering when people are on holiday or unwell.

One of Catherine’s key pointers for maintaining a flourishing garden in the mews is to consider the orientation of your own house and the street. By factoring in the aspect, amount of sun or shade, and how exposed, windy, wet, or sheltered your mews home is, you can choose the plants, shrubs and trees that will thrive in situ. According to Catherine, ‘there is no right or wrong, regardless of growing conditions, it’s always possible to grow something lovely –even colourful flowers in continuous shade!’

In Clarendon Mews, Catherine’s neighbours’ olive trees, jasmine and camellias thrive. In summer, the mews is full of geraniums – incredibly colourful and very reliable. So many London mews are renowned

for their ‘classic’ blowsy hydrangeas and whimsical wisteria. ‘Bulbs are particularly easy and rewarding, because you can plant a selection altogether in Autumn,’ explained Catherine. ‘If you plan cleverly with succession planting in a container, it’s possible to have different blooms from February until October.’

Mews’ trademark cobblestones are also a gardener’s hidden treasure. Following the advice of her mother, Catherine ‘takes full advantage of the street’s loose cobbles with very good soil beneath, making it easy to sprinkle seeds in between and see what grows.’ Her personal favourite are hollyhocks, which thrive in the sunny sheltered mews and add a cottage feel.

The uniqueness and attractiveness of the mews is not only their architectural heritage, but how the outside space showcases residents’ different plant tastes and gardening creativity. ‘You can feel a wonderful sense of unity. Everything works beautifully together creating one big mews garden.’ For mews dwellers unsure of where to start, take a leaf out of Catherine’s book: ‘Look at what your neighbours have chosen; if it grows well for them, chances are it will for you too.’

NOT JUST FOR HOMES: THE BUSINESSES THRIVING IN LONDON’S MEWS

Explore some of the fascinating businesses nestled in London’s iconic mews.

At 1 Drayson Mews, W8 4LY, you can find the aptly named hairdressing salon

One Drayson Mews. This intimate space offers high-end cuts and styling for those seeking a premium experience. Known for its friendly atmosphere and top-notch service, the salon has become a local favourite for its attention to detail and its ability to deliver cutting-edge trends while maintaining a relaxed vibe.

The Star Tavern at 6 Belgrave Mews West, SW1X 8HT, is not just a charming pub – it’s a piece of history. In the early 1960s, it was the meeting spot for the masterminds behind the infamous Great Train Robbery of 1963. Ringleader Bruce Reynolds and his team of criminals, including Buster Edwards, gathered in the upstairs room of this very tavern to plot the £2.6 million heist. Today, The Star Tavern serves as a calm and welcoming pub with a unique connection to London’s criminal history. Its storied past attracts both tourists and locals alike, offering an ideal spot for a pint in a notable setting.

The Star Tavern

One Drayson Mews

London’s mews are famous for their charming, quiet streets and distinctive character – housing homes and often a variety of companies. From a hairdresser and a café to a historic pub and a skincare clinic, the mews serve as a backdrop for those looking for something different. Here’s a look at some businesses making their mark in these historical spaces.

Lunar Café at

At Lunar Café at Heal’s, situated at 7 Alfred Mews, W1T 7AA, visitors can enjoy delicious coffee and light bites in a relaxed atmosphere. Located at the Alfred Mews reception entrance, which you can access through the Heal’s store on Tottenham Court Road, it’s praised for its minimalist décor and excellent menu. Whether you’re stopping by for your morning coffee or a mid-afternoon break, this café offers a peaceful escape from the fast-paced world outside.

Each of these businesses adds to the unique character of the mews they inhabit – offering services that cater to a wide range of needs, from beauty and relaxation to caffeine, pastries, pints and history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the mews of London continue to be home to hidden treasures that offer something special for everyone.

Aesthetic by Maria

Last but certainly not least, Aesthetic by Maria at 10 Adam and Eve Mews, W8 6UJ, offers beauty and skincare treatments that help clients look and feel their best. From facials to skincare consultations, Maria has built a reputation for providing personalised and luxurious beauty experiences in a serene mews setting. With an emphasis on natural beauty and self-care, the clinic has become a go-to for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation.

Photo © Krash Agency

Heal’s

THIS YEAR'S TOP SUMMER EVENTS IN LONDON

Unmissable events, music, art & culture to enjoy this season.

London comes alive in the summer with a dazzling array of events for every taste. From classical music in renowned venues to cocktails and culinary experiences, there is always something to delight residents and visitors alike. Whether you prefer a historical outing, a street food festival or a relaxing concert, the capital offers endless opportunities to enjoy London’s finest experiences. Here are some of the most exciting summer events in 2026, promising memorable moments and a true taste of the city at its best. Advance booking is recommended.

Photos © Hayley Bray for Immediate Media & Historic Royal Palaces

COCKTAILS IN THE CITY

6 TH TO 8 TH AUGUST

Sip your way through London’s cocktail scene at this pop-up bar sampling event. Expect a curated selection of inventive drinks and seasonal flavours, offering both classic favourites and experimental creations. Perfect for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a social and sensory experience. www.cocktailsinthecity.com

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: HER LIFE IN STYLE

UNTIL 18 TH APRIL 2027

If you haven’t seen it yet, the Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style exhibition at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, presents the late Queen’s fashion across ten decades. It features her clothing, accessories, never-beforeseen design sketches and even handwritten correspondence, offering a unique look at her style evolution. Highlights include her christening robe, bridesmaid dress, wedding dress, Coronation gown and the ensemble worn for Princess Margaret’s wedding.

www.rct.uk/collection/exhibitions/queen-elizabeth-iiher-life-in-style/the-kings-gallery-buckingham-palace

CAMDEN FRINGE

3 RD TO 30 TH AUGUST

The Camden Fringe is an annual arts festival showcasing theatre, comedy, music, dance and more. Held across venues including pubs, theatres and community centres, the festival provides a platform for artists of all backgrounds. With its commitment to new talent and diverse programming, Camden Fringe is a highlight of the London arts calendar, offering performances that are both innovative and inclusive. www.camdenfringe.com

BBC PROMS

17 TH JULY TO 12 TH SEPTEMBER

At the Royal Albert Hall, the BBC Proms celebrate classical music at its very finest. This season features the world’s leading orchestras, with debut performances of the Spanish National Orchestra and the Mahler Academy Orchestra. Renowned conductors and distinguished soloists complete the line-up, offering audiences the chance to experience exceptional music in one of London’s most iconic venues.

www.bbc.co.uk/proms

HAMPTON COURT PALACE FOOD FESTIVAL

29 TH TO 31 ST AUGUST

Experience a brilliant summer bank holiday day out at the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, set within the spectacular palace gardens. Discover an exciting line-up of independent food and drink producers, street food favourites and artisan flavours to enjoy throughout the weekend. New for 2026, watch inspiring live chef demonstrations in the Regina Kitchen and pick up tips from culinary experts.

www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/ whats-on/hampton-court-palace-food-festival

LIVE ON THE LAWN:

TWILIGHT CLASSICAL

26 TH JULY 2026

Spend a summer evening enjoying live classical music beneath the open sky at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Bring a picnic and blanket, then relax on the iconic lawn surrounded by one of London’s most historic and beautiful gardens.

www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

LUROT BRAND’S Mewsflash 2026 Announcements

The Sales team has delivered outstanding results this quarter, achieving five times more sales than the previous period, across South Kensington, Knightsbridge, Belgravia, Bayswater, Barons Court and St John’s Wood. Over this quarter, viewings increased by 28% and newly registered applicants rose by 32%, reflecting the team’s strong performance and the continued appeal of mews houses.

Comparing our data to the same period last year, the Lettings team has also delivered a strong performance. Applicant registrations are up 21%, 81% of properties were let at asking price and 67% of lettings were unfurnished, reflecting the team’s consistent results and ongoing market impact.

If you own a business in the mews, expect Boriana from Marketing – who has been managing our social media presence this year – to be filming in and around your area, bringing London’s hidden mews to audiences online. We recently collaborated with renowned car dealer Fiskens at their Queen’s Gate Place Mews showroom – do watch the video on our Instagram page. If you’d like to know more about our mews filming, contact marketing@lurotbrand.co.uk.

We’re excited to share some joyful news from our team! Sales Associate, Mike Lurot and his wife Charlotte, have welcomed a baby boy, adding another little Lurot to the family. Congratulations to Mike and Charlotte on this wonderful new arrival.

It isn’t just during work that we love the mews. Head of Marketing Emily spent a sunny weekend showing her friends – visiting from Australia – the charm of Notting Hill’s hidden streets for the first time, complete with coffee and ice cream along the way. They loved the experience and were delighted to add the mews to their London itinerary.

With summer on the horizon, Sales and Lettings Associate, Amy Mackinnon, has been taking fitness to the next level, having already swum more than the length of the Channel this year –over 38 km and counting. Keep it up, Amy!

INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR YOUR MEWS HOME From the Lurot Brand Team

PEGGY LUROT: People are busy tending to their pots and plants outside their house, and it’s a lovely reminder to bring the garden indoors too. I love Easyplant’s self-watering pots, which make it simple to keep plants thriving with minimal effort – even while away on summer holiday – and all while looking beautiful.

KATI LUROT: Fill your home with fresh aromas using scented candles or incense cones. My current favourite is the M&S x Kelly Hoppen No. 1 Fragrance in a lidded ceramic pot with two wicks; it smells delicious and is such good value.

MIKE LUROT: Swap out your lampshades for brighter, more colourful designs. If your home doesn’t receive much natural light during the day, consider shinier finishes that help reflect it, like that of the Faceted Sugar Cone Light from The New Craftmaker. In the evening, multiple sources of dimmed light will make your home feel warm and inviting. Floor lamps, in particular, are both practical and striking statement pieces.

AMY MACKINNON: In the summer, I tend to fill my flat with flowers in colourful vases. I find that this is a great way to bring nature into your home, especially if you don’t have to a garden of your own. My favourite vase is from LRNCE. Its elegant pattern introduces a playful radiance to the room.

JULIA ARWAS: Adding strings of fairy lights is an easy way to transform an outdoor space like a roof terrace or create a relaxing ambience in your lounge or bedroom. A small expense which delivers a big impact.

ALICE BIDDULPH: The best part of summer are the outdoor picnics and dinner parties. A great way to elevate these is with colourful cutlery sets and napkins, fun placemats and plates, patterned cushions and garden furniture. The Riviera Pink Stripe Deck Chair from Graham and Green, for example, would look absolutely stunning on the cobbled street outside a mews home.