The Revival Of Baker Street

By Benedict Freeman


Whenever anyone mentions Baker Street in London, I automatically think of Sherlock Holmes - the infamous fictional detective who never seems to grow old Baker Street was originally residential and designed for the more elite, upper classes. However, nowadays it has become somewhat commercialised and is bursting to the brim with contemporary designer shops as well as sought-after eateries and wine bars.

It was really the whole Sherlock phenomenon that kick-started the change in Baker Street, particularly when the TV series and films hit our screens. There has also been a number of notable residents; such as, the first permanent exhibition of Madame Tussauds Waxworks, The Beetles' Apple Boutique, the head office for top department store Marks and Spencer, the Prime Minister William Pitt and the much loved British singer, Dusty Springfield.

From fact to fiction, Sherlock himself was not the only fictional character to reside on the street - there is also Basil the Great Mouse Detective, Danger Mouse and Sexton Blake. In popular culture, the 2008 film 'The Bank Job' was based on the 1971 robbery of Lloyds Bank in Baker Street and in pop music, both The Rolling Stones and Madness make reference to the London landmark in their songs "Some Girls" (Stones) and "We Are London" (Madness).

As we progress into the twenty-first century, Baker Street now appears as a food haven with every type of cuisine you could ever imagine on the menu. Two of the best restaurants have to be The Base Bistro and Bar and Indali Lounge. Whilst Base serves mouthwatering French cuisine, with a modern British twist; Indali specialises in healthy, wholesome curries for those of us who prefer something a little more exotic on the taste buds.

I can't possibly talk about restaurants on Baker Street without mentioning the much loved Italian-joint, Lulivo. The relatively new and modest eatery is a welcome to the street, as so are the delectable house wines on offer; crisp and cumbersome, they are the perfect accompaniment to a range of gorgeous Italian recipes. You could also try the Sherlock Grill at the Park Plaza hotel. Aptly named, the intimate restaurant serves exquisite modern European cuisine, cooked mainly on a charcoal grill and mesquite wood burning oven situated right in the centre of the open plan dining room. Renowned for its relaxed style and Mediterranean-influenced signature dishes that use fresh organic ingredients, this is a must try when visiting the famous Baker Street.

One of the main appeals with Baker Street is its central location that's within walking distance from Oxford Street, Marylebone, Regents Park and Mayfair. Furthermore, Sherlock Holmes is not the only intrigue in the area. In fact, there are many other buildings and streets that are of equal economic and historic importance. Whilst in the area, why not also try a visit to one of the best International private members' clubs of all time, Home House. Built in the eighteenth century, Home House comprises of three grand Georgian town houses, each with their own individual character and style.




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