This neighbourhood, sandwiched between the borders of Holborn and Clerkenwell, is a beautiful pocket of Central London that’s held onto its strong 17th century design roots. Despite the area’s lack of residential buildings, many Londoners still find themselves passing through the neighbourhood. Home to Gray’s Inn Square and South Square Gardens, the buildings house some of the most prominent law offices in London. When the barristers aren’t busy at work, they can be found taking a break in the gardens or grabbing a round of pints at the Gray’s Inn Bridge Bar. Tourists often also make the trip there to see not just the beautiful square but visit the monument of Sir Francis Bacon. After a stroll through the picturesque area, you’ll be wishing you had studied law in school as well!

Grays Inn was the site of a manor house back in the 12th century. After the owner, Sir Reginald de Grey, passed away - a society of lawyers based themselves at the manor house. Later on, in 1606, the gardens were laid out with a network of footpaths. By the 1680s, most of the properties had been pulled down and replaced with four storey terraced houses. In WWII, the Gray’s Inn library was destroyed in an air raid. Today, the neighbourhood has maintained much of its 17th century charm, and remains a central area for lawyers and barristers.

Sir Francis Bacon was one of the first Benchers at Gray’s Inn, meaning he was a person who had the privilege and status of a Reader without actually having been one. A statue of him stands in the neighbourhood.

Unfortunately, there are not many eateries or independent shops in this part of the neighbourhood as most of the buildings are law offices. Still, it’s an easy stroll to the nearby areas when in search of more interesting businesses.

Gray’s Inn recently underwent major refurbishment, including the redevelopment of buildings at 19/21 High Holborn Street and the replacement of the main archway to the inn. The redevelopment released an additional 3,400sqm of class-A commercial space and extended the plan to add an additional 60% of lettable area.