Nestled between the bustling bars, shops and throngs of tourists around Covent Garden, you might easily overlook one of London’s best-kept secrets.
Brydges Place, tucked away just off St Martin’s Lane in the heart of the West End, is considered the capital’s narrowest street at a mere 15 inches wide.
Despite its prime location, it remains unnoticed by most theatre-goers due to its slender width.
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Brydges Place neighbours the Garrick Theatre, currently identifiable by the large Ukrainian flag adorning its facade. The historic theatre, which opened its doors in 1889, has been the venue for numerous must-see shows and is presently hosting The Drifters’ Girl.
While the theatre’s architectural beauty is undeniable, it overshadows the charm of Brydges Place, leaving it largely forgotten except by sharp-eyed tourists and locals aware of its existence.
However, this narrow alleyway conceals many secrets. About 30 feet along, it temporarily widens, revealing a pub, an exclusive private members’ club, and a clandestine route to the Garrick Theatre’s Royal box.
A gap in the wall halfway down the alley provides access to a car park, and those visiting the Royal box can enter directly through here, bypassing the main entrance used by the general public.
The Marquis, a local pub, backs onto the alley at the opposite end to the theatre. It has a back door that allows for a small group of people to gather, drink, smoke and chat.
The outer walls of the pub are adorned with artwork depicting what it might have looked like in the past, although it’s probably hard to appreciate in the dark when most customers arrive!
The pub has also preserved an old light in the alleyway. It’s not clear how old the lamp is, but given that the pub was established in the 18th century, it’s definitely an antique.
A local businessman pointed out the sign on top of the lamp to our reporter, which reads “Ancient Light” This sign is there to protect the light from accidental damage and prevent the neighbours across the street from hanging anything over it.
But nestled between these two historic buildings is an even more exclusive establishment. The Brydges Place Club, a private club hidden from public view.
Established in 1982, the club spans five floors of a Georgian townhouse. It boasts a membership list of around 1,300 people from all corners of London’s arts and literary community, along with a few characters from the journalism and legal sectors.
Their website states: “A discreet and unrivalled members/staff relationship is enjoyed by all and, since privacy is fiercely protected at all times, the atmosphere provides a real ‘home from home’ in the West End! “.
A staff member at the theatre, who wished to remain anonymous, was engaged in work within the alley when he revealed to MyLondon that club access is primarily for actors. Highlighting the challenges of pub-goers hindering their work whilst traversing the alley, he praised the location as being “an amazing place”.
During our visit, he pointed out a recently unveiled peace or CND symbol which was brought to light after an inhabitant sprayed down their outer wall. The origin of this marking remains unknown but speculation suggests it likely draws roots from the Cold War era.
For anyone wishing to take a gander, the alleyway can be easily reached from the main street and it’s recommended to do so during daylight hours as it morphs into a bustling hotspot come night.
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