One of central London’s most historic districts, Clerkenwell has long been cited by those that live there as somewhat of an under-the-radar neighbourhood. Bordered by the City and the West End, it offers the golden formula that many want in a place to live: beautiful architecture, an excellent local lifestyle offering, good transport links and that all-important sense of community.

And having recently been crowned London’s Best Place to Live by the Sunday Times in its annual Best Places to Live guide, all eyes are now on this medieval corner of the capital.

House prices in Clerkenwell

Offering relative value compared to some of its more central neighbours, Clerkenwell is particularly popular with people working in the Square Mile who are anchored to the area for a straightforward home to desk commute. But it’s not just local professionals who are attracted to Clerkenwell – with an array of local retail and restaurants nearby as well as a thriving cultural scene, it also makes for an ideal base for those wanting to enjoy all that London has to offer. Here, you can expect to pay upwards of £550,000 for a one bedroom modern apartment, while a two bedroom lateral warehouse conversion is closer to £1.5m. Townhouses are relatively few and far between but the trophy townhouses on Myddelton Square – with its garden and pretty St Mark’s church at the centre – can command £5m-plus, depending on internal specification and condition. Sekforde Street and Britton Street are just as coveted; flats in period buildings here can start at around £1m, ranging to circa £3m for a terraced house and several million for a state-of-the-art modern penthouse.

The culinary scene

When it comes to eating out, Clerkenwell is a foodie’s paradise where local and independent restaurants are the order of the day. Centuries-old Exmouth Market is home to artisan coffee shops and cuisines of every kind or for fine dining, Clerkenwell’s several Michelin starred restaurants deliver an outstanding culinary experience. Meanwhile, quickly become one of the region’s most celebrated dining destinations is relative newcomer on the scene, Sessions Arts Club. A restaurant, bar, arts and performance space in a spectacular Grade II* listed building, it’s housed in what was formerly the old judges’ dining room at Sessions House. Plus with a host of neighbourhood pubs such as The Holy Tavern and The Sekforde or The Zetter Townhouse for cocktails, here’s a place where you’re truly set from morning to night.

If you’re planning an at home feast, head to Turner & George butchers on St John Street – they even host classes for those looking to hone their sausage making and butchery skills. And round the corner is Myddeltons Delicatessen – the perfect pit-stop to pick up breads, cheeses, meat and fresh produce.

Local hotspots

For interiors enthusiasts, Clerkenwell Design Week (21-23 May 2024) is a must attend. It’s said that Clerkenwell is home to more creative companies and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world and the festival brings the rich creative diversity of the area to life with a comprehensive programme of events, exhibitions and installations.

From Exmouth Market’s Botanique Workshop florist to gift shop, Space EC1, local specialist retailers are woven into the fabric of the local community. Also well worth a wander to is Hatton Garden, famed as London’s historic jewellery and diamond quarter. Whether or not you’re seeking the expertise of a gemologist for a future purchase, it’s a globally renowned spot and a great way to spend an afternoon.

Plus there’s more to come on the local scene – following the relocation of Smithfield Meat Market, The Museum of London will open its doors in 2026 at West Smithfield. 

A well-connected hub

Serviced by City Thameslink and several tube lines including the Elizabeth line, connectivity is a key factor for buyers choosing to base themselves here. In fact in 2023, Farringdon was among the top 10 most used stations in Great Britain, with 31.5 million entries and exits taking place over the course of the year. And with St Pancras on its fringes, weekends in Paris or international travel via Heathrow on the Elizabeth line are very do-able.

But beyond its local rail links, this is a neighbourhood from which so much can be reached on foot. Venture north and you’ll reach the vibrant district of Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross which with its range of eateries, independent fashion stores and a brimming calendar of activities and pop-up events throughout the year is an exciting destination full of discovery. Heading south will transport you to Theatreland, shopping and dining in the heart of the West End while a trip east unlocks the buzz of Shoreditch.

And to round off the neighbourhood there’s green spaces too; beside Exmouth Market lies Spa Fields or there’s St James Church Garden which is a peaceful spot in the heart of Clerkenwell’s historic quarter. 

Further information

Contact Nick Verdi

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