After a meticulous five-year restoration project costing £245 million, the iconic Sicilian Avenue in Holborn has announced its first three new tenants, marking a major milestone in the revival of this beloved Edwardian arcade.
A Trio of Independent London Brands Lead the Way
The first business to open its doors will be Flying Horse Coffee, an independent coffee company, which is set to launch later this month at No.1 Sicilian Avenue, on the corner of Southampton Row. They will be joined in Spring 2026 by two other London-based independents: Backworks, a walk-in massage parlour, and Matchado, a Japanese teashop.
These three lettings are the first of an expected twelve businesses that will eventually occupy the ornate avenue, famed for its Italian marble construction. The full reopening of the avenue, owned by Tristan Capital, is scheduled for Spring 2026.
Honouring Heritage with Modern Flair
Flying Horse Coffee selected Sicilian Avenue for its first central London outlet specifically because of the location's deep cultural heritage and stunning Grade II-listed architecture. Philip Way, the owner, expressed his excitement about opening in what he described as their "most beautiful setting yet."
"We’ve really taken our time to respect its heritage," Way said. "Down to details like matching the colour of our coffee machine with the Grade II listed oriel window frames. These details matter to the experience... we want customers to feel that they’re in a special place, because they are!"
The café will serve its signature freshly ground coffee alongside toasties and bagels, catering to busy Londoners and exploring tourists alike.
Revitalising a Historic Bloomsbury Destination
The extensive renovation has transformed Sicilian Avenue into a premium lifestyle destination, blending historic charm with modern amenities. The project includes:
- 70,000 sq ft of renovated contemporary office space above the retail units.
- 17,500 sq ft dedicated to retail, food, and beverage outlets.
- New al fresco seating areas within the pedestrianised avenue.
Strategically located just 90 seconds from Holborn Station and a six-minute walk from the British Museum, the avenue is poised to reconnect Bloomsbury's residents, workers, students, and visitors. For over 115 years, the avenue has captivated passers-by, including famous figures from Virginia Woolf to Bob Marley, and this restoration aims to secure its status as a vibrant, joyful destination for generations to come.
