One of London's most distinctive West End streets is finally set to fully reopen its doors to commerce after a major five-year restoration project. Sicilian Avenue, the celebrated Grade II-listed pedestrian thoroughfare in Holborn, has announced its first wave of new tenants, marking a significant revival for the historic location.
A Landmark Restoration Project
The marble-paved avenue, which runs diagonally between Southampton Row and Bloomsbury Way, has been closed to business for half a decade. The extensive 'complete restoration' was undertaken by developers Tristan Capital Partners, focusing on preserving the street's unique architectural heritage. Built in 1906, the avenue is famed for its almost European style, featuring turrets, golden building names, and its status as a convenient shortcut for Londoners.
While pedestrians were allowed back onto the street last year, the buildings lining it have remained empty until now. The lengthy closure has built anticipation for the avenue's new chapter, which is poised to blend historic charm with contemporary retail.
The First Three Businesses Announced
The revival begins this December with the opening of Flying Horse Coffee at number 1 Sicilian Avenue, situated opposite the iconic red telephone box. This marks the trendy coffee roastery's fourth London location and its first in the city centre. Founder Philip Way expressed his reverence for the site, stating the team took great care to respect its heritage, even matching their coffee machine's colour to the Grade II-listed oriel window frames.
They will be joined in the spring by Backworks, a drop-in massage studio offering fully-clothed seated treatments for the back, head, neck, and shoulders. Sessions will range from 15 to 45 minutes, catering to busy professionals in the area.
Completing the initial trio is Matchado, a café dedicated to Japanese tea experiences. It will offer hand-sourced matcha and hojicha from Japan alongside sweet baked treats. An exact opening date for Matchado is still to be confirmed.
A New Chapter for a London Icon
The return of Sicilian Avenue as a trading destination is a major moment for central London's retail and cultural landscape. The five-year restoration underlines the commitment to preserving the capital's architectural gems while adapting them for modern use. The careful selection of initial tenants—a speciality coffee shop, a wellness studio, and an experiential tea café—suggests a focus on quality, experience, and convenience for the local community and visitors alike.
This reopening not only reactivates a beautiful piece of London's history but also injects new life into the Holborn area, creating a fresh destination for shopping, relaxation, and distinctive urban exploration.
