Regent Street runs from Pall Mall in the south, through Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus and Ends at Langham Place to the north. Regents Street was designed by John Nash between 1820 to 1823. John Nash was also responsible for much of the development in the nearby areas.

Regent Street today

The street was designed to link Prince Regent's residence at Carlton to Regents Park, where 56 villas and a Palace were to be built for the Prince, though only eight villas and no Palace were ever constructed.

The building of Regents Street meant that many slums were cleared and the street acted as a border between Soho and the more affluent Mayfair. Just north of Piccadilly Circus a structure known as the Quadrant was built with a magnificent colonnaded facade. Very soon Regents Street became known, not only for its splendid design, but also for the array of shops with the world famous toystore Hamleys and quaint department Liberty still there today.

Liberty store was opened in 1875 and sold fine silks and many prints, some of which were designed by celebrated artist William Morris. The Liberty of today is considered to be at the highest level of women’s fashion.

Regent Street 1900

At the beginning of the twentieth century the Café Royal at number 68 was one of the most fashionable places to be seen London.

• Hamleys - Claim to have the finest toys in the world
• Austin Reed - Leading retailer of stylish, modern, business and casual clothes for men and women
• Burberry - Since its founding in England in 1856, Burberry has been synonymous with quality, innovation and style for clothes
• Liberty - Design-focused store, with iconic fabric department. Opened in 1875.
  
• Apple -  Major showcase of Apple computer technology