Living in Vauxhall

About Vauxhall

Set on a bend of the Thames, Vauxhall has a rich and colourful history, once home to the famed Pleasure Gardens that drew Londoners for music, revelryand romance. Today, the area is undergoing rapid transformation through the Vauxhall, Nine Elms, Battersea Opportunity Area, bringing new homes, shops, bars and green spaces to the riverfront. Known for its strong Portuguese community and emerging arts scene, Vauxhall is gaining a reputation as the new Soho thanks to cultural landmarks like Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery and the Cabinet Gallery.

Fact file

• Vauxhall’s name likely originates from Falkes de Breauté’s 13th-century estate, ‘Falke’s Hall’.
• MI6’s riverside headquarters is rumoured to have a secret tunnel to Whitehall.
• A rehearsal of Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks in 1749 drew 12,000 people and caused a three-hour traffic jam on London Bridge.

Architecture and property

Vauxhall’s housing is dominated by flats, both conversions and purpose-built, due to post-war redevelopment. Riverside apartments offer premium living with views and proximity to Westminster. Quieter streets like Crimsworth and Thorparch Roads retain charming terraced cottages. The area’s mix of modern developments and historic homes reflects its ongoing evolution and appeal to professionals and creatives.

Going out

Vauxhall’s food and drink scene is eclectic and lively. Brunswick House offers seasonal British cuisine in a restored mansion, while Bonnington Café and Casa Madeira reflect the area’s Portuguese influence. Mother Kelly’s taproom and The Black Dog pub are local favourites and the Battersea Barge offers quirky riverside entertainment. The area is also a hub for LGBT+ nightlife, with iconic venues like Eagle London and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Cultural highlights include the Tea House Theatre, Newport Street Gallery and nearby Tate Britain.

Local amenities 

Vauxhall offers a mix of unique attractions and activities. Vauxhall City Farm, now based in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, cares for over 100 animals and gives city kids the chance to experience country life up close. For something different, visit New Covent Garden Market, while it’s primarily for wholesalers, the Flower Market is open to the public for a small entry fee and is best explored mid-morning when it’s quieter. 

For thrill-seekers, Whistle Punks Axe Throwing provides a fun group activity under the railway arches, popular for work parties and team events. Nearby, Vauxhall Climbing Centre offers colourful climbing walls for all ages, including ‘Rock Tots’ classes for children as young as one, making it a great family-friendly destination.

Green spaces

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, once the site of historic revelry, now hosts festivals and community events. Vauxhall Park offers tennis courts, a baseball pitch and a café, supported by active local groups. These green spaces provide a welcome retreat from urban life and are central to the area’s community spirit.