Special tour for Open House

On Friday 19 September, Duke Street Property and Fora are hosting two guided tours of The Parcels Building as part of the Open House Festival. A building with a fascinating architectural history, The Parcels Building is situated above London’s Post Office Railway tunnels, once the backbone of the city’s communications network, beside the Western Parcels Office station, which gives the building its name.

Originally built as an office in the 1950s, DSP commissioned Grafton Architects to lead a thoughtful renovation – resulting in a six-storey state-of-the-art sustainable workspace in the heart of the West End. The tour will provide insight into this modern landmark, led by our very own Development Director Nicola Hawkins alongside Gus Rodrigues, Centre Manager, Fora, who we have profiled on our website.

Creative spot: 7 Picton Place

An exciting opportunity for artists and creatives alike has popped up in the neighbourhood, with space becoming available on flexible terms at 7 Picton Place – a small space which is particularly suitable for a creative individual or small business.

Previously used as Selfridges’ home for its artists in residence, the space suits more creative occupants, most recently playing host to a media company. Recently, artist Freya Gabie has used the space as her studio and will be hosting an exhibition there in November. House Guest celebrates the artist’s influences during her time in London. It is also a gesture of gratitude – for the years spent at Picton Studios, and for all those who made this rare gift of a home and studio in the heart of the city possible.

Know someone looking for an affordable space in an enviable location? Help us spread the word!

Interview with Rózsa Farkas

We recently published an interview with Duke Street resident Rózsa Farkas, founder of Arcadia Missa, an art gallery that has championed some of Britain’s most important contemporary artists.

For someone who hasn’t visited your gallery before, how would you describe it?

Arcadia Missa is a contemporary art gallery that represents early to mid-career artists. Many of the artists are British, including 2023 Turner Prize winner Jesse Darling, and 2025 Turner Prize nominees Rene Matić and Nnena Kalu, but we also represent some international artists such as Melike Kara and Coumba Samba.

What is your favourite thing about being part of the Duke Street neighbourhood?

I love being so close to Marylebone Lane. We have hosted dinners in restaurants in the area, and when I was pregnant and feeling very tired, I'd get lunch at Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecote (make sure you get there early to avoid queues)!

Another pregnancy favourite was having both dim sum, duck and rice at Royal China – slightly further, but still very close on Baker Street. I have also eaten the best egg sandwich of my life at Arôme on Duke Street, and we have had beautiful works by Phoebe Collings-James on view in Jackson Boxer's wonderful restaurant The Corner in Selfridges.

Read the extended interview on our website, here.

Culture off the beaten track

In October, London comes alive with art. Regent’s Park will once again be at the centre of it all, as Frieze London and Frieze Masters return from 15–19 October, drawing the globe’s art world notables together. If the main fair feels too mainstream, the city’s smaller satellites offer a different rhythm. Echo Soho, set in Artists House, celebrates women-led galleries and spotlights artists who deserve far more attention than they usually get. Meanwhile, Minor Attractions gathers independent and non-profit galleries into the Mandrake Hotel.