Conduit Street is a narrow, two-lane road that branches off Regent Street. “Regent Street is not a business street, but a shopping centre. It is a broad leisurely thoroughfare, where every afternoon thousands of people stroll from window to window looking at the endless profusion of pretty things there displayed.

Regent Street, in fact, to the millions who have passed along it consists of a ground floor and nothing else, with expensive or charming objects displayed attractively behind the wide plate-glass windows,” said the Standard in 1912. Conduit, plainly, is a stem off this main street.

From Regent Street, I make a right into Conduit Street. Every type of traffic that one could think of is present here – taxis, local commuters, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and even parked cars cause congestion. To the left, there are several travel agencies, which include Austravel, Egyptair, and South African Airways.

The street has obviously turned more business-like from 1912 with its banks and fancy restaurant. However, to the right, little boutiques, gift shops, and even a furniture store remain.

Although commercial, the buildings look aged. Others look renovated. Conduit Street reminds me of a smaller version of Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus. Some buildings are brick. Some have rounded arch tops, while others look pointed and gothic. There is a newer, perhaps refurnished building to my right. It looks like a place for classy, social gatherings.

I reach the corner of Savile Row, quite a small alley. Conduit continues with its expensive shopping stores and several airline agencies. This doesn’t look so much of a residential area. Perhaps it once was, but presently it looks catered for tourists. It is extremely noisy from all the cars that pass by. I can’t imagine enjoying a quiet afternoon on Conduit Street.

A stone building is on the right – Philip Hockley – a clothing store. Its original color seems to be a white, creamy hue but after wind, rain, and time, grime has veiled a greyish shadow over it.

The buildings continue to vary. Many have flag poles anchored, minus the flag. Rigby & Peller, a swimsuit boutique has a sign: “To let – Godfrey Vaughn.” As I scan the buildings next to Rigby & Peller, the buildings appear vacant, no life nor spirit within. I see one British flag to the left. Many of the shops have entryways that lead to the basements. I suppose these buildings were occupied with families before.

A £475 jacket is for sale at Connolly. The original price was £950. This is just one of many pricey items on Conduit Street. A little north of this store is Westbury, an elegant bar and restaurant. The penguin-suited valet closes the car door for a customer.

If there are any people that inhabit this community, they must be at work or in their homes, ignoring the traffic of the street. I reach the corner of Conduit and New Bond Street where, again, I see two “To let” signs. Finally, Conduit is cut off at Bruton Street. (To be continued next month)

Christina Martinez