James Gray: Overshadowed by nearby Bedford Square, this is a road which seldom seems to have been photographed. Here the view is north from just above Norfolk Square, and the date – 22 October 1972. The focal point is the Bedford Garage. There have been garage premises here for more than 60 years, though not always under this name. Although only recently refurbished, the building was soon after demolished. jgc_29_010
2018: There are records of a Bedford Garage next to the Olive Branch Hotel in Bedford Place in old directories from as far back as 1911.
James Gray: The Olive Branch Inn, at the corner of Bedford Place, about 1920. This is an old Inn that was in existence in 1845, and perhaps earlier. jgc_29_014
2018: The old Olive Branch has had its name changed several times over the years and is now called the Lion and Lobster pub and painted bright red. It has a three storey extension on its west side which opens onto Bedford Place. To the north and east of the pub, there are blocks of modern flats. (Photographer: Clare Rogers)