14/07/2026
Cleopatra’s Kiosk – An Historical Tale
Almost twenty years ago, the McNealy Brown team were asked to work on a very special kiosk project under Hungerford Bridge, on London’s North Embankment. Our lookback focuses on its story, of which we were very proud to be a part.
Following the second world war, the desperate rescue of stranded soldiers took place on the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940, with many volunteering their help and boats to join the effort. One such individual, Commander Coakley, had two Thames ‘little ships’, which he gladly took over the Channel. But one ship was lost in the effort, and the other was damaged so badly that his livelihood on the Thames was impossible to continue.
The Port of London Authority rented a small piece of land to him, on Victoria Embankment, and Coakley built a kiosk there, where he sold tickets for riverboat trips. It was named Cleopatra’s Kiosk, thought to be in reference to nearby Cleopatra’s Needle.
Twenty years on, Coakley’s relative, Kate Stanton, took over the running of the kiosk, followed by her daughter Julia four years later. Julia has ensured it has remained open, every day except Christmas Day, over 16 hours a day, for at least fifty years.
When Hungerford Bridge (The Golden Jubilee Pedestrian Bridge) was constructed, the kiosk was moved temporarily, to allow the business to remain open while works were carried out nearby. But this move badly affected the stability of the kiosk, so a plan to design and build its replacement was made.
The project was put forward in RIBA’s 2003 architectural design competition, and over 200 architects competed for their design to become the new kiosk. The winners were Bianchini e Lusiardi associate, and their design was brought to life by the McNealy Brown team in 2007, who delivered a full design and build package including all excavation, foundations and service connection.
The design is inspired by the local area, and the curving kiosk shape and reflective materials used are elements to recognise and celebrate its environment. Transported to site in two parts by barge, the structure comprises a mild steel frame with Celotex foam insulation, bonded ‘Rimex’ patternated stainless steel cladding, and internal hygienic surfaces. The front façade of the shop is of a stainless steel and glass door construction which slide and rotate to open into a large internal display area with integral stainless-steel cabinets.
Now, Cleopatra’s Kiosk continues to stand proud, back in its position near Embankment Tube Station, and set to weather time and the elements for many years to come.
Last photo credit:
“19960527 13 Victoria Embankment, London” by David Wilson, CC BY 2.0 in 1996
