Embassy of Hungary, London

The Embassy of Hungary in London stands in a quiet street near Buckingham Palace Gardens. The red-brick building dates from the early 20th century and houses the diplomatic mission of Hungary to the United Kingdom. Opposite it, at 46 Eaton Place, the Hungarian Economic, Investment & Trade Commission and the Hungarian National Tourist Office share a white stucco façade. A Hungarian Cultural Centre is also maintained at 10 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, while the consular section of the embassy is located at 100 Brompton Road. The embassy also coordinates with consulates-general in Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. The building reflects the long diplomatic ties between Hungary and Britain. In 1921 the two countries established formal relations after Hungary left the Austrian Empire. Both nations belong to NATO, the Council of Europe and the World Trade Organization. In 1984 Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher became the first British leader to visit Hungary while it was still part of the Eastern Bloc. She met Prime Minister György Lázár and First Secretary János Kádár during her visit. Inside, visitors find offices and meeting rooms arranged around a central courtyard. The entrance hall displays photographs of Hungarian and British leaders over the decades. The ambassador’s office occupies the first floor, with views over the tree-lined square. The consular section on Brompton Road handles visas and citizen services. Nearby, the Cultural Centre in Covent Garden hosts exhibitions, film screenings and language classes.