Broadwick Street, London
Broadwick Street is a historic and atmospheric street in Soho, in the West End of London. It runs from Wardour Street in the east and extends westwards to Carnaby Street, although the vehicular section of the road terminates in a cul-de-sac just before Carnaby Street, with the remainder continuing as a pedestrian walkway. Portions of the street retain a cobblestone surface, offering a glimpse into the street's rich past while accommodating modern foot traffic.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Broadwick Street traverses a lively part of Soho, intersecting with several well-known streets including Frith Street and Greek Street. These connecting roads, together with its proximity to Carnaby Street, place Broadwick Street at the heart of Soho's energetic social and cultural fabric. It is lined with eateries, boutique offices, design agencies, and trendy retailers. Despite its central location, the street maintains a relatively quiet ambience compared to busier thoroughfares.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
The street was originally known as Broad Street, a name used since at least the 17th century. It was renamed Broadwick Street in the late 1930s to avoid confusion with other “Broad Streets” in London. The name "Broadwick" likely blends the original name with an older Anglo-Saxon suffix “-wick”, meaning a dwelling or village.
Broadwick is pronounced BRAWD-wik, with the International Phonetic Alphabet transcription: /ˈbrɔːdwɪk/.
Historical Significance
Broadwick Street holds a notable place in medical history. It was here, in 1854, that Dr John Snow identified a water pump as the source of a cholera outbreak, revolutionising the understanding of disease transmission. The original pump, located near the junction of Broadwick and Poland Streets, has since been commemorated with a replica and a nearby plaque.
During the Victorian era, Broadwick Street was a mix of residential and industrial buildings. Over time, as Soho evolved, the street became more commercial and artistic in nature, now home to creative agencies, stylish shops, and upmarket restaurants.
Modern-Day Attractions and Amenities
Today, Broadwick Street is known for its eclectic mix of attractions and establishments:
- The John Snow Pub – A popular pub named after the famed epidemiologist, located near the site of the historic pump.
- Street Art – The area occasionally features murals and temporary artworks that add colour to the urban landscape.
- Trendy Eateries – Independent cafes and international dining options line the street, appealing to both locals and tourists.
Nearby attractions include Carnaby Street's fashion boutiques, the lively eateries of Kingly Court, and the nightlife of Greek Street.
Property and Real Estate Information
Broadwick Street's location in the heart of Soho makes it one of the more expensive areas in the West End. As of July 2025, residential property prices on or near Broadwick Street range from approximately £1.2 million to £2.8 million for flats ranging in size from 600 to 1,400 sq ft (56 to 130 sq m). Rental prices are equally premium, with one-bedroom apartments typically renting for £3,000–£4,500 per month1.
Due to zoning restrictions and the historic nature of buildings, there are relatively few residential properties on the street itself. Most real estate is commercial, catering to retail and office tenants.
Transport Links
London Underground Stations
Broadwick Street benefits from excellent connectivity via the London Underground. The nearest London Underground stations include:
- Oxford Circus Station (Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria Lines) – approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Piccadilly Circus Station (Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines) – approximately 7 minutes on foot
- Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth Lines) – approximately 10 minutes on foot
Bus Stops
Several bus routes serve the surrounding streets. Nearby stops can be found along Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Shaftesbury Avenue, offering services to destinations across London.
Fun Fact
Broadwick Street was once home to the famous Regency-era public house “The Ranelagh Arms,” which reportedly hosted meetings of local artists and musicians in the 19th century. Today, the street retains a creative spirit, with many design and digital media companies operating from its buildings.
Quick Facts
- Location: Soho, City of Westminster, London
- Length: From Wardour Street to Carnaby Street, part-pedestrianised
- Surface: Some sections cobblestone
- Former Name: Broad Street, renamed in the 1930s
- Pronunciation: BRAWD-wik (/ˈbrɔːdwɪk/)
- Historical Note: Site of John Snow's discovery during the 1854 cholera outbreak
- Main Attractions: John Snow Pub, nearby Carnaby Street, boutique dining
- Residential Property Price: £1.2M–£2.8M (as of July 2025)
- Rental Range: £3,000–£4,500 per month
- Nearest Tube Stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road
- Nearby Bus Routes: Accessible via Oxford Street, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue
References
Map of Broadwick Street, London
Painting of Broadwick Street
Painting of Broadwick Street
Page Details
This page was created on 4 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
New to London and need a place to live? Read our Renting A Flat Guide. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a flat in London, from viewing to signing.Streets of London
Come, let's explore and discover the streets of London together! Listed here afre the Streets of London that I have documented. Dive in and discover!Map of Streets in London
View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
